What should Winthrop hosts know about hard cap on permits: 10%?

Hard cap on permits: 10% of total housing units (approx. 45 permits total).

What should Winthrop hosts know about permits are not transferable to?

Permits are NOT transferable to new owners upon property sale.

What should Winthrop hosts know about non-renewed permits are deemed abandoned?

Non-renewed permits are deemed abandoned after 30 days and the spot is given to the waitlist.

What are the key requirements for Winthrop hosts?

Owner-occupied rentals must have the owner living on-site during guest stays.

STR Laws: Winthrop, WA

Baseline Verification

50%

Basic verification complete

Verified: Feb 6, 2026

Summary

Winthrop strictly regulates short-term 'Overnight Rentals' through a permit cap, specific zoning requirements, and mandatory business licensing.

Restriction Level

🚫

Prohibited

Score: 100 (lenient)

Why this classification:

•Banned in all/most residential zones
•Limited to 1 property per owner
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

To operate a short-term rental in Winthrop, you must obtain an Overnight Rental Permit and a town business license endorsement. There is a cap on the total number of permits available (10% of housing units), and permits do not transfer to new owners if the property is sold. You must also provide at least one on-site parking space per bedroom and adhere to occupancy limits.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$60

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(7)

•Winthrop prohibits STRs in the following property types: RV, Travel Trailer, Tiny Homes (unless on permanent foundation), ADU (outside Overlay Zone).
•Winthrop does NOT allow tenants to host STRs. Only property owners may operate short-term rentals.
•Winthrop does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.

Requirements(13)

•Winthrop: You must display your permit/registration number on your Airbnb listing.
•Winthrop requires liability insurance for STR hosts. Minimum coverage: $1,000,000. State law RCW 64.37.050 requires $1M aggregate liability insurance.
•Winthrop STR warning: Owner-occupied rentals must have the owner living on-site during guest stays.

Application Process(8)

•Winthrop: To apply for an STR permit, you'll need: Unified Business Identifier (UBI), Town Business License, Floor Plan showing fire exits, Site Plan showing parking, Proof of Insurance, Garbage Disposal Plan.

Fees & Costs(1)

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

Taxes(2)

•Washington has a state sales tax of 0.065% that applies to STR rentals.
•Winthrop charges a Lodging Tax (Basic and Special) of 0.05%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO remit state sales and local lodging taxes in Washington.

Limits & Restrictions(6)

•Winthrop enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.
•Winthrop limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
•Winthrop: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.
•Winthrop: Hard cap on permits: 10% of total housing units (approx. 45 permits total).
•Winthrop limits STRs to a maximum of 12 guests. Formula: 2 per bedroom plus 3 additional guests

Safety Requirements(1)

•Winthrop 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, Visible street address, Sign listing max occupants and vehicles, Solid waste removal plan.

Penalties(2)

•Winthrop: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Winthrop enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Up to $1000. Second offense: Up to $1000. Third offense: Up to $1000. Daily fine: Each day of continued use constitutes a separate violation. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions(3)

•Winthrop exempts the following from STR regulations: hosted rentals (where host is present), long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Bed and breakfasts, Hotels, Owner-occupied rentals (exempt from the cap only).
•Winthrop: 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

Winthrop

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(7)

Requirements(13)

Application Process(8)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(6)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(3)

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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

Winthrop

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit in Winthrop?

Related Content

Other Washington Markets

Lake Chelan

Ocean Shores

Anacortes

Walla Walla