Primary-Residence-Only Rule: Federal Way vs Seattle
How do primary-residence-only rule rules compare between Federal Way, WA and Seattle, WA?
Federal Way and Seattle have similar restriction levels.
Federal Way, WA
King County
King County itself imposes no primary-residence restriction on short-term rentals in unincorporated areas, but several cities within the county, most notably Seattle, limit operators to their primary dwelling plus at most one additional unit.
View full Federal Way rules →Seattle, WA
King County
King County itself imposes no primary-residence restriction on short-term rentals in unincorporated areas, but several cities within the county, most notably Seattle, limit operators to their primary dwelling plus at most one additional unit.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Federal Way | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| County rule | None for unincorporated | None for unincorporated |
| Seattle cap | 2 units per operator | 2 units per operator |
| Bellevue cap | No cap (2026) | No cap (2026) |
| Citation | SMC 6.600 | SMC 6.600 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Federal Way FAQ
Does King County limit me to my primary home?
Not in unincorporated areas. Cities like Seattle do; check whether your address sits inside an incorporated city before assuming county rules apply.
Can I list two STRs in Seattle?
Yes, one must be your primary residence and the second any additional unit you own. Both require separate Seattle short-term rental operator licenses.
Seattle FAQ
Does King County limit me to my primary home?
Not in unincorporated areas. Cities like Seattle do; check whether your address sits inside an incorporated city before assuming county rules apply.
Can I list two STRs in Seattle?
Yes, one must be your primary residence and the second any additional unit you own. Both require separate Seattle short-term rental operator licenses.
Compare other topics
See how Federal Way and Seattle compare on other ordinance categories.
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