Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Leavenworth, WA?

**Yes**, you need a Short-Term Rental License to operate legally in Leavenworth. You need to apply for this license if your rental is in a permitted commercial zone, as most residential areas prohibit new STRs. The annual license fee is $500. You must also post your permit number online.

What is the TOT tax rate in Leavenworth, WA?

**4% TOT** is the current transient occupancy tax rate for short-term rentals within the city. You need to collect this tax from your guests and remit it to the City of Leavenworth regularly. Always consult with the city's finance department for the most current information and reporting guidelines.

Are short-term rentals allowed in Leavenworth, WA?

**Short-term rentals are heavily restricted** in Leavenworth, primarily allowed only within commercial zones. You need to verify your property's zoning before operating a short-term rental. Residential zones (RL and MF) generally prohibit new STRs. Grandfathered permits are non-transferable and subject to annual renewal requirements.

How much does an STR permit cost in Leavenworth, WA?

**An STR permit costs $500** annually in Leavenworth, WA. You need to renew this permit each year to maintain legal operation. Keep in mind that this fee is in addition to any other standard business license fees or taxes that might be required by the city or state.

Can renters host on Airbnb in Leavenworth, WA?

**No**, the regulations do not specify whether renters can host on Airbnb in Leavenworth, WA. You need to consult with the local planning and zoning department for clarification. Always ensure you have permission from the property owner and comply with all lease agreements before listing a rental.

Leavenworth

Prohibited

STRs Allowed

WashingtonLast updated: February 10, 2026

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Verified: Jan 30, 2026

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Summary

Short-term rentals in the City of Leavenworth are heavily regulated and strictly prohibited in most residential zones (RL and MF), primarily allowed only in commercial districts. Existing 'grandfathered' residential permits are subject to non-transferability and annual renewal requirements.

Restriction Level

🚫

Prohibited

Score: 100 (lenient)

Why this classification:

•Residential STRs prohibited
•High permit fee: $500
•Limited to 1 property per owner
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in the City of Leavenworth, you must first verify your property is in a permitted commercial zone, as most residential areas are banned from new STR use. You will need an annual license costing $500 and a state business license. All units must pass a safety inspection and follow strict occupancy limits (max 12 people). Make sure to post your permit number on all online listings to avoid fines of $500 per day.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$500

Processing Time

30-60 days

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.New STR permits are NOT allowed in the Residential Low Density (RL) zone.
2.Short-term rentals are strictly prohibited in Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).
3.Licenses are non-transferable; if you sell the property, the new owner must apply for a new license (if eligible).
4.A local contact person must be available 24/7 and respond to complaints within 30 minutes.
5.The 4% City Lodging Tax must be remitted quarterly using the city's specific paper/PDF form.
6.Failure to renew by Jan 31st results in a $250 late fee and potential loss of grandfathered status.
7.Off-street parking is required; street parking for guests is generally prohibited in the permit requirements.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(8)

•Leavenworth allows STRs in the following property types: Commercial buildings (Commercial Zones), Single-family homes (as B&B with owner on-site), Accessory Dwelling Units (as part of B&B with owner on-site).
•Leavenworth limits hosts to a maximum of 1 STR properties per owner.
•Leavenworth requires the host to be present during STR stays (hosted rentals only).

Requirements(18)

•Leavenworth STR warning: Platform Remittance: While platforms collect the 5% lodging tax, they do not verify if your rental is legally zoned; the host is liable for illegal operation fines.
•Leavenworth STR warning: Fire Sprinklers: Converting a residential structure to a commercial short-term rental in a commercial zone often triggers expensive building code requirements like fire sprinklers.

Application Process(8)

•Leavenworth STR permit - Step 2: Conditional Use Permit (Residential Only). For B&B operations in residential zones, apply for a CUP which involves a public hearing and examiner review. Required documents: Site Plan, Management Plan, Parking Plan. Time: 3-6 months.

Taxes(2)

•Leavenworth charges a Lodging Excise Tax of 5%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit the 5% lodging tax and state sales tax automatically in Washington.
•Washington has a state sales tax of 6.5% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(6)

•Leavenworth: City vs. County: If you are outside the city limits, you follow Chelan County rules, which are currently under a strict cap and rarely issuing new permits.
•Leavenworth: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.
•Leavenworth enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM.

Safety Requirements(2)

•Leavenworth requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Annual fire and life safety inspection, Fire sprinkler systems required for many commercial conversions, Adequate off-street parking must be documented.

Penalties(3)

•Leavenworth enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Fine up to $500. Second offense: Continuing violations treated as separate offenses. Third offense: Potential revocation of business license. Daily fine: $500 per day. Maximum fine: Uncapped (daily accrual). Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions(2)

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

0.1% total tax

Leavenworth

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(8)

Requirements(18)

Application Process(8)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(6)

Safety Requirements(2)

Penalties(3)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Leavenworth

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 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 Leavenworth, WA?

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

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Leavenworth, WA?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Leavenworth, WA?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Leavenworth, WA?

Related Content

Other Washington Markets

Lake Chelan

Ocean Shores

Anacortes

Walla Walla