What zoning rules apply to STRs in Everett?

Primary residence is strictly enforced in R-1 and R-2 zones.

What should Everett hosts know about off-street parking is required for?

Off-street parking is required for guests (usually 1 space per 2 bedrooms).

What should Everett hosts know about washington state law (rcw 64.37)?

Washington State law (RCW 64.37) requires all STRs to maintain at least $1M in liability insurance.

Everett, WA Short-Term Rental Rules...

Baseline Verification

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Verified: Feb 8, 2026

Summary

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.

Restriction Level

⛔

Strict

Score: 73 (lenient)

Why this classification:

•Primary residence required
•Owner-occupied required
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap

In Plain English

To run an Airbnb or VRBO in Everett, you must get a city business license and follow rules regarding parking and guest limits. In single-family residential neighborhoods (R-1 and R-2), the rental unit must typically be the owner's primary residence to be eligible.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$125

Processing Time

2-3 weeks

Max Fine

$5,000

3 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

•Everett: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Everett does NOT allow tenants to host STRs. Only property owners may operate short-term rentals.
•Everett allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family Home, Condo, Townhouse, Multi-family unit, ADU.

Requirements(10)

•Everett requires liability insurance for STR hosts. Minimum coverage: $1,000,000. Commercial general liability insurance or specialized short-term rental insurance is required per WA state law (RCW 64.37).

Application Process(7)

•Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Everett: Step 1: Verify Zoning and Residency - Confirm your property is in a zone that allows STRs and verify if you meet the primary residency requirement if located in R-1 or R-2 zones. Estimated time: 1 day. More info: https://www.everettwa.gov/646/Zoning-Maps Step 2: Apply for Washington State Business License - Apply through the WA Department of Revenue (DOR) and add the Everett City License endorsement. Documents needed: Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number, Property tax ID. Estimated time: 1-2 weeks. Cost: 125. More info: https://dor.wa.gov/manage-business/city-license-endorsements/everett Step 3: Register for Taxes - Ensure your state business license includes a registration for Sales and Use tax and Lodging tax. Estimated time: Concurrent. More info: https://dor.wa.gov Step 4: Create Guest Safety Folder - Post the required emergency contact info, quiet hours, and parking rules inside the unit. Documents needed: Emergency contact info, House rules. Estimated time: 1 day.

Fees & Costs(2)

•Everett: Washington State law (RCW 64.37) requires all STRs to maintain at least $1M in liability insurance.
•Everett charges a registration fee of $125 (annual).

Taxes(2)

•Everett 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: Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit WA state and local sales taxes plus the 2% lodging tax.
•Washington has a state sales tax of 0.065% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(4)

•Everett limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
•Everett occupancy calculation: 2 persons per bedroom, up to a maximum of 8 total guests. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Everett limits STRs to a maximum of 8 guests. Formula: 2 persons per bedroom, up to a maximum of 8 total guests
•Everett enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Everett 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 all sleeping areas, Posted evacuation map.

Penalties(2)

•Everett: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Everett enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $250 fine. Second offense: $500 fine. Third offense: Revocation of business license. Daily fine: $250 per day. Maximum fine: 5000. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions(2)

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

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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

Everett

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

3 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

Requirements(10)

Application Process(7)

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

Everett

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 Everett?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Everett?

3Are there residency requirements for STRs in Everett?

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

Related Content

Other Washington Markets

Lake Chelan

Ocean Shores

Anacortes

Walla Walla