191 local rules on file · Pop. 16,631 · King County
Showing ordinances that apply to White Center, WA
White Center is an unincorporated community with a population of approximately 16,631 in King County, Washington. Because White Center is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal government or city code. Instead, King County ordinances apply directly to residential and commercial properties here. The rules below are the county-level regulations that govern your area. Nearby incorporated cities in King County may have different rules.
Unincorporated King County does not restrict typical residential fence materials (wood, vinyl, chain link, iron). Barbed wire is restricted in residential zones. Electric fences allowed for agriculture with signage.
In unincorporated King County, front-yard fences may be up to 4 ft tall and side and rear fences up to 6 ft. Corner lots must keep vision clearance. Critical-area buffers may restrict fencing.
These unincorporated areas are also governed by King County ordinances.
King County requires a permit for any retaining wall over 4 ft tall or any wall supporting a surcharge load. Walls in landslide or steep-slope critical areas need geotechnical review regardless of height.
Outdoor music in unincorporated King County must meet KCC 12.86 and WAC 173-60 limits: 55 dBA day and 45 dBA night at residential property lines. Event variances available via special event permits.
Industrial noise in unincorporated King County follows WAC 173-60 EDNA classes adopted via KCC 12.86. Class C industrial to Class A residential limits are 60 dBA day and 50 dBA night at the boundary.
Amplified music in unincorporated King County must comply with KCC 12.86 noise limits and WAC 173-60 standards. Sounds exceeding 55 dBA during daytime or 45 dBA at night at the residential property line are prohibited.
Unincorporated King County adopts WAC 173-60 decibel limits: 55 dBA daytime and 45 dBA nighttime for Class A residential receiving property. Higher limits apply in commercial and industrial receiving zones.
Aircraft noise from Sea-Tac (SEA), Boeing Field, and Renton Municipal is preempted by federal FAA authority. King County cannot regulate in-flight aircraft; complaints go to Port of Seattle at 206-787-5393.
King County does not impose specific leaf blower restrictions beyond the general noise limits in KCC 12.86 and WAC 173-60. Residential yard maintenance is exempt during daytime hours (7 AM-10 PM weekdays).
Construction in unincorporated King County is permitted 7 AM to 10 PM weekdays and 9 AM to 8 PM weekends under KCC Title 12. The Permitting Division can issue temporary variances for up to 14 days. Construction outside these hours is a noise violation.
King County Code Title 12 (Ordinance 18000, adopted 2015) regulates noise in unincorporated areas. Nighttime limits are 10 dB lower than daytime. Quiet hours run 10 PM to 7 AM weekdays and 10 PM to 9 AM weekends. Public disturbance noise that unreasonably disturbs the peace is prohibited at all times.
King County enforces the Washington Noxious Weed Law (RCW 17.10) through the county Noxious Weed Control Board. Landowners must control Class A and B weeds. Knotweed and tansy ragwort are priority species.
Native plant landscaping is encouraged in unincorporated King County and required in many critical-area buffer plantings. The Native Plant Salvage Program and King Conservation District offer low-cost natives.
Artificial turf is generally allowed on unincorporated King County residential parcels. Installations in critical areas are restricted because turf acts as impervious surface and can harm salmon streams.
Removing significant trees (6 in DBH or larger) in critical areas or shoreline buffers often needs a KCC 16.82 clearing and grading permit. Forest Practices on large parcels are regulated by WA DNR under RCW 76.09.
Unincorporated King County has no grass-height numeric limit. Tall grass is addressed only when it creates a nuisance, harbors rats, or presents a fire hazard. Rural and ag zones are exempt.
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Washington under Department of Ecology policy. In unincorporated King County, rooftop capture for on-site use needs no water right and is promoted for stormwater control.
King County does not impose year-round lawn watering days. Seasonal conservation advisories from retail water providers apply in dry summers. Salmon-stream withdrawals are limited under state water rights.
Trimming trees on your own parcel in unincorporated King County usually needs no permit. Trees in critical areas, shoreline buffers, or county rights-of-way have restrictions. Topping is discouraged.
Unincorporated King County home occupations cannot generate traffic, parking, or deliveries beyond what is normal for a residential use, under KCC 21A.30.080. Routine commercial truck deliveries are prohibited.
Unincorporated King County permits one non-illuminated sign for a home occupation, limited to 2 square feet and attached to the dwelling. Freestanding or illuminated signs are prohibited under KCC 21A.20.
Home-based child care in unincorporated King County requires a Washington State DCYF license (Family Home Child Care up to 12 children). KCC 21A.30.080 allows licensed daycare as a home occupation in residential zones.
Washington Cottage Food Act (RCW 69.22) lets residents make non-hazardous foods at home and sell up to $25,000 per year with a WSDA permit. King County also requires compliance with KCC 21A.30.080 home occupation rules.
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.
Unincorporated King County allows home occupations as accessory uses in residential zones under KCC 21A.30.080. The business must be run by residents and stay clearly incidental to the residential use.
Unincorporated King County sets no STR insurance minimum. Hosts should carry a homeowner or landlord policy with an STR endorsement. Airbnb and Vrbo liability programs only supplement private coverage.
Short-term rentals in unincorporated King County must comply with KCC 12.86 and KCC 12.88. Quiet hours run 10 pm to 7 am, with residential limits of 55 dBA daytime and 45 dBA nighttime measured at the property line.
Unincorporated King County applies Washington State Building Code and KCC 16.04 to STR occupancy. A common rule is two guests per bedroom plus two additional, subject to egress and 70 sq ft minimum bedroom rules.
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.
Unincorporated King County has no STR-specific parking rule. Standard residential parking in KCC 21A.18 applies, generally requiring two on-site spaces per dwelling. Vehicles cannot block roads, driveways, or fire lanes.
King County short-term rentals owe Washington State sales tax, state and county lodging taxes, and B&O tax. Combined lodging-related taxes in unincorporated areas commonly total 12 to 15 percent of the nightly rate.
King County does not impose a hosted-only rule for short-term rentals in unincorporated areas. Hosts may rent entire dwellings without being on-site, subject to King County Code and Washington state STR transparency requirements under RCW 64.37.
Properties in unincorporated King County that generate three or more verified noise, disorderly-conduct, or code calls within a 12-month window may be declared chronic nuisances under King County Code Title 14, exposing owners to abatement orders.
King County itself imposes no primary-residence restriction on short-term rentals in unincorporated areas, but several cities within the county, most notably Seattle, limit operators to their primary dwelling plus at most one additional unit.
Under RCW 64.37, Airbnb, Vrbo, and other booking platforms operating in King County must require operators to attest to insurance, registration, and tax compliance, and must remove listings that fail to meet state and local requirements.
Stays of 30 days or longer in any King County short-term rental convert the guest into a tenant under the Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act, RCW 59.18, regardless of whether a lease was signed or the platform classifies the stay as short-term.
Short-term rental operators in unincorporated King County must obtain a Washington State business license from the Department of Revenue and comply with King County zoning under KCC Title 21A. The Permitting Division manages STR regulations for unincorporated areas including White Center, Skyway, Fairwood, and Vashon Island.
Unincorporated King County regulates driveway width, surfacing, slope, and access under KCC Title 14 (Roads) and Title 21A (Zoning). Residential driveways typically must be 10 to 20 feet wide, meet sight-distance standards at the road, and use approved surfacing in urban zones.
Unincorporated King County has no general ban on overnight on-street parking on county roads. However, parking is prohibited in a way that blocks traffic, obstructs driveways, or impedes snow plowing. RV and trailer storage on public roads is limited under KCC Title 46.
King County actively supports electric vehicle infrastructure. Single-family home EV chargers typically require a simple electrical permit. Commercial and multifamily EV stations follow Washington State Energy Code and KCC Title 16 building rules. Unincorporated areas do not have EV-only parking laws.
Unincorporated King County has limited specific regulations on RV and oversized vehicle street parking compared to nearby cities. Zoning regulations under KCC Title 21A may restrict storage of RVs on residential properties in certain zones. The King County Sheriff handles complaints about obstructive vehicles.
Street parking on public roads in unincorporated King County is governed by KCC Title 14A (Traffic Code). Regulations are generally less restrictive than nearby cities. The King County Sheriff enforces parking violations on county roads. Washington State law governs basic parking requirements.
Abandoned vehicles in unincorporated King County are regulated under RCW 46.55 and KCC Title 46. A vehicle left on public right of way over 24 hours can be tagged for impound. Junk vehicles on private property are separately regulated under KCC 21A.30 and Title 23.
Smoke alarms required in all King County dwellings per WA Building Code (RCW 19.27, IRC R314). New construction needs hardwired interconnected alarms with battery backup; battery-only allowed in existing homes.
Outdoor burning is heavily restricted in King County. PSCAA bans residential yard waste burning year-round in urban growth areas. Rural burning needs a permit Sept 30-June 1 with no active burn ban.
King County has no mandatory annual brush clearance ordinance like California. In Wildland Urban Interface areas, defensible space up to 100 ft is enforced on new construction through the adopted IWUIC.
Backyard recreational fires in unincorporated King County are allowed in approved fire pits under 3 feet diameter, using dry firewood only. Setback 25 ft from structures. All outdoor fires banned during PSCAA Stage 2.
Eastern unincorporated King County (Skykomish, Snoqualmie, foothills) is mapped by WA DNR as moderate to high wildfire hazard. The Wildland Urban Interface code requires ignition-resistant materials and defensible space.
Recreational fires (campfires, backyard fire pits) are allowed in unincorporated King County with restrictions. Fires must be in a metal or concrete pit, no larger than 3 feet wide, at least 25 feet from structures, and attended at all times. Local fire district permits may be required.
Residential propane storage in King County follows the Washington-adopted International Fire Code under RCW 19.27, capping non-permitted home cylinders and requiring permits for larger tanks from the Washington State Patrol Fire Marshal or local fire authority.
King County Ordinance 16604 banned consumer fireworks in unincorporated areas in 2010; Washington RCW 70.77 lets cities and counties impose stricter rules, and possessing or discharging fireworks outside a permitted display is a misdemeanor.
Any pool deeper than 24 inches in unincorporated King County requires a building permit under KCC 16.04, plus plumbing and electrical permits, a barrier inspection, and compliance with WA Building Code and ISPSC.
Portable hot tubs in unincorporated King County under 24 inches deep generally skip building permits but need electrical permits and a compliant safety cover or barrier. Permanent spas follow KCC 16.04 pool permit rules.
Pool safety in King County follows the Washington State Building Code (IRC Appendix G). Barriers at least 48 inches with self-closing, self-latching gates are required. Public pools follow WAC 246-260.
Unincorporated King County requires private swimming pools to be enclosed by a barrier at least five feet high under K.C.C. 16.70.020, with self-closing/self-latching gates and openings that will not pass a 4-inch sphere. Pools must also sit outside the front yard and at least 5 feet from any exterior property line per K.C.C. 16.70.010. State barrier design standards in WAC 246-260 and the IRC Appendix G provisions adopted through WAC 51-51 layer on additional gate, mesh, and ladder-effect rules.
In unincorporated King County, an above-ground pool that can hold water more than 24 inches deep is regulated as a swimming pool under the Washington State Residential Code Appendix G/AG105 (WAC 51-51). It requires a building permit and a barrier at least 48 inches tall. The pool wall can serve as the barrier when it is 48 inches or taller, but ladders must be removable, lockable, or secured.
Livestock (horses, cattle, goats, sheep, pigs) are permitted in rural and agricultural zones under KCC 21A.30. Density is typically 1 large animal per acre in RA zones; A zones allow full agricultural use.
Feeding wildlife (deer, raccoons, coyotes, bears) in unincorporated King County is prohibited under WAC 232-12-271 and KCC 11.04. Bird feeders are allowed but must not become bear attractants.
Unincorporated King County allows up to 8 chickens on lots under 20,000 sq ft in RA and R zones per KCC 21A.30.020, more on larger parcels. Roosters are effectively restricted via noise complaints in dense areas.
King County Code Title 11 limits residential households to a small number of dogs and cats; exceeding the cap requires a kennel, cattery, or hobby license issued by Regional Animal Services of King County.
King County Code Title 11 requires every dog and cat over eight weeks old to be licensed annually with Regional Animal Services; microchips are strongly encouraged and used by RASKC to reunite lost pets with owners.
King County does not mandate spay/neuter for owned pets, but KCC 11.04 charges substantially lower annual license fees for altered dogs and cats to encourage sterilization and reduce shelter intake.
King County does not regulate coyotes directly; the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife handles non-domestic wildlife under RCW Title 77, while RASKC and KCSO respond only to immediate public-safety threats from coyotes.
King County prosecutes animal hoarding under Washington's animal-cruelty statutes RCW 16.52, with Regional Animal Services investigating hoarding complaints and KCSO or city police filing first- or second-degree cruelty charges.
King County Code Title 11 requires cats over eight weeks old to be licensed with Regional Animal Services, but unlike dogs, cats are not required to be leashed; chronic nuisance cats can still trigger civil enforcement.
King County does not impose a countywide retail puppy-mill sourcing ban, but RCW 16.52 cruelty laws apply to pet stores; some cities like Seattle restrict retail dog and cat sales to rescue and shelter sources only.
Veterinary clinics in unincorporated King County are permitted in commercial and some mixed-use zones under KCC Title 21A, with overnight boarding subject to additional kennel standards and noise, odor, and waste-control conditions.
King County has no breed-specific dog restrictions. Dangerous dog designation under KCC 11.04 and RCW 16.08 is behavior-based. Washington state (RCW 16.08.090) preempts any municipal breed ban.
Exotic animals are prohibited in unincorporated King County under KCC 11.04.234 and Chapter 11.28, consistent with Washington State law RCW 16.30. Prohibited species include nondomesticated felines, canines (wolf hybrids), primates, dangerous snakes, and crocodilians. Violations result in impoundment.
Beekeeping is permitted on residential lots in unincorporated King County under KCC 21A.30. Hives need setback from property lines, and hobbyist beekeepers must register with WSDA under RCW 15.60.
Dogs in unincorporated King County must be on leash or under physical control when off the owner's property under KCC 11.04.230. Off-leash is prohibited in all public spaces except designated off-leash dog areas.
Unincorporated King County allows tiny homes on foundations that meet the Washington State Building Code (RCW 19.27 / 2021 IRC Appendix Q). Tiny houses on wheels are treated as RVs and limited under KCC Title 21A zoning.
Carports in unincorporated King County require a building permit and must meet zoning setbacks. Detached carports under 200 sqft may be exempt from permit but still must meet setbacks and critical-area rules.
Converting a garage to living space in unincorporated King County needs a building permit and counts as an attached ADU under WA HB 1337. Must meet energy, egress, smoke-alarm, and ceiling standards.
In unincorporated King County, a one-story detached storage shed of 200 square feet or less, accessory to a residential or agricultural use, is exempt from a building permit under the Washington State Residential Code (WSRC R105.2, WAC 51-51). Sheds must still meet K.C.C. Title 21A zoning setbacks, lot coverage, and critical-area rules.
In unincorporated King County, one Accessory Dwelling Unit is permitted per primary detached dwelling or townhouse under KCC 21A.08.030.B.7.a. ADUs are limited to 1,000 sq ft of heated floor area (plus up to 1,000 sq ft unheated). Either the ADU or the primary unit must be owner-occupied, and a Notice on Title must be recorded before permitting.
Bars and nightclubs in unincorporated King County must meet KCC 12.86 commercial-to-residential limits of 57 dBA day and 47 dBA night. WSLCB liquor license conditions often impose outdoor music curfews.
HVAC equipment in unincorporated King County must meet KCC 12.86 limits of 55 dBA day and 45 dBA night at adjacent property lines. Setback, sound blankets, or enclosures are often required for nighttime compliance.
Generators in unincorporated King County must meet KCC 12.86 limits of 55 dBA day and 45 dBA night at residential boundaries. Emergency operation during declared power outages is exempt under WAC 173-60-050.
Solar PV installations in King County require electrical and building permits through MyBuildingPermit.com. Systems under 25 kW get express review. Net metering is required under RCW 80.60.
Washington law (RCW 64.38.055 and RCW 64.90.510) prohibits King County HOAs from banning solar panels. Associations may impose reasonable aesthetic rules that do not significantly reduce efficiency.
Lead paint in King County follows federal EPA RRP rule (40 CFR 745) and Washington RCW 70A.340. Pre-1978 housing triggers disclosure and certified contractor requirements for most renovations.
Elevators in King County are regulated by Washington L&I under RCW 70.87 and WAC 296-96. Annual state inspections and operating permits are required. ASME A17.1 is the adopted safety code.
Pest control in King County follows Washington WSDA rules under RCW 17.21 and WAC 16-228. Commercial applicators must be licensed. Landlords must provide pest-free rentals under RCW 59.18.
Scaffolds in King County are regulated by Washington L&I DOSH under WAC 296-874. Scaffolds over 4 feet (general industry) or 10 feet (construction) require guardrails and fall protection.
Childcare centers in King County must meet Washington State Building Code occupancy requirements under RCW 19.27 and obtain a license from the Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families per RCW 43.216 and WAC 110-300.
Washington's adopted International Residential Code under RCW 19.27 makes fire sprinklers mandatory in townhouses and multifamily buildings; single-family fire sprinklers are typically required only when triggered by access, water-supply, or local amendments.
King County buildings must meet the Washington State Energy Code under RCW 19.27A, one of the strictest in the nation; the county's Strategic Climate Action Plan also drives green-building incentives toward carbon neutrality by 2050.
Door locks on residential and commercial buildings in King County must comply with the Washington-adopted International Building Code and International Fire Code under RCW 19.27, ensuring single-action egress without keys, tools, or special knowledge.
King County Code Title 21A controls house bulk through floor-area, lot-coverage, and height limits rather than a dedicated mansionization ordinance, with stricter standards in rural and Vashon Island zones to preserve neighborhood character.
HOA disputes in King County move through internal process, mediation, then civil court. WUCIOA (RCW 64.90) encourages ADR. King County Superior Court handles most litigation.
King County HOAs follow Washington law. WUCIOA (RCW 64.90) governs post-2018 communities. RCW 64.38 covers older HOAs. RCW 64.34 covers older condos. Board meetings require 14-day notice.
King County CC&Rs are enforced by the HOA board under Washington law. WUCIOA (RCW 64.90) requires notice, hearing, and uniform application. Courts void unreasonable or selectively-enforced covenants.
King County HOAs commonly require architectural review for exterior modifications. Washington law (RCW 64.90, RCW 64.38) allows reasonable controls but protects solar, flags, and clotheslines.
HOA assessments in King County are governed by Washington law. WUCIOA (RCW 64.90) allows regular and special assessments, late fees, and automatic liens on delinquent units, with 6-month super-priority.
Garbage, recycling, and yard waste carts in unincorporated King County must be placed at the curb by the scheduled pickup time and removed within 24 hours after collection. Bins must be stored out of public view on non-collection days under KCC 21A.18 and hauler tariffs.
Recycling is mandatory for single-family and multifamily residents in the urban-designated areas of unincorporated King County under KCC 10.04. All curbside customers receive weekly or every-other-week recycling pickup as part of standard hauler service, and commercial recycling is required in most urban zones.
In unincorporated King County, garbage collection is provided by private haulers (primarily Republic Services and Recology) regulated by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission. Residential collection is typically weekly, with recycling every other week. King County Solid Waste Division manages disposal at transfer stations.
King County residents can dispose of bulky items (furniture, mattresses, appliances) by scheduling a bulky item pickup with their hauler for an extra fee or by self-hauling to one of the eight King County transfer stations. Some items like refrigerators require freon removal before disposal.
In unincorporated King County, sidewalks are limited and primarily located in urban-designated areas. Under KCC 14.30, abutting property owners share responsibility for sidewalk maintenance and may be required to repair damaged sidewalks adjoining their property in cooperation with the Road Services Division.
Sidewalks and public rights of way in unincorporated King County must be kept clear under KCC Title 14. Obstructions like parked vehicles, overgrown vegetation, merchandise, construction materials, or debris are prohibited without a permit from the Road Services Division.
Owners of vacant lots in unincorporated King County must maintain their property free of junk, overgrowth, and fire hazards under KCC Title 23 and Title 17 (Fire Code). In fire-prone rural areas near the Cascades, defensible space is required during fire season.
Unincorporated King County does not mandate residential sidewalk snow and ice removal. King County Road Services plows and treats county roads by priority route. Residents are encouraged but not required to clear sidewalks abutting their property.
King County enforces property maintenance standards to prevent blight under KCC Title 23 and the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC). Violations include junk accumulation, unsecured vacant buildings, broken windows, overgrown vegetation, and exterior deterioration. Penalties start at 100 dollars per day.
In residential zones of unincorporated King County, garbage and recycling carts must be screened from public view and adjacent properties on non-collection days under KCC 21A.18. Bins left permanently at the curb can be cited as a zoning violation and junk accumulation.
Unincorporated King County does not operate a general rental registration program. Landlords must, however, follow Washington state requirements (business license, lead disclosure, landlord-tenant registry on individual notices). Several cities within King County (notably Seattle via RRIO) do require rental registration.
Under RCW 59.18.650 (effective 2021), Washington statewide law requires just cause for terminating most month-to-month residential tenancies. King County also enacted Ordinance 19340 extending just-cause protections in unincorporated King County. Landlords must cite a permitted reason and provide proper notice.
Washington state law (RCW 35.21.830) preempts local rent control in King County and all Washington jurisdictions. Neither King County nor any city within it may cap rent increases. Landlords must follow state notice requirements for rent increases under RCW 59.18.140 (minimum 60 days notice typically, 180 days in some cases).
Washington's Residential Landlord-Tenant Act and King County tenant-protection ordinances require landlords to pay relocation assistance when displacing tenants for substantial rehabilitation, demolition, or change of use, with amounts varying by city and tenant income level.
Under RCW 59.18.270, all security and damage deposits collected from King County tenants must be held in a trust account at a Washington financial institution, with the tenant given written notice of the bank's name and address within the lease.
Since 2021, Washington's just-cause statute RCW 59.18.650 prohibits no-fault evictions of month-to-month tenants. Landlords in King County must cite one of sixteen enumerated causes such as nonpayment, lease violation, owner move-in, or substantial rehabilitation.
Washington's Residential Landlord-Tenant Act and Seattle's Renting in Seattle ordinance prohibit landlord harassment of tenants, including utility shutoffs, lockouts, repeated entry without notice, and threats designed to force a tenant to vacate.
RCW 59.18.255 prohibits King County landlords from refusing to rent based on a tenant's lawful source of income, including Section 8 vouchers, Social Security, veterans benefits, child support, and unemployment compensation.
The King County Housing Authority and Seattle Housing Authority jointly administer Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers across the county. Landlords must accept vouchers under RCW 59.18.255 and follow HUD inspection and rent reasonableness standards.
Washington's Residential Landlord-Tenant Act prohibits landlords from passing through new fees during a tenancy that were not disclosed in the original lease, including utility surcharges, trash fees, and capital improvement assessments under RCW 59.18.140.
King County sets setbacks under KCC 21A.12. Urban R-4 through R-8 zones require 10-foot front, 5-foot side, and 10-foot rear. Rural Area zones require 30-foot front setbacks.
King County regulates lot coverage under KCC 21A.12 and 21A.24. Urban zones allow 35-55 percent building coverage. Rural zones limit impervious surface to 8 percent or 15,000 sq ft.
King County caps most residential structures at 35 feet under KCC 21A.12. Accessory buildings are limited to 25 feet or the primary dwelling height, whichever is less.
Stormwater in King County is regulated under KCC 9.04 and the Surface Water Design Manual. Projects adding 2,000 sq ft of impervious surface or clearing 7,000 sq ft trigger review. NPDES MS4 permit applies.
Grading and drainage in King County are governed by KCC 16.82 and the Surface Water Design Manual. Grading over 50 cubic yards or affecting critical areas requires permits and drainage review.
Floodplain development in King County is regulated under KCC 21A.24 and FEMA NFIP. SFHAs require elevated construction to BFE plus 1 foot freeboard, flood vents, and development permits.
Erosion control in King County is regulated under KCC 16.82 and the Surface Water Design Manual. Clearing over 7,000 sq ft or grading over 50 cubic yards requires a permit with BMPs and wet-season rules.
King County's Strategic Climate Action Plan, updated in 2020, sets a binding countywide goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 with a 50% reduction by 2030 from a 2007 baseline.
King County itself does not ban gas-powered leaf blowers countywide, but several cities including Seattle are phasing out gas blowers, and noise rules in KCC 12.86 apply to all power equipment.
King County and Washington state limit unnecessary diesel idling, particularly near schools, hospitals, and Metro bus bases, to protect air quality in the central Puget Sound airshed.
King County encourages cool roofs and reflective surfaces through the Washington State Energy Code and green building incentives, especially for large commercial reroofs in unincorporated areas and Metro facilities.
King County addresses urban heat islands through tree canopy goals, cool surfaces, and equity-focused investments under the Strategic Climate Action Plan and the 30-year Land Conservation Initiative.
Unincorporated King County's marine shoreline along Puget Sound and Vashon-Maury Island is regulated under the Shoreline Management Act (RCW 90.58), the King County Shoreline Master Program (K.C.C. Title 21A), and the Critical Areas Ordinance at K.C.C. Chapter 21A.24. Shoreline jurisdiction extends 200 feet inland from the ordinary high water mark. Critical-area buffers along marine shorelines are typically 115 to 165 feet.
Unincorporated King County does not enforce a sit-lie ordinance, but Seattle's SMC 15.48.040 prohibits sitting or lying on downtown sidewalks between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m., and Bellevue and Kent have similar narrow daytime restrictions in commercial cores.
The King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA), formed jointly by Seattle and King County in 2019, coordinates encampment outreach, sanitation, and resolution. Cleanups follow protocols requiring advance notice, belongings storage, and shelter offers.
King County and Seattle authorize transitional bridge housing including tiny-house villages, enhanced shelters, and safe parking, operated under contract by KCRHA, the Low Income Housing Institute, Mary's Place, and DESC, with streamlined permitting.
Public Health Seattle and King County posts color-coded inspection placards at restaurants countywide. Cards rate facilities Excellent, Good, OK, or Needs to Improve based on red and blue critical violation points scored over four prior inspections.
King County Board of Health Code Title 8 requires property owners to keep premises free of rat harborage and to use rodent-proof construction for refuse storage. Public Health investigates complaints in unincorporated areas and contracts with cities.
Anyone working with unpackaged food, food equipment, or utensils in King County must hold a valid Washington Food Worker Card. The card is obtained by passing an online training and exam through Public Health Seattle and King County.
Washington landlord-tenant law and PHSKC guidance require rental property owners to investigate and treat reported bed bug infestations. Tenants must cooperate with inspections, prepare units, and avoid moving infested furniture between dwellings.
King County operates needle exchange and sharps drop sites under PHSKC. Residents may not place used syringes in curbside trash or recycling. Free puncture-resistant containers and disposal kiosks are available at health clinics and transfer stations.
State law and King County Code require licensed cannabis retailers, producers, and processors to sit at least 1000 feet from schools, playgrounds, recreation centers, child care, public parks, public transit centers, libraries, and game arcades. Cities may reduce the buffer to 100 feet for some uses.
Initiative 502 legalized adult cannabis retail in Washington but did not authorize home cultivation. King County residents may not grow recreational cannabis at home. Only state-licensed Liquor and Cannabis Board producers can cultivate, and qualifying medical patients have narrow limits.
King County Code Title 21A allows state-licensed cannabis retailers, producers, and processors only in specific commercial, industrial, and rural zones in unincorporated areas. Each city sets its own zoning, and several cities ban retail sales entirely.
Washington does not authorize recreational cannabis delivery to consumers. Customers in King County must purchase in person at licensed retailers. Only registered medical patients can use a limited cooperative model, and licensee-to-licensee transport requires LCB-approved transporter licenses.
Washington's statewide plastic carryout bag ban under RCW 70A.530 took effect in 2021 and applies countywide. Stores cannot give thin plastic carryout bags. Reusable bags and recycled-content paper bags meeting state standards are allowed and must be sold for at least eight cents each.
Washington banned expanded polystyrene foam food service containers, coolers, and packing peanuts under RCW 70A.245. Phased restrictions began in 2023 and apply throughout King County. Compostable and recyclable alternatives are required for foodware.
RCW 70A.245 requires food service businesses statewide to provide single-use utensils, straws, condiment packets, and beverage lids only when customers ask or affirmatively select them. The rule applies to dine-in, takeout, delivery, and drive-through orders countywide.
Plastic straws are not banned outright in Washington but, under RCW 70A.245, food service businesses can only provide them when a customer specifically asks. Seattle has a stricter rule prohibiting plastic straws entirely except where required for accessibility.
Washington raised the legal age to purchase tobacco, e-cigarettes, and vapor products to 21 under RCW 70.155.010 (Tobacco 21). King County retailers must check ID for anyone appearing under 30, and Public Health Seattle and King County conducts compliance checks countywide.
Vapor product retailers in King County must hold a Washington vapor product license issued by the Liquor and Cannabis Board under RCW 70.345. Sales to minors are prohibited, online age verification is required, and self-service displays are restricted for non-cigarette tobacco and vapor products.
King County water utilities, led by Seattle Public Utilities and the Saving Water Partnership, set voluntary lawn watering schedules and can declare mandatory restrictions during drought conditions.
King County water utilities require customers to fix detectable leaks promptly and offer high-bill leak adjustments when an undetected service-line leak causes an unusual spike in metered water use.
Several King County water utilities offer turf replacement and natural lawn rebates, encouraging homeowners to swap thirsty grass for native, drought-tolerant landscaping that protects salmon streams.
KCC Title 21A grants density bonuses, height increases, and reduced parking when projects in unincorporated King County provide deed-restricted affordable housing or other public benefits.
King County and Sound Transit promote transit-oriented communities along Link light rail corridors, requiring affordable housing, reduced parking, and pedestrian-friendly design near new stations.
The King County Comprehensive Plan, mandated by the Washington Growth Management Act, guides land use through countywide policies and detailed community and subarea plans for unincorporated areas like Vashon-Maury Island and Snoqualmie Valley.
Shared electric scooter and bike programs operate under city permits across King County, including Seattle's e-scooter pilot, Bellevue, Redmond, and Tacoma adjacent corridors, with Sound Transit station rules applied countywide.
King County's Regional Trails System and the 2018 Strategic Plan for Road Services govern bike lanes, separated cycle tracks, and shared-use paths across unincorporated roads, with cities adopting similar Complete Streets policies.
Cities across King County operate heritage tree programs that designate notable specimens for protection, while King County itself protects landmark trees indirectly through the Critical Areas Ordinance and historic preservation designations.
KCC 16.82 requires clearing and grading permits before removing significant trees in unincorporated King County, with stricter limits on critical area buffers, steep slopes, and rural retention areas under the Critical Areas Ordinance.
King County licenses adult entertainment establishments under KCC Title 6, requiring background checks, distance buffers from schools and residential zones, and separate manager and entertainer permits, with strict no-touch and lighting standards.
Massage therapists in King County must hold a Washington state license under RCW 18.108, and establishments need local business licenses; counties enforce zoning, signage, and anti-trafficking inspection rules to combat illicit operations.
Tobacco and vapor retailers in King County must hold a state Liquor and Cannabis Board license, and Public Health Seattle and King County enforces minimum age 21 sales under RCW 70.155 and vapor product rules under RCW 70.345.
Secondhand goods dealers in King County must register with local police, record seller identification, and hold purchased items for a minimum period under RCW 19.60 to allow recovery of stolen property by law enforcement.
Pawnbrokers in King County need a state-recognized local license under RCW 19.60.045, must report transactions to police, observe interest rate and fee caps, and hold pledged items at least 90 days before forfeiture.
King County and its cities respond to loud parties under noise ordinances and state disorderly conduct law (RCW 9A.84.030); a second response within a defined window can trigger costs charged to property owners.
Washington's Smoking in Public Places Act (RCW 70.160) bans indoor smoking and within 25 feet of doors and windows; King County Parks prohibits smoking and vaping in parks and natural areas under departmental rule.
Adults 21 and older may possess cannabis under Washington Initiative 502, but public consumption violates RCW 69.50.445 with civil infractions; King County Parks separately bans use in all parks and natural areas.
Washington prohibits opening or consuming alcohol in public places under RCW 66.44.100, and King County Parks bans alcohol without permit; cities maintain alcohol impact areas and downtown sidewalk drinking restrictions.
King County imposes a 4 percent lodging tax on hotel and short-term rental stays under chapter 67.28 RCW, layered on the 6.5 percent state sales tax and local rates, totaling about 10.5 percent or more.
Several King County cities, including Seattle, require hotels to retain incumbent workers for a transition period when the property changes hands, modeled on Seattle's Hotel Employees Health and Safety Initiative passed in 2016.
SeaTac's Proposition 1 sets a hospitality living wage above state minimum, and Seattle hotels of 100-plus rooms face Initiative 124 wage and benefit standards; both apply within their city limits, layered on state wages.
Washington's statewide minimum wage under RCW 49.46.020 is $16.66 per hour in 2026 with annual inflation adjustments; cities including Seattle, SeaTac, Tukwila, and Renton set higher local floors under their own ordinances.
Washington's Paid Family and Medical Leave program (RCW 49.86) provides up to 12 weeks of partially paid leave, and RCW 49.46.200 requires employers to provide one hour of paid sick leave per 40 hours worked.
King County Code Enforcement prioritizes cases based on public health, safety, and environmental impact. Environmental hazards and high-priority cases are investigated within 24 hours. Non-priority cases receive initial contact within approximately 30 days. The investigation process can take weeks to months depending on complexity.
King County Code Enforcement investigates violations of county codes in unincorporated areas. Complaints can be filed by phone at (206) 296-6650, by mail, or through the online complaint form in King County's Online Permitting System. The department handles zoning, building, property maintenance, shoreline, and critical area violations.
The most frequently investigated code violations in unincorporated King County include junk and debris accumulation, construction without permits, clearing or grading without permits, junk vehicles, illegal businesses in residential zones, dangerous buildings, and critical area/shoreline violations.
In unincorporated King County, fences generally do not require a building permit unless they exceed certain height thresholds. The King County zoning code (KCC Title 21A) regulates fence height by zone. Standard residential zones allow 6-foot side/rear fences and 4-foot front yard fences. Critical area buffers may restrict fencing.
Washington is a strict two-party (all-party) consent state under RCW 9.73.030. Recording any private conversation — in person, by phone, or electronically — without the consent of all parties is a gross misdemeanor. Victims can also sue for civil damages including $100/day or $1,000 minimum plus attorney's fees.
Security cameras are legal on private property in King County. Washington is a strict two-party (all-party) consent state for audio recording under RCW 9.73.030. Video-only surveillance of public areas is generally permitted. Cameras with audio recording require consent of all parties being recorded. Cameras must not record areas with a reasonable expectation of privacy.
In unincorporated King County, storage sheds of 200 square feet or less do not require a building permit when accessory to a residential home and used for agricultural or storage purposes. Sheds over 200 square feet require a building permit. All sheds must comply with zoning setbacks.
Fences under 7 feet in height generally do not require a building permit in unincorporated King County. Fences must comply with KCC Title 21A zoning height limits (typically 6 feet rear/side, 4 feet front). Retaining walls over 4 feet require permits. Fences in critical areas may need additional review.
Most renovation work in unincorporated King County requires a building permit. Cosmetic work (painting, flooring, cabinets) is exempt. Structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work all require permits. King County adopts the Washington State Building Code, based on the International Residential Code.
Decks not exceeding 200 square feet and not more than 30 inches above grade are generally exempt from permits in unincorporated King County. Larger or elevated decks require building permits. Concrete patios at grade do not require permits. Decks in flood zones or critical areas have additional requirements.
King County does not have a specific bamboo ordinance. Running bamboo is not on the King County Noxious Weed List. However, bamboo that spreads beyond property lines may be addressed as a nuisance under Washington civil law. The Pacific Northwest climate is favorable for running bamboo, making root barriers advisable.
The King County Noxious Weed Control Board enforces control of noxious weeds classified as Class A, B, and C under RCW 17.10. Class A weeds must be eradicated by all property owners. Class B and C control varies. The county maintains a 'Weeds of Concern' list for non-regulated invasive species. King County also has the authority under KCC 21A.24 to regulate vegetation in critical areas.
Front yard vegetable and edible gardens are permitted in unincorporated King County. The county zoning code (KCC Title 21A) does not prohibit edible landscaping. King County actively promotes food gardening through its Local Food Initiative and partnership with programs like Tilth Alliance. Raised beds and food forests are common throughout the area.