Parking Rules: Federal Way vs Seattle
How do parking rules rules compare between Federal Way, WA and Seattle, WA?
Seattle has fewer restrictions than Federal Way.
Federal Way, WA
King County
Federal Way STRs must provide off-street parking under FWRC Title 19. On-street overflow should not create congestion and unpaved parking of guest vehicles is not permitted.
View full Federal Way rules →Seattle, WA
King County
Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 6.600 does not impose a dedicated off-street parking requirement on short-term rentals, and SMC 23.42.060 (Land Use Code) does not require additional parking specifically for STR use beyond what applies to the underlying dwelling. STR guests parking on city streets must follow standard SDOT rules: posted time limits, street-cleaning postings, the 72-hour vehicle storage limit, and Restricted Parking Zone (RPZ) rules. In RPZ areas, only one guest hangtag is issued per household; short-term day permits are available in most zones (up to 5 per day, 50 per year per address).
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Federal Way | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Off-Street Requirement | Two spaces typical | - |
| On-Street Parking | Standard residential rules | - |
| Unpaved Surfaces | Prohibited for parking | - |
| Code Reference | FWRC Title 19 | - |
| RV/Boats | Storage limits apply | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Federal Way FAQ
How much parking does my Federal Way STR need?
At least two off-street spaces, consistent with FWRC Title 19 residential parking standards. Post parking rules to guests to avoid overflow issues.
Can guests park on the lawn?
No. Federal Way prohibits parking on unpaved or landscaped surfaces in residential zones.
Seattle FAQ
Does Seattle require off-street parking for STRs?
No. SMC 6.600 contains no STR-specific parking requirement, and SMC 23.42.060 does not add parking beyond what already applies to the underlying dwelling unit.
Can my STR guest park in my Restricted Parking Zone?
Only with a valid permit or outside enforcement hours. Each household receives just one guest hangtag, but SDOT also sells short-term RPZ day permits in most zones, capped at 5 per day and 50 per year per address.
How long can a guest's car stay on the same Seattle block?
No more than 72 consecutive hours. After that, SMC Title 11 allows the vehicle to be cited and towed as stored on the right-of-way.
Where do I check if my STR is in an RPZ?
SDOT publishes RPZ boundaries on the Seattle GeoData portal and at seattle.gov/transportation. Operators should disclose any RPZ enforcement to guests in the listing to avoid citations.
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