What zoning rules apply to STRs in Bellevue?

Residential Ban: Short-term rentals are effectively banned in residential zones (R-1 through R-30).

What should Bellevue hosts know about 30-day rule: any rental less?

30-Day Rule: Any rental less than 30 days is considered transient and is restricted to commercial districts.

What should Bellevue hosts know about bed & breakfast loophole: while?

Bed & Breakfast Loophole: While 'Bed and Breakfasts' are sometimes allowed, they require the owner to live on-site and have extremely strict licensing that doesn't apply to standard Airbnb whole-home rentals.

What should Bellevue hosts know about active enforcement: the city of?

Active Enforcement: The City of Bellevue Code Enforcement department investigates complaints about illegal STRs in residential neighborhoods.

Bellevue, WA Short-Term Rental Regulations & Zoning Laws

Baseline Verification

100%

Basic verification complete

Verified: Feb 7, 2026

Summary

Short-term rentals (stays of less than 30 days) are generally prohibited in all residential zoning districts in Bellevue.

Restriction Level

🚫

Prohibited

Score: 100 (lenient)

Why this classification:

•Residential STRs prohibited
•Banned in all/most residential zones
•Long minimum stay: 30 nights
•Tenants cannot host
•Reporting required
•No STR-specific permit required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•No STR-specific fee

In Plain English

In Bellevue, you cannot legally rent out your home or an ADU for less than 30 days in any residential neighborhood. Short-term lodging is only permitted in specific commercial or mixed-use zones as 'transient lodging' and requires a city business license.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Residential Ban: Short-term rentals are effectively banned in residential zones (R-1 through R-30).
2.30-Day Rule: Any rental less than 30 days is considered transient and is restricted to commercial districts.
3.Bed & Breakfast Loophole: While 'Bed and Breakfasts' are sometimes allowed, they require the owner to live on-site and have extremely strict licensing that doesn't apply to standard Airbnb whole-home rentals.
4.Active Enforcement: The City of Bellevue Code Enforcement department investigates complaints about illegal STRs in residential neighborhoods.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(4)

•Bellevue does NOT allow tenants to host STRs. Only property owners may operate short-term rentals.
•Bellevue allows STRs in the following property types: Hotels, Motels, Transient Lodging in Commercial Zones.
•Bellevue prohibits STRs in the following property types: Single Family Homes, Apartments, Condos, ADUs, Townhomes.

Requirements(11)

•Bellevue does not require STR registration.
•Bellevue: You must display your permit/registration number on your listing. Platforms may remove non-compliant listings.
•Bellevue STR warning: Active Enforcement: The City of Bellevue Code Enforcement department investigates complaints about illegal STRs in residential neighborhoods.

Application Process(6)

•Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Bellevue: Step 1: Zoning Verification - Check the Bellevue Land Use Code to confirm your property is in a zone where 'Transient Lodging' is a permitted use. It is prohibited in all 'R' (Residential) zones. Documents needed: Property address, Zoning map access. Estimated time: 1 day. More info: https://bellevue.elaws.us/code/luc_20.10.440 Step 2: Obtain State Tax ID - Register your business with the Washington State Department of Revenue to receive a Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number. Documents needed: SSN or FEIN, Business ownership info. Estimated time: 1 week. Cost: 50. More info: https://dor.wa.gov/open-business Step 3: Apply for Bellevue Business License - Apply for a general business license through the FileLocal portal. If operating transient lodging, you must register as a 'Hotel/Motel' or 'Transient Lodging' provider. Documents needed: State UBI number, Property details. Estimated time: 2 weeks. Cost: 105. More info: https://www.filelocal-wa.gov/

Taxes(2)

•Bellevue charges a Transient Occupancy Tax of 0.02%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit Washington State sales tax and local lodging taxes.
•Washington has a state sales tax of 0.065% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(2)

•Bellevue requires a minimum stay of 30 nights.
•Bellevue enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Bellevue requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher.

Penalties(2)

•Bellevue enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Notice of Violation. Second offense: Monetary penalty per day. Third offense: Legal action. Daily fine: 500.00. Permit may be revoked for violations.
•Bellevue: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(2)

•Bellevue: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•Bellevue exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Bed and Breakfasts (strictly regulated Home Occupations).

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Other Washington Markets

Lake Chelan

Washington

Moderate

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.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Ocean Shores

Washington

Moderate

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.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Anacortes

Washington

Strict

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.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Walla Walla

Washington

Strict

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.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Bellevue

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(4)

Requirements(11)

Application Process(6)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(2)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Bellevue

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Are short-term rentals allowed in Bellevue?

2What is the short-term rental tax rate in Bellevue?

3Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Bellevue?

4What are the penalties for non-compliance in Bellevue?

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Lake Chelan

Ocean Shores

Anacortes

Walla Walla