Parking Rules: Kirkland vs Seattle
How do parking rules rules compare between Kirkland, WA and Seattle, WA?
Seattle has fewer restrictions than Kirkland.
Kirkland, WA
King County
Kirkland STR operators must provide the off-street parking required for the underlying dwelling and instruct guests on KMC 11.72 on-street parking rules including the 72-hour limit.
View full Kirkland 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 | Kirkland | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Parking minimum | Matches dwelling per KZC 105 | - |
| On-street limit | 72 hours max | - |
| RV parking | Restricted on streets | - |
| Residential zones | Permit-only in some areas | - |
| Tow authority | KMC 11.72.180 | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Kirkland FAQ
Can guests park on the street in front of my house?
Yes if the street does not have a Residential Parking Zone or time limit, but they must move every 72 hours and comply with posted restrictions and street sweeping rules.
How many spaces must I provide for my Airbnb?
The minimum matches the underlying dwelling, typically two spaces for a single-family home, and the rental cannot reduce the required residential parking.
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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