What zoning rules apply to STRs in Ellensburg?

Whole-home (unhosted) rentals are effectively barred from traditional low-density residential zones (R-S, R-L) without a Conditional Use Permit.

What should Ellensburg hosts know about state law requires $1,000,000 liability?

State law requires $1,000,000 liability insurance coverage.

What are the key requirements for Ellensburg hosts?

A physical floor plan and emergency contact information must be posted conspicuously inside the unit.

Ellensburg, WA Short-Term Rental Regulations & Requirements

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Verified: Feb 8, 2026

Summary

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.

Restriction Level

⛔

Strict

Score: 63 (moderate)

Why this classification:

•Primary residence required
•Owner-occupied required
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•Tenants can host

In Plain English

If you rent out a room in your own home (hosted), you are generally allowed in most zones with a city business license. If you rent out an entire home where you don't live (unhosted), you are restricted to specific zones and will likely need a Conditional Use Permit from the city. All hosts must carry $1 million in liability insurance and post safety information as required by Washington state law.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$30

Processing Time

1-2 weeks

3 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

•Ellensburg: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Ellensburg: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Ellensburg prohibits STRs in the following property types: RV, Travel Trailer, Tent, Temporary Shelters.

Requirements(11)

•Ellensburg requires liability insurance for STR hosts. Minimum coverage: $1,000,000. Must maintain primary liability insurance of at least $1 million per RCW 64.37.050.
•Ellensburg STR warning: State law requires $1,000,000 liability insurance coverage.
•Ellensburg: You must display your permit/registration number on your Airbnb listing.

Application Process(8)

•Ellensburg STR permit - Step 1: Obtain Washington State Business License. Apply for a Unified Business Identifier (UBI) through the Washington State Department of Revenue. Required documents: Tax information, Entity details. Time: 1 week. Cost: 50.

Fees & Costs(2)

•Ellensburg charges a registration fee of $30 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $65 (A $65 processing fee applies for Home Occupation Permit applications (hosted rentals).).
•Ellensburg: State law requires $1,000,000 liability insurance coverage.

Taxes(2)

•Washington has a state sales tax of 0.065% that applies to STR rentals.
•Ellensburg charges a Special Hotel/Motel Tax of 0.02%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO typically collect and remit both the sales tax and the local lodging tax in Washington.

Limits & Restrictions(4)

•Ellensburg occupancy calculation: 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional persons. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Ellensburg limits STRs to a maximum of 10 guests. Formula: 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional persons
•Ellensburg limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
•Ellensburg enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Ellensburg requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Floor plan indicating fire exits, Street address clearly posted inside unit, Carbon monoxide alarms per RCW 19.27.530.

Penalties(2)

•Ellensburg: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Ellensburg enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Warning Letter. Second offense: Class 2 Civil Infraction. Third offense: Varies by code enforcement. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions(2)

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

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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

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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

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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

Ellensburg

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Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

3 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

Requirements(11)

Application Process(8)

Fees & Costs(2)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(4)

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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Other Washington Markets

Lake Chelan

Ocean Shores

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Walla Walla

Ellensburg

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

3 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

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

2What is the TOT tax rate in Ellensburg?

3Are there rental night limits in Ellensburg?

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

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Lake Chelan

Ocean Shores

Anacortes

Walla Walla