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  1. Home
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  3. Regulations
  4. ·
  5. Washington
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  7. Westport

Westport

Moderate
WashingtonUpdated Feb 10, 2026
Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 3 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Jan 30, 2026Sources 3

Summary

Plain-english overview

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

Severity 21
Classification
Moderate
21
Severity

Why this classification

  • Standard permit fee: $150
  • Tenants cannot host
  • Permit required
  • Reporting required
  • No night cap
  • No primary residence requirement

In plain English

What this means for you

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

Key numbers
Permit requiredYes
Night limitNone
Primary residenceNot required
Total tax rate0.1%
Permit fee$150
Processing time2-4 weeks

7 things hosts often miss

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

Regulation details

Sourced from official code
Eligibility6 rules
  • 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.
Requirements18 rules
  • 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 process8 rules
  • Westport extended permit requirement: Annual renewal fee is $250. Re-inspection fee (if needed) is $150.
Fees & costs2 rules
  • 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.
Taxes2 rules
  • 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 & restrictions5 rules
  • 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 requirements1 rule
  • 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.
Penalties3 rules
  • 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.
Exemptions2 rules
  • 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).

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Westport

0/3
steps completed
Step 1

Zoning Verification

Ensure your property is located in the R-1, R-2, or MU zones of the City of Westport.

1 dayFree
Official resource
Step 2

Business License Application

Apply for a City Business License with an STR endorsement via the WA Department of Revenue or City Clerk.

14 days$50
Documents needed
  • WA State Business ID (UBI)
Official resource
Step 3

STR Permit Application

Submit the local STR permit application including your safety checklist and proof of insurance to the City Clerk.

14 days$150
Documents needed
  • Safety checklist
  • Insurance certificate
  • Site plan
Official resource

Frequently asked questions

5 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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