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  1. Home
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  3. Regulations
  4. ·
  5. Washington
  6. ·
  7. Pullman

Pullman

Permissive
WashingtonUpdated Feb 12, 2026
Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 0 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Feb 12, 2026Sources 0

Summary

Plain-english overview

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

Severity 0
Classification
Permissive
0
Severity

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

What this means for you

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

Key numbers
Permit requiredYes
Night limitNone
Primary residenceNot required
Total tax rate0.1%
Permit fee$60
Processing time4-8 weeks

3 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps
  1. 1Residential zones (R1/R2) require a Conditional Use Permit which involves a public hearing.
  2. 2Pullman refers to short-term rentals as 'Transient Rentals' in their code.
  3. 3Sales tax and lodging tax must be remitted even if the platform doesn't collect them (though major platforms usually do in WA).

Regulation details

Sourced from official code
Eligibility5 rules
  • 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.
Requirements12 rules
  • 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 process8 rules
  • 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 & costs1 rule
  • Pullman charges a registration fee of $60 (annual).
Taxes3 rules
  • 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 & restrictions3 rules
  • 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 requirements1 rule
  • 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.
Penalties2 rules
  • 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.
Exemptions2 rules
  • 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).

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Pullman

0/4
steps completed
Step 1

Register for Washington State Business License

Apply for a Unified Business Identifier (UBI) through the Department of Revenue and register for lodging taxes.

1-2 weeks$19
Documents needed
  • SSN or EIN
  • Owner information
Official resource
Step 2

Check Zoning and Apply for CUP if necessary

If the property is in a residential zone (R1/R2), you must apply for a Conditional Use Permit from the Planning Division.

4-8 weeks$500
Documents needed
  • Site Plan
  • Operational Plan
Official resource
Step 3

Apply for Pullman City Business License

Add the City of Pullman to your state business license through the DOR MyDOR portal.

1 week$60
Documents needed
  • State UBI number
Official resource
Step 4

Pass Fire Safety Inspection

Schedule an inspection with the Pullman Fire Department to ensure compliance with life safety codes.

1 weekFree
Official resource

Frequently asked questions

4 answered

Disclaimer

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

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