Kent vs Renton
How do home daycare rules compare between Kent, WA and Renton, WA?
Kent and Renton have similar restriction levels.
Kent, WA
King County
Kent permits family home child care in single-family homes. State-licensed providers caring for 12 or fewer children are allowed by RCW 35.63.185 in any residential zone.
View full Kent rules →Renton, WA
King County
Renton allows family home child care in residential zones. Providers serving up to 12 children must be DCYF-licensed under WAC 110-300 and meet RMC 4-9-090 home occupation rules.
View full Renton rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Kent | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Max Children (Home) | 12 or fewer | - |
| State Law | RCW 35.63.185 | - |
| Licensing Agency | Washington DCYF | - |
| Kent Permit | Business license required | - |
| Zoning | Permitted in residential zones | - |
| State License | - | DCYF required, WAC 110-300 |
| Capacity | - | Up to 12 children (Family Home) |
| State Preemption | - | RCW 35.63.185 prohibits local bans |
| City License | - | 150 dollar Renton Business License |
| Code | - | RMC 4-2-060 / RMC 4-9-090 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Kent FAQ
Can I run a daycare from my home in Kent?
Yes. Washington state law allows family home child care for 12 or fewer children in any residential zone with DCYF licensing and a Kent business license.
Do I need a zoning permit?
No conditional use permit is required for state-licensed family home child care under RCW 35.63.185. Larger centers require commercial zoning.
Renton FAQ
Can Renton ban a home daycare in my neighborhood?
No. RCW 35.63.185 preempts local zoning bans on licensed family home child care. The city can only apply neutral rules on parking, signs, and nuisance.
Do I need a Renton business license to run a home daycare?
Yes. You need both a Washington DCYF family home license and a City of Renton Business License filed through filelocal-wa.gov.
Compare other topics
See how Kent and Renton compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool