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

**No**, there is currently no local STR-specific license required in Island County, though state and county regulations may still apply. You must comply with existing land-use standards for bed and breakfasts/home occupations. The county is developing new Airbnb regulations, so check their website for updates. (55 words)

What is the TOT tax rate in Island County?

**2% TOT** is the current transient occupancy tax rate for short-term rentals in Island County. Hosts are responsible for collecting this tax from guests and remitting it to the county. Note that Airbnb and VRBO may automatically collect a portion of this tax in certain jurisdictions. (54 words)

Are short-term rentals allowed in Island County?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are generally allowed in unincorporated Island County. However, you need to comply with existing land-use standards and septic system requirements. Your septic system must be rated for the maximum occupancy of your rental. New regulations are being developed, so check for updates. (51 words)

What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Island County?

**Penalties** for operating an illegal short-term rental in Island County vary. Since no specific permit is required, violations would likely fall under existing land-use or health code regulations. You need to ensure your septic system meets occupancy requirements. Check with the county for the latest information. (53 words)

Do I need to live in my property to rent it on Airbnb in Island County?

**No**, there is currently no requirement to live in your property to rent it on Airbnb in unincorporated Island County. However, you must comply with all applicable land-use and health regulations, including septic system capacity limits. New short-term rental rules are being developed, so stay informed. (54 words)

Island County

Permissive

STRs Allowed

WashingtonLast updated: February 10, 2026

Gold Standard Verification

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Forensically verified with 3+ official sources

Verified: Jan 30, 2026

5 Official Sources

Summary

Unincorporated Island County does not currently have a dedicated short-term rental permit system, though new regulations are actively being developed as of 2024. Hosts must comply with existing land-use standards for bed and breakfasts/home occupations and must ensure their septic systems are rated for the intended occupancy levels.

Restriction Level

✅

Permissive

Score: 0 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in unincorporated Island County (outside city limits like Oak Harbor or Langley), you don't currently need a specific 'STR permit,' but you do need a Washington State Business License. Because most of the county relies on septic systems, the Health Department strictly limits how many people can stay in your home based on your septic's capacity. Be aware that the County is currently writing new laws specifically for Airbnbs, so you should check their 'Short-Term Rental' project page frequently for updates.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Processing Time

3-6 months

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Septic capacity is the most common limiting factor for occupancy in Island County.
2.Unincorporated rules do NOT apply inside Oak Harbor, Langley, or Coupeville limits.
3.The 2% Hotel/Motel tax is in addition to standard WA Sales Tax.
4.Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) may have specific restrictions regarding short-term vs long-term use.
5.Island County is in a 'legislative transition'—new rules are expected by late 2024.
6.Check your property's 'Critical Area' status (shorelines/bluffs), which may trigger additional environmental review.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(9)

•Island County does NOT allow tenants to host STRs. Only property owners may operate short-term rentals.
•Island County: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Island County: Outdoor burning may be prohibited for guests depending on the current fire risk level.

Requirements(13)

•Common mistakes and gotchas for STR hosts in Island County: 1. Septic capacity is the #1 limitation; you cannot advertise more guests than your septic permit allows. 2. A local representative must be available 24 hours a day to respond to complaints within 60 minutes. 3. The permit number must be prominently displayed in all online advertisements and listings. 4. Properties on Whidbey or Camano islands within city limits (like Oak Harbor) follow different rules. 5. Outdoor burning may be prohibited for guests depending on the current fire risk level. 6. You are limited to owning/operating a maximum of two short-term rentals within the county.

Application Process(5)

•Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Island County: Step 1: Zoning Verification - Confirm your property is in an unincorporated zone that allows STRs and check septic records for bedroom capacity. Estimated time: 1 week. More info: https://www.islandcountywa.gov/229/Planning-Community-Development Step 2: Obtain State Business License - Register with the WA Department of Revenue for a UBI number and lodging tax endorsement. Estimated time: 2 weeks. Cost: 19. More info: https://dor.wa.gov/open-business/apply-business-license Step 3: Submit County STR Permit Application - Submit a Type II land use application to Island County Planning including site plans and safety certifications. Documents needed: Site Plan, Floor Plan, Septic Certification. Estimated time: 4-8 weeks. Cost: 585. More info: https://www.islandcountywa.gov/715/Short-Term-Rentals

Fees & Costs(1)

•Island County charges a registration fee of $585 (one_time).

Taxes(2)

•Island County charges a Lodging Tax (Special Hotel/Motel Tax) of 2%. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax.
•Washington has a state sales tax of 6.5% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(2)

•Island County: Properties on Whidbey or Camano islands within city limits (like Oak Harbor) follow different rules.
•Island County: You are limited to owning/operating a maximum of two short-term rentals within the county.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Island County requires: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection.

Penalties(1)

•Island County enforces penalties: First offense: Warning or $500 fine. Maximum fine: Unspecified.

Exemptions(2)

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

0.1% total tax

Island County

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(9)

Requirements(13)

Application Process(5)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(2)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(1)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Island County

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 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 Island County?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Island County?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Island County?

4What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Island County?

5Do I need to live in my property to rent it on Airbnb in Island County?

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