Washington Short-Term Rental Regulations by City

Short-term rentals in the City of Walla Walla are regulated under Title 20.170, requiring a specific Land Use Permit and a safety inspection. The city distinguishes between owner-occupied (Type I) and non-owner occupied (Type II) rentals, with the latter subject to a strict one-per-block-face density limit.

Short-term rentals are permitted in the City of Anacortes subject to a mandatory land-use permit and annual renewal. While owners do not have to reside on-site, there is a limit of one STR permit per person or entity.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Spokane require a specific administrative permit, a city-endorsed state business license, and annual safety certification.

Ellensburg distinguishes between hosted and unhosted short-term rentals, requiring a city business license for all and a Conditional Use Permit for non-owner-occupied units in residential zones.

Everett allows short-term rentals (STRs) in most residential and commercial zones, provided operators obtain a city business license and comply with specific density and residency requirements in low-density zones.

Kirkland requires short-term rental hosts of detached dwellings to occupy the property as their primary residence for at least 245 days per year and limits unhosted rentals to 120 nights annually.

The City of Port Townsend strictly regulates short-term rentals via Chapter 17.54 of the Municipal Code, distinguishing between owner-occupied (Type A) and investment (Type B) rentals. Type B rentals are subject to a city-wide cap and currently have a waitlist, while Type A permits are generally available to primary residents.

Redmond requires short-term rental operators to obtain both a state and city business license, pass a safety inspection/checklist, and adhere to primary residence requirements.

Manson follows Chelan County's tiered short-term rental regulations, which include a 9% density cap for non-owner occupied units and strict operational standards.

The Town of Friday Harbor strictly regulates short-term rentals through Municipal Code Chapter 5.40, requiring an annual permit and a fire safety inspection. Stays are limited to fewer than 30 days, and properties are subject to a city-wide cap on non-owner-occupied units in certain residential zones.

Short-term rentals are strictly regulated in the City of Lake Chelan under Chapter 5.56 of the Municipal Code. Hosts must obtain an annual permit, adhere to a occupancy limit of 2 per bedroom plus 2, and maintain a local representative available 24/7.

Ocean Shores requires all short-term rentals to obtain a specific STR license (Chapter 5.44) and a general city business license. Hosts are subject to a local 5% STR tax in addition to Washington state sales and lodging taxes.

The City of Sequim does not have a specific STR ordinance but regulates rentals under the 'Bed and Breakfast' and 'Transient Lodging' zoning definitions. Hosts must obtain a standard City of Sequim Business License endorsement via the Washington Department of Revenue and collect a total lodging tax of 10.5%.

San Juan County (unincorporated) requires a Vacation Rental Permit and a fire safety inspection for all stays under 30 days. Permits are tied to the property owner and are generally limited to one per person to preserve local housing stock.

Seattle requires all short-term rental operators to obtain both a general business license and a specific STR regulatory license ($75/year). Operators are generally limited to two units, one of which must be their primary residence, unless they are 'Legacy' operators grandfathered in from before 2017.

Short-term rentals in Tacoma require a city business license and must comply with specific safety standards and owner-occupancy rules for ADUs and room rentals.

Short-term rentals are regulated in the City of Westport under Municipal Code Chapter 5.16. Hosts must obtain both a city business license and a specific STR permit, subject to an annual fee and occupancy limits.

The City of Long Beach requires all short-term rental operators to obtain an annual license and pass a fire safety inspection. Stays are subject to a 3% local transient occupancy tax in addition to state sales tax.

Vancouver requires a one-time $250 short-term rental permit and a city business license for all stays under 30 days, with a city-wide cap of 870 units.

The City of Port Angeles regulates short-term rentals under Chapter 17.100, requiring an annual permit and a fire safety inspection. Non-owner occupied units (Type 2) are subject to a city-wide cap and must be located in specific commercial or high-density residential zones.

Cheney regulates short-term rentals primarily through general business licensing and zoning for 'Bed and Breakfast' or 'Transient Lodging' uses rather than a dedicated STR ordinance.

Short-term rentals in Seabrook are regulated by Grays Harbor County and require an annual permit, safety inspections, and adherence to specific occupancy limits.

Unincorporated Island County does not currently have a dedicated short-term rental permit system, though new regulations are actively being developed as of 2024. Hosts must comply with existing land-use standards for bed and breakfasts/home occupations and must ensure their septic systems are rated for the intended occupancy levels.

Tukwila, WA requires all owners of residential rental property, including those used for short-term rentals, to obtain an annual Rental Business License and have the units inspected. Short-term rentals are not allowed in multi-family dwellings like apartments and condominiums.

Olympia regulates short-term rentals by distinguishing between 'homestays' and 'vacation rentals,' requiring a specific permit and a two-unit cap for unhosted vacation rentals.

Short-term rentals in Pullman are permitted as 'Transient Rentals' in specific zones and require an Annual Business License along with a Conditional Use Permit in residential areas.

Short-term rentals in Renton require a city business license and must adhere to strict safety map requirements, off-street parking rules, and occupancy limits.