Port Townsend, Washington

Short-Term Rental Regulations — Jefferson County

Conditional

STR Status

Permit: RequiredBusiness License RequiredProcessing: 30 days
✓ Verified against the official ordinance.View source· Last verified 6/9/2026
260 ftBuffer Distance

Permit & Licensing

Permit RequiredYes
License Cost$898.36 (Minor Conditional Use Permit, existing building)
Business License RequiredYes
WaitlistNot specified
Est. Processing Time30 days

Owner Requirements

Owner Occupancy RequiredNot specified
Primary Residence RequiredNot specified
Insurance RequiredNot specified

Limits & Restrictions

Density / Distance Cap260 ft
Parking RequiredYes

Taxes & Fees

Transient Occupancy Tax / TOTContact city for rates

Zoning Restrictions

  • No short-term rental allowed in an accessory dwelling unit

Official Sources

Data confidence: 92%Last updated: June 9, 2026

Short-term rental rules in Port Townsend, Washington

Short-term rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo) in Port Townsend, Washington are allowed under certain conditions. Operators must obtain a permit (fee: $898.36 (Minor Conditional Use).

Frequently asked questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Port Townsend, Washington?

Short-term rentals (including Airbnb and Vrbo) are allowed under certain conditions in Port Townsend, Washington.

Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Port Townsend?

A short-term rental permit is required, a business license is also required, the fee is $898.36 (Minor Conditional Use.

Where do these Port Townsend short-term rental rules come from?

These details are verified against Port Townsend'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 Port Townsend, Jefferson County, or Washington authorities — and consult a qualified attorney — before purchasing property or operating an STR. This is not legal advice.