What is the TOT tax rate in Port Townsend?

**11% TOT** is the current transient occupancy tax rate for short-term rentals in Port Townsend. Hosts are responsible for collecting this tax from guests and remitting it to the city. It's important to comply with these tax regulations to avoid penalties and ensure legal operation within the city. *(52 words)*

Do I need to live in my property to rent it on Airbnb in Port Townsend?

**Yes**, owner-occupancy impacts the type of short-term rental permit required in Port Townsend. The city distinguishes between owner-occupied (Type A) and investment (Type B) rentals. Type A permits are generally available to primary residents, while Type B permits are subject to a city-wide cap and may have a waitlist. *(55 words)*

Can renters host on Airbnb in Port Townsend?

**No**, tenants are not permitted to host on Airbnb or other short-term rental platforms in Port Townsend. The short-term rental regulations require the property owner to obtain the necessary permits and comply with all requirements. Renters are not authorized to sublet the property as a short-term rental. *(51 words)*

Port Townsend

Q: Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Port Townsend?

**Yes**, a Short-Term Rental Permit is required in Port Townsend. Chapter 17.54 of the Municipal Code regulates STRs, distinguishing between owner-occupied (Type A) and investment (Type B) rentals. Type A permits are generally available for primary residents, whereas Type B permits are subject to a city-wide cap and waitlist. *(54 words)*

Q: Are short-term rentals allowed in Port Townsend?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are allowed in Port Townsend, but they are strictly regulated. The city distinguishes between owner-occupied (Type A) and investment (Type B) rentals. Type B rentals are subject to a city-wide cap and may have a waitlist. Consult Chapter 17.54 of the Municipal Code for specific regulations and requirements. *(53 words)*

Strict

STRs Allowed

WashingtonLast updated: February 13, 2026

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Summary

The City of Port Townsend strictly regulates short-term rentals via Chapter 17.54 of the Municipal Code, distinguishing between owner-occupied (Type A) and investment (Type B) rentals. Type B rentals are subject to a city-wide cap and currently have a waitlist, while Type A permits are generally available to primary residents.

Restriction Level

⛔

Strict

Score: 41 (moderate)

Why this classification:

•Moderate permit fee: $450
•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 Port Townsend, you must first determine if you are a 'Type A' host (living on-site) or 'Type B' (entire home/investment). You'll need to apply for a $450 land use permit from the Planning Department and pass a fire safety inspection. All hosts must have a Washington State business license and include their city permit number in their listing title or description. Taxes totaling 11% are usually collected automatically by platforms like Airbnb.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$450

Processing Time

4-6 weeks

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Type B (non-owner occupied) permits are capped and often unavailable due to a waitlist.
2.Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) can only be used as STRs if the owner lives in the primary house.
3.A life safety inspection is mandatory before the permit is issued.
4.Permit numbers must be displayed on every online listing.
5.Only one STR permit is allowed per person/entity in the city.
6.Quiet hours are strictly enforced between 10 PM and 7 AM.
7.Proof of $1M liability insurance specifically for short-term renting is required.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(9)

•Port Townsend does NOT allow tenants to host STRs. Only property owners may operate short-term rentals.
•Port Townsend allows STRs in the following property types: Single-family dwelling, ADU, Duplex.
•Port Townsend does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.

Requirements(22)

•Port Townsend requires liability insurance for STR hosts. Minimum coverage: 1,000,000. Evidence of insurance specifically covering STR use must be submitted with permit.
•Port Townsend STR warning: Only one STR permit is allowed per person/entity in the city.
•Port Townsend STR warning: Proof of $1M liability insurance specifically for short-term renting is required.

Application Process(11)

•Port Townsend, WA: To apply for an STR permit, you'll need: Site Plan, Floor Plan, Proof of Liability Insurance, Washington State Business License (UBI), Proof of primary residence (for Type A).
•Port Townsend, WA extended permit requirement: Annual renewal fee; $450 is the initial land use application fee.

Fees & Costs(2)

•Port Townsend: Proof of $1M liability insurance specifically for short-term renting is required.
•Port Townsend charges a registration fee of $450 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $150 (Annual renewal fee; $450 is the initial land use application fee.).

Taxes(2)

•Port Townsend charges a Sales and Lodging Tax of 11%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit the 11% combined sales/lodging tax directly to WA Dept. of Revenue.
•Washington has a state sales tax of 6.5% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(8)

•Port Townsend limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
•Port Townsend enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
•Port Townsend, WA: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.

Safety Requirements(2)

•Port Townsend: A life safety inspection is mandatory before the permit is issued.
•Port Townsend requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Floor plan showing emergency exits must be posted.

Penalties(3)

•Port Townsend, WA: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Port Townsend enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Warning and request for compliance. Second offense: Civil infraction / Fine. Third offense: Permit revocation. Daily fine: $100 - $500. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions(3)

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

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

Port Townsend

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Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(9)

Requirements(22)

Application Process(11)

Fees & Costs(2)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(8)

Safety Requirements(2)

Penalties(3)

Exemptions(3)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

Other Washington Markets

Lake Chelan

Ocean Shores

Anacortes

Walla Walla

Port Townsend

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

Frequently Asked Questions

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

2What is the TOT tax rate in Port Townsend?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Port Townsend?

4Do I need to live in my property to rent it on Airbnb in Port Townsend?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Port Townsend?

Related Content

Other Washington Markets

Lake Chelan

Ocean Shores

Anacortes

Walla Walla