What is the TOT tax rate in Westport?

**10% TOT** (Transient Occupancy Tax) must be collected from guests for short-term rentals in Westport. You need to remit these taxes to the city, though platforms like Airbnb may handle the collection on your behalf. Always verify current tax laws with the city’s finance department. (51 words)

Are short-term rentals allowed in Westport?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are allowed in Westport, but they are regulated. You need to obtain the required permits and licenses, collect the appropriate taxes, and adhere to occupancy limits. Stays are limited to less than 30 days, and you must observe quiet hours between 10 PM and 7 AM. (52 words)

How much does an STR permit cost in Westport?

**$150** is the annual fee for both the Short-Term Rental Permit and the required city business license. You need to ensure your property passes a fire safety self-inspection as part of the permit application process. Keep a copy of your permit and house rules posted inside the rental unit. (52 words)

Can renters host on Airbnb in Westport?

**No**, tenants are not permitted to host short-term rentals in Westport. You need to be the property owner to obtain the required permits and licenses. Ensure you meet all requirements outlined in the Westport Municipal Code Chapter 5.16 regarding short-term rentals before listing your property. (51 words)

Westport, WA Short-Term Rental Laws...

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Verified: Jan 30, 2026

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Summary

Short-term rentals are regulated in the City of Westport under Municipal Code Chapter 5.16. Hosts must obtain both a city business license and a specific STR permit, subject to an annual fee and occupancy limits.

Restriction Level

⚠️

Moderate

Score: 21 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Standard permit fee: $150
•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 Westport, you must first verify your property is in an allowed zone and then apply for a local STR permit and business license. You are required to collect a 10% Transient Occupancy Tax from guests, though platforms like Airbnb may handle the collection for you. You'll need to pass a fire safety self-inspection and keep a copy of your permit and house rules posted inside the home. Stays are limited to less than 30 days and must follow strict quiet hours between 10 PM and 7 AM.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$150

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Verify you are within the City of Westport limits; properties in Unincorporated Grays Harbor County follow different rules.
2.The maximum occupancy is strictly 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, capped at 10 total.
3.A self-inspection safety checklist is required as part of the application process.
4.Proof of liability insurance ($500k minimum) specifically covering STR use is mandatory.
5.Off-street parking must be provided; guests are often prohibited from parking on narrow city streets.
6.The 10% TOT tax is required for all stays under 30 days.
7.ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) are generally restricted for STR use unless they meet specific density requirements.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

•Westport does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
•Westport allows STRs in the following property types: Single-family dwellings, Guest houses, Condominiums.
•Westport: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Westport: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.

Requirements(18)

•Westport STR warning: Weekly solid waste (trash) collection is mandatory year-round, regardless of occupancy.
•Westport STR warning: Your permit number must be included in all online listings and advertisements.
•Westport requires STR registration. The permit is called "Vacation Rental Dwelling Permit". Apply through Planning and Building Department. Renewal is required.

Application Process(8)

•Westport extended permit requirement: Annual renewal fee is $250. Re-inspection fee (if needed) is $150.

Fees & Costs(2)

•Westport charges a registration fee of $750 (one_time). Extended/additional fee: $250 (Annual renewal fee is $250. Re-inspection fee (if needed) is $150.).
•Westport: The initial application fee is $750, but the city council briefly raised it to $1,500 before reducing it back in late 2023.

Taxes(2)

•Washington has a state sales tax of 6.5% that applies to STR rentals.
•Westport charges a Special Hotel/Motel Tax of 3%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO generally collect state and local taxes in WA, but hosts must still register with WA DOR.

Limits & Restrictions(5)

•Westport occupancy calculation: SQ FT of building divided by 200 (International Building Code standards). Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Westport: Verify if you are in the City limits or Unincorporated County; rules and fees differ significantly.
•Westport enforces quiet hours: Subject to general city noise ordinance; Good Neighbor Policy required.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Westport requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Floor plan indicating fire exits, Tsunami evacuation maps, Weekly solid waste collection, Good Neighbor Policy posted.

Penalties(3)

•Westport: Serious or repeated STR violations can result in criminal charges, not just fines.
•Westport enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Warning. Second offense: $250.00 fine. Third offense: $500.00 fine. Daily fine: Each day of violation is a separate offense. Permit may be revoked for violations. Criminal penalties may apply.

Exemptions(2)

•Westport exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days).
•Westport: 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.

Westport

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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(6)

Requirements(18)

Application Process(8)

Fees & Costs(2)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(5)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(3)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Westport

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 Westport?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Westport?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Westport?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Westport?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Westport?

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