What zoning rules apply to STRs in Pullman?

Residential zones (R1/R2) require a Conditional Use Permit which involves a public hearing.

What should Pullman hosts know about pullman refers to short-term rentals?

Pullman refers to short-term rentals as 'Transient Rentals' in their code.

What are the key requirements for Pullman hosts?

Sales tax and lodging tax must be remitted even if the platform doesn't collect them (though major platforms usually do in WA).

Pullman, WA Short-Term Rental Regulations and Licensing

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Verified: Feb 12, 2026

Summary

Short-term rentals in Pullman are permitted as 'Transient Rentals' in specific zones and require an Annual Business License along with a Conditional Use Permit in residential areas.

Restriction Level

✅

Permissive

Score: 0 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Permit required
•Reporting required
•Safety standards required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•Low permit fee
•Tenants can host

In Plain English

To run an Airbnb or VRBO in Pullman, you must obtain a city business license and register for state taxes. If your property is in a residential zone, you typically need a Conditional Use Permit, and you must follow specific safety and occupancy rules.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$60

Processing Time

4-8 weeks

3 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

•Pullman does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
•Pullman: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Pullman allows tenants to host STRs. Requirements: Requires written landlord consent and proof of insurance.
•Pullman allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family, Condo, Townhouse, Apartment.

Requirements(12)

•Pullman requires liability insurance for STR hosts. Minimum coverage: $1,000,000. Property must be covered by a liability insurance policy for STR use.
•Pullman: A fire inspection may be required before you can operate. Schedule early as this can delay your start date.
•Pullman: Hosts must report their rental activity quarterly to the city, even if platforms collect taxes.

Application Process(8)

•Pullman extended permit requirement: A one-time Conditional Use Permit fee may apply for residential zones, typically around $500.
•Pullman STR permit - Step 4: Pass Fire Safety Inspection. Schedule an inspection with the Pullman Fire Department to ensure compliance with life safety codes. Time: 1 week.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Pullman charges a registration fee of $60 (annual).

Taxes(3)

•Pullman 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 generally collect and remit the state-administered lodging taxes.
•Pullman: Sales tax and lodging tax must be remitted even if the platform doesn't collect them (though major platforms usually do in WA).

Limits & Restrictions(3)

•Pullman occupancy calculation: Limited by septic/sewer capacity or 2 per bedroom plus 2. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Pullman limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
•Pullman enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Pullman requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Egress windows in sleeping rooms, Functioning emergency lighting if over certain occupancy.

Penalties(2)

•Pullman enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Warning and request for compliance. Second offense: Civil infraction/fine. Third offense: Revocation of business license. Permit may be revoked for violations.
•Pullman: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(2)

•Pullman exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.
•Pullman: 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

Pullman

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(12)

Application Process(8)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(3)

Limits & Restrictions(3)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

Other Washington Markets

Lake Chelan

Ocean Shores

Anacortes

Walla Walla

Pullman

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 Pullman?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Pullman?

3Are there rental night limits in Pullman?

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

Related Content

Other Washington Markets

Lake Chelan

Ocean Shores

Anacortes

Walla Walla