Night Caps: Kirkland vs Seattle
How do night caps rules compare between Kirkland, WA and Seattle, WA?
Seattle has fewer restrictions than Kirkland.
Kirkland, WA
King County
Kirkland does not impose a fixed per-year night cap, but non-owner-occupied STRs face zoning restrictions and all rentals shorter than 30 nights must comply with Ordinance O-4755.
View full Kirkland rules →Seattle, WA
King County
Unincorporated King County does not impose a rental-night cap on short-term rentals. Washington State does not preempt local STR rules, but King County has not adopted a cap. Seattle and some cities have their own caps.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Kirkland | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Per-year cap | None currently | - |
| STR threshold | Fewer than 30 nights | - |
| Owner-occupancy | Required in most zones | - |
| Primary ordinance | O-4755 | - |
| Revocation trigger | Repeat nuisance violations | - |
| County Night Cap | - | None |
| State Preemption | - | None |
| Seattle Cap | - | City-specific rules |
| Enforcement | - | Via other KCC rules |
| Contact | - | (206) 296-1600 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Kirkland FAQ
Is there a cap on how many nights I can rent per year?
No current numerical cap, but the owner-occupancy requirement effectively limits how many nights a host can be away and still comply with the rules.
Can I rent my second home in Kirkland as an STR?
Non-owner-occupied STRs are generally prohibited in single-family residential zones and allowed only in commercial, mixed-use, or certain accessory dwelling situations.
Seattle FAQ
Is there a cap on rental nights for a King County STR?
No. Unincorporated King County has not adopted a specific annual night cap for short-term rentals. Cities within King County, notably Seattle, have their own rules and caps that apply inside city limits.
Can King County add STR night limits in the future?
Yes. Washington State does not preempt local STR regulation, so the King County Council can adopt night caps, owner-occupancy rules, or zoning restrictions at any time. Operators should monitor council actions and consult current code before purchasing STR property.
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