Home Occupation Permits: Renton vs Seattle
How do home occupation permits rules compare between Renton, WA and Seattle, WA?
Renton and Seattle have similar restriction levels.
Renton, WA
King County
Renton requires a Special Home Occupation Permit under RMC 4-9-090 plus a 150 dollar City Business License. Review takes about 2 weeks; strict rules on employees, signage, and accessory structures.
View full Renton rules →Seattle, WA
King County
Unincorporated King County does not require a separate home occupation permit for businesses meeting KCC 21A.30.080 accessory use standards. A Washington State business license and B&O tax registration are required.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Renton | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Permit | Special Home Occupation Permit required | - |
| Code | RMC 4-9-090 | KCC 21A.30.080 |
| Non-Resident Employees | Max 1 permitted | - |
| Signage | One 2 sq ft flush sign, non-illuminated | - |
| Review Time | About 2 weeks | - |
| County Permit | - | None required for standard use |
| State License | - | Required via DOR BLS |
| Tax Registration | - | B&O tax (RCW 82.04) |
| Contact | - | (206) 296-1600 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Renton FAQ
Can I have clients visit my Renton home business?
Yes, but traffic cannot change the residential character. You must provide adequate off-street parking and visits must stay below nuisance thresholds.
Does a purely online home business need a Renton permit?
Yes. Any business activity based at a Renton address requires both the Home Occupation Permit under RMC 4-9-090 and a 150 dollar city Business License.
Seattle FAQ
Do I need a home occupation permit in unincorporated King County?
No separate county home occupation permit is required if your business meets KCC 21A.30.080 accessory use standards. You do need a Washington State business license through the Department of Revenue and must register for B&O tax.
What Washington State licenses do I need for a King County home business?
All home-based businesses need a Washington State business license (UBI) through the Department of Revenue Business Licensing Service and must file Business and Occupation tax. Specific trades, food businesses, and daycare have additional state-level permits and inspections.
Compare other topics
See how Renton and Seattle 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