Seattle, Washington

Short-Term Rental Regulations — King County

Allowed (Permit Required)

STR Status

Permit: RequiredBusiness License Required
✓ Verified against the official ordinance.View source· Last verified 6/7/2026
700 ftBuffer Distance

Permit & Licensing

Permit RequiredYes
Business License RequiredYes
WaitlistNot specified

Owner Requirements

Owner Occupancy RequiredNot specified
Primary Residence RequiredNot specified
Insurance RequiredNot specified

Limits & Restrictions

Minimum Night Staydefined as fewer than 30 consecutive nights (no minimum stated)
Density / Distance Cap700 ft
Parking RequiredNot specified

Taxes & Fees

Transient Occupancy Tax / TOTContact city for rates

Zoning Restrictions

  • Not allowed in RVs, tents, garages, boats, and other spaces that are not considered dwelling units; floating on-water residences, waterfront residences, and other shoreline-prohibited areas; caretaker's quarters; live-work units

Official Sources

seattle.gov/sdci/codes/common-code-questions/short-term-rentals
Data confidence: 90%Last updated: June 7, 2026

Short-term rental rules in Seattle, Washington

Short-term rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo) in Seattle, Washington are allowed with a permit. Operators must obtain a permit.

Frequently asked questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Seattle, Washington?

Short-term rentals (including Airbnb and Vrbo) are allowed with a permit in Seattle, Washington.

Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Seattle?

A short-term rental permit is required, a business license is also required.

Are there stay limits for short-term rentals in Seattle?

Yes — Seattle sets a minimum stay of 30 nights.

Where do these Seattle short-term rental rules come from?

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