Cross-referenced against 3 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.
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.
To host an Airbnb in Friday Harbor, you must first get a Town-specific permit, which is different from the San Juan County permit. You'll need to provide a floor plan, show you have $500k in liability insurance, and pass a fire inspection. Be aware that the town has a limit on how many rental permits it issues, so check for availability before buying property. Once approved, you must pay a 7% local lodging tax on all bookings in addition to state taxes.
Regulatory information is AI-researched from public city/county codes 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 Details may be outdated or incomplete.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.
Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM