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

**Yes**, you need a Short-Term Rental permit to operate legally in Bellingham. You need to apply for this mandatory land-use permit, which is subject to annual renewal. The permit costs $160 per year. Ensure you obtain this permit before listing your property on platforms like Airbnb. (54 words)

What is the TOT tax rate in Bellingham, WA?

**2% TOT** is the current transient occupancy tax rate for short-term rentals within the city. Hosts are responsible for collecting this tax from guests and remitting it to the city. Check with the Bellingham finance department for information regarding filing deadlines and payment methods to ensure compliance. (52 words)

How much does an STR permit cost in Bellingham?

**The STR permit** currently costs $160 annually in Bellingham, Washington. This is a mandatory fee for all short-term rental operators within the city. It is important to note that the permit is subject to annual renewal, and you must keep your permit current to avoid penalties from the city. (53 words)

Can renters host on Airbnb in Bellingham?

**Yes**, tenants can host on Airbnb in Bellingham, Washington. However, renters must still comply with all applicable short-term rental regulations, including obtaining the required land-use permit and collecting/remitting the 2% TOT. Landlords may also have specific restrictions in lease agreements, so review your lease. (52 words)

Bellingham

Q: Are short-term rentals allowed in Bellingham?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are permitted in Bellingham, WA, but they are subject to specific regulations. The city distinguishes between Type 1 (primary residence) and Type 2 (secondary residence) rentals. Note that Type 2 rentals are prohibited in certain residential single zones, so check your zoning before listing your property. (53 words)

Prohibited

STRs Allowed

WashingtonLast updated: February 13, 2026

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Verified: Jan 30, 2026

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Summary

Short-term rentals are permitted in the City of Bellingham subject to a mandatory land-use permit and annual renewal. The city distinguishes between Type 1 (primary residence) and Type 2 (secondary residence) rentals, with Type 2 units being prohibited in certain residential single zones.

Restriction Level

🚫

Prohibited

Score: 100 (lenient)

Why this classification:

•Residential STRs prohibited
•Standard permit fee: $160
•Limited to 1 property per owner
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•Tenants can host

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in Bellingham, you must first get a city short-term rental permit. If you live in the home you are renting (Type 1), you can host in almost any residential zone. If it's a second home (Type 2), you are restricted from certain single-family neighborhoods. You'll need to pay a $160 application fee, provide proof of $1 million in liability insurance, and collect a 2% local lodging tax in addition to state sales tax.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$160

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Type 2 (secondary residence) STRs are prohibited in Residential Single (RS) zones.
2.Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) can only be used as STRs if the owner lives on the property (either in the main house or the ADU).
3.Only one STR permit is allowed per person/entity.
4.A city business license is required in addition to the STR permit.
5.The 2% local lodging tax is required for stays under 30 days.
6.Safety inspections are not automatic but the city may audit and inspect properties for compliance.
7.Permit numbers must be displayed in all online advertisements/listings.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(10)

•Bellingham, WA: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Bellingham allows STRs in the following property types: Single-family homes, Multi-family units, ADUs (subject to restrictions).
•Bellingham limits hosts to a maximum of 1 STR properties per owner.
•Bellingham: Type 2 (secondary residence) STRs are prohibited in Residential Single (RS) zones.

Requirements(24)

•Bellingham STR warning: A city business license is required in addition to the STR permit.
•Bellingham STR warning: Safety inspections are not automatic but the city may audit and inspect properties for compliance.
•Bellingham STR warning: The 2% local lodging tax is required for stays under 30 days.
•Bellingham STR warning: Permit numbers must be displayed in all online advertisements/listings.

Application Process(10)

•Bellingham, WA extended permit requirement: Renewal fee is lower than initial application fee.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Bellingham charges a registration fee of $160 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $100 (Renewal fee is lower than initial application fee.).

Taxes(3)

•Washington has a state sales tax of 6.5% that applies to STR rentals.
•Bellingham charges a Lodging Tax of 2%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO generally collect state and local taxes, but hosts must still file returns with the city.
•Bellingham: The 2% local lodging tax is required for stays under 30 days.

Limits & Restrictions(7)

•Bellingham, WA: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.
•Bellingham occupancy calculation: 2 guests per bedroom + 2 additional, up to 12 maximum.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Bellingham: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.

Safety Requirements(2)

•Bellingham: Safety inspections are not automatic but the city may audit and inspect properties for compliance.
•Bellingham requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Interconnected smoke alarms, Egress windows in sleeping rooms.

Penalties(3)

•Bellingham enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $100 fine. Second offense: $500 fine. Third offense: $1,000 fine. Daily fine: $250 per day for continuing violations. Permit may be revoked for violations.
•Bellingham: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(3)

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

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

Bellingham

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(10)

Requirements(24)

Application Process(10)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(3)

Limits & Restrictions(7)

Safety Requirements(2)

Penalties(3)

Exemptions(3)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

Other Washington Markets

Lake Chelan

Ocean Shores

Anacortes

Walla Walla

Bellingham

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Bellingham?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Bellingham, WA?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Bellingham?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Bellingham?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Bellingham?

Related Content

Other Washington Markets

Lake Chelan

Ocean Shores

Anacortes

Walla Walla