Federal Way STRs follow building code occupancy standards, generally two persons per bedroom plus two additional. RCW 64.37 requires operators to post maximum occupancy inside the unit.
Occupancy in Federal Way short-term rentals is governed by the Washington State Building Code (based on the IBC and IRC) and the International Property Maintenance Code as adopted locally. A common formula is two persons per bedroom plus two additional occupants, subject to actual bedroom size, emergency egress windows, ceiling height, and smoke and carbon monoxide alarm coverage. For a bedroom to count toward occupancy, it generally needs at least 70 square feet of floor area and a compliant egress window. RCW 64.37 requires operators to post the maximum allowed occupancy visibly within the unit along with safety information and the operator contact. Exceeding posted or code limits can result in fire code violations and platform enforcement.
Occupancy overages can be cited as building and fire code violations, with fines typically starting at 250 dollars. Platform listings may be taken down if guests exceed posted limits.
Federal Way, WA
Federal Way permits construction under WAC 173-60.050 exemptions between 7 AM and 10 PM. Sunday work near homes is typically restricted. Work outside the win...
Federal Way, WA
Federal Way prohibits dogs that bark or howl continuously and disturb neighbors under FWRC Title 9. Typical threshold is 20 minutes of continuous noise. Comp...
Federal Way, WA
Outdoor music events in Federal Way need a special event permit on public property or when amplified beyond neighborhood levels. Receiving limits at residenc...
Federal Way, WA
Federal Way limits on-street RV and boat trailer parking to 72 hours. In residential zones, RVs on private property must be parked on a paved or gravel surfa...
Federal Way, WA
Federal Way follows Washington State Building Code EV-ready requirements for new multifamily and commercial buildings. Public chargers exist at the Transit C...
Federal Way, WA
Under RCW 46.55, Federal Way police can tag and tow a vehicle left on a public street for more than 72 hours. On private property, owners follow state impoun...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how other cities in King County handle occupancy limits.
See how Federal Way's occupancy limits rules stack up against other locations.
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