Kirkland, WA Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)

Kirkland short-term rental occupancy is limited by a combination of local zoning rules, fire code, and International Residential Code floor-area standards adopted under Kirkland Municipal Code Title 21. The standard occupancy formula is two guests per legally permitted bedroom plus two additional overnight guests, with a typical cap around 10 people regardless of bedroom count unless the unit is expressly permitted for larger group occupancy. A bedroom must meet minimum size, egress window, ceiling height, and smoke-alarm standards under the International Residential Code and WAC 51-51 to count toward occupancy. Converted garages, basements, attics, and accessory structures cannot be counted as bedrooms unless they have been permitted and inspected as habitable sleeping space. Operators must post the approved maximum occupancy in the unit, include it in the listing, and enforce it to avoid noise and parking complaints that trigger enforcement action. Events, parties, and weddings that exceed the approved occupancy are prohibited, and operators should explicitly state no-party rules in their house agreements. Violation of posted occupancy limits is treated as a license condition breach and may result in fines starting at 250 dollars per occurrence under the Kirkland STR ordinance and possible revocation for repeat violations.