Occupancy Limits: Federal Way vs Seattle
How do occupancy limits rules compare between Federal Way, WA and Seattle, WA?
Federal Way and Seattle have similar restriction levels.
Federal Way, WA
King County
Federal Way STRs follow building code occupancy standards, generally two persons per bedroom plus two additional. RCW 64.37 requires operators to post maximum occupancy inside the unit.
View full Federal Way rules →Seattle, WA
King County
Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 6.600 limits a short-term rental operator to a maximum of two dwelling units citywide: the operator's primary residence (where they live more than six months a year) and one secondary unit within Seattle, with grandfathered exceptions for some Downtown Urban Core legacy listings. SMC 6.600 does not set a specific guest-per-bedroom cap, but the underlying dwelling is still subject to occupancy and life-safety standards in the Building, Fire, and Housing codes. STRs are prohibited in RVs, tents, garages, boats, floating residences, waterfront residences, live-work units, and commercial caretaker quarters.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Federal Way | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Formula | Two per bedroom plus two | - |
| Post Occupancy | Required by RCW 64.37 | - |
| Bedroom Minimum | 70 sq ft with egress | - |
| Code Basis | WA State Building Code | - |
| Fine Minimum | 250 dollars | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Federal Way FAQ
How many guests can my Federal Way STR host?
Generally two guests per bedroom plus two additional, subject to state building code bedroom definitions and fire egress.
Do I have to post occupancy?
Yes. RCW 64.37 requires every short-term rental operator to post the maximum occupancy inside the unit.
Seattle FAQ
How many short-term rentals can one Seattle operator run?
Most operators are limited to two dwelling units total: a primary residence (where they live more than six months a year) and one additional unit within city limits, with limited Downtown Urban Core legacy exceptions.
Does SMC 6.600 set a maximum number of guests per bedroom?
No. SMC 6.600 does not include a numeric guest-per-bedroom cap. Occupancy is governed by the underlying Building, Fire, and Housing/Maintenance codes for the structure.
Can I rent out a basement room without a separate STR license?
Yes. A rented bedroom inside your primary or secondary unit that does not have its own kitchen and bathroom is covered by your existing STR operator license and does not count as a separate unit.
What happens if I exceed the two-unit limit?
FAS can deny or revoke the operator license, and you can face $500 first-violation and $1,000 subsequent-violation penalties under SMC 6.600, plus SDCI land use enforcement under SMC 23.42.060.
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