The City of Bellingham requires a Short-Term Rental Permit for all stays under 30 days. Regulations differentiate between owner-occupied (Type 1) and non-owner-occupied (Type 2) rentals. Unhosted stays are capped at 90 nights per year, while hosted stays have no night limit. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are explicitly prohibited, and all operators must obtain a city business license and carry $1M in liability insurance.
To host an Airbnb in Bellingham, you must get a Short-Term Rental Permit and a city business license. If it's your primary home, you can rent it for unlimited nights when you're present, but only 90 nights per year when you're away. You'll need to provide proof of $1 million in liability insurance and create a floor plan for your application. Crucially, you cannot use a backyard cottage or accessory dwelling unit (ADU) for short-term rentals, and you must display your permit number on your online listing.
Permit Required
Yes
Night Limit
90/year
Primary Residence
Required
Total Tax Rate
12.9%
Disclaimer
This information is for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with local government authorities before operating a short-term rental.
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Permit Fee
$175
Processing Time
4-6 weeks
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