Bellingham, Washington
Short-Term Rental Regulations — Whatcom County
STR Status
Permit & Licensing
Owner Requirements
Limits & Restrictions
Taxes & Fees
Zoning Restrictions
- Not permitted in industrial, institutional, or public general use type areas; not permitted in Lake Whatcom Watershed Basin One; not permitted in multifamily tax exemption program units; not permitted in co-living housing
Official Sources
Short-term rental rules in Bellingham, Washington
Short-term rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo) in Bellingham, Washington are allowed under certain conditions. Operators must obtain a permit. The home must be the host's primary residence.
Frequently asked questions
Are short-term rentals allowed in Bellingham, Washington?
Short-term rentals (including Airbnb and Vrbo) are allowed under certain conditions in Bellingham, Washington. The home must be the host's primary residence.
Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Bellingham?
A short-term rental permit is required.
Are there stay limits for short-term rentals in Bellingham?
Yes — Bellingham sets a cap of 95 rental nights per year.
Where do these Bellingham short-term rental rules come from?
These details are verified against Bellingham's official short-term rental ordinance and updated when the rules change.
Always verify before you buy. Short-term-rental rules change often and may not be fully current here. Confirm directly with Bellingham, Whatcom County, or Washington authorities — and consult a qualified attorney — before purchasing property or operating an STR. This is not legal advice.