MRSC Insight Blog

Posts for Licensing and Regulation

A large social gathering in front of a row of food trucks at an outdoor park at dusk.

Food Trucks Have Arrived: What Are the Regulatory and Policy Options?

May 1, 2023 by Oskar Rey
Category: Licensing and Regulation

Food trucks have gained in popularity over the years, but what options do local jurisdictions have in determining how, where, when, and under what conditions food trucks can be operated within their communities?

Transportation Network Companies: New Legislation Addresses Long-Standing Issues

July 27, 2022 by Steve Gross
Category: Licensing and Regulation

ESHB 2076 creates uniform statewide regulations for Transportation Network Companies to ensure vehicles are safe and fares are transparent, but also to establish minimum per mile, minute, and trip rates for company drivers and provide them with benefits like paid sick time.

For Local Fireworks Regulations, Timing is Everything

April 14, 2022 by MRSC Insight
Category: Licensing and Regulation

This blog covers the basics of when and how cities and counties may restrict the sale and/or use of fireworks within their boundaries.

As the Pandemic Recedes, Ghost Kitchens Are Here to Stay

October 7, 2021 by Lisa Pool
Category: Development Regulations and Zoning , Licensing and Regulation

Ghost kitchens proliferated during the pandemic once dine-in options were curtailed and restaurants sought to make up lost revenue. With consumer demand still strong, local governments should assess whether their zoning codes address this concept.

Possession and Carrying of Firearms in Washington State: What’s Allowed?

July 1, 2020 by Flannary Collins
Category: Licensing and Regulation

This blog provides a general overview of firearm regulation in Washington State.

2020 Legislative Update on Firearms Regulations

June 29, 2020 by Steve Gross
Category: Licensing and Regulation , New Legislation and Regulations

This post summarizes recent legislation related to firearms regulation in Washington State.

From Tenant Protections to Vaping: A Peek at New Local Legislation

June 24, 2019 by Laura Crandall
Category: Housing , Licensing and Regulation , New Legislation and Regulations

This post presents a potpourri of interesting legislation that local governments in Washington State have passed, from the City of Kenmore to Clark County.

Food Truck Laws and Regulations

June 26, 2018 by Oskar Rey
Category: Licensing and Regulation , New Legislation and Regulations , Business Licenses and Taxes

This post sorts through applicable food truck laws and regulations and cite examples of approaches taken by Washington municipalities that regulate food trucks in their jurisdictions.

Bitcoin Comes to Washington

May 22, 2018 by Leah LaCivita
Category: Utilities , Licensing and Regulation

What is cryptocurrency and why have public utility districts, cities, and counties across the state enacted ordinances and moratoriums impacting the businesses seeking to profit from "mining" cryptocurrency? This blog post looks at the complexities.

Firearms Regulation at the Local Government Level

March 20, 2018 by Jill Dvorkin
Category: Licensing and Regulation

In the wake of the latest mass shooting, many are asking what their local governments can do to prevent such tragedies.This blog post discusses state preemption of firearms regulation and explores known options available to municipalities.

12 Examples of Short-Term Vacation Rental Regulations

November 22, 2017 by Steve Butler
Category: Tourism , Licensing and Regulation

The issue of internet-based, short-term vacation rentals has been in the news for several years thanks to the growth of companies like Airbnb and VRBO. This post offers examples of local government short-term vacation rental regulations.

What Can Local Governments Do About Drones

March 10, 2017 by Robert Sepler
Category: Licensing and Regulation

Wondering what the latest is regarding drones? This blog post provides a quick overview of what local governments in Washington can and cannot do to regulate drone use in their jurisdiction.

Regulating E-Cigarettes: The Federal Government Steps In

July 11, 2016 by Paul Sullivan
Category: Licensing and Regulation

After months of review, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued final regulations governing the manufacture, distribution, and sale of e-cigarettes, vapor liquids, and some tobacco products. The federal regulations come soon after the passage of a new Washington law (ESSB 6328) that, among other things, also regulates the sale of e-cigarettes and vapor products and prohibits their sale to persons under the age of 18. The federal regulations make additional requirements not covered by the state law, but, where both address the same subject, there does not appear to be any conflict.

New Law Regulates E-Cigarettes and Vapor Products

April 20, 2016 by Paul Sullivan
Category: Licensing and Regulation

The Legislature adopted new legislation (ESSB 6328) this session to regulate the e-cigarette and vapor product industry in Washington. Here is a summary of some of the key provisions of the new law.

Local Government Catching Up with Airbnb and Other Short-Term Transient Rental Businesses

February 12, 2016 by Steve Butler
Category: Tourism , Licensing and Regulation

A look at some important issues to address if you plan on regulating short-term rentals in your community.

Drones: Whether Local Governments Can Regulate Unmanned Aircraft

February 25, 2015 by Robert Sepler
Category: Licensing and Regulation

Can or should local governments in Washington regulate the use of drones?

E-Cigarettes - Can They Be Used in Public Places or Places of Employment?

November 6, 2013 by Paul Sullivan
Category: Licensing and Regulation

In 2005, the voters approved Initiative 901, prohibiting smoking in public places and places of employment; that initiative is now codified in chapter 70.160 RCW. Under RCW 70.160.020(1), the terms “smoke” and “smoking” are...

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