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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Ketchikan, AK

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals are permitted in residential, commercial, and miscellaneous land use tables subject to specific standards. Operators must provide at least one off-street parking space per short-term rental unit and are required to collect and remit transient occupancy taxes (4% borough rate; 7% within city limits) on a quarterly basis.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Ensure the property meets Title 18 zoning standards, including the provision of one off-street parking space per rental unit. 2. Register as an operator with the Borough Finance Department to collect Transient Occupancy Tax. 3. File completed tax returns and remit payments to the Finance Department on a quarterly basis.

Official Resources

Official Ketchikan STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Ketchikan, AK?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Ketchikan, AK, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are permitted in residential, commercial, and miscellaneous land use tables subject to specific standards. Operators must provide at least one off-street parking space per short-term rental unit and are required to collect and remit transient occupancy taxes (4% borough rate; 7% within city limits) on a quarterly basis. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Ketchikan, AK?
Short-term rentals are permitted in residential, commercial, and miscellaneous land use tables subject to specific standards. Operators must provide at least one off-street parking space per short-term rental unit and are required to collect and remit transient occupancy taxes (4% borough rate; 7% within city limits) on a quarterly basis.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Ketchikan?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Ketchikan. 1. Ensure the property meets Title 18 zoning standards, including the provision of one off-street parking space per rental unit. 2. Register as an operator with the Borough Finance Department to collect Transient Occupancy Tax. 3. File completed tax returns and remit payments to the Finance Department on a quarterly basis.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Ketchikan?
1. Ensure the property meets Title 18 zoning standards, including the provision of one off-street parking space per rental unit. 2. Register as an operator with the Borough Finance Department to collect Transient Occupancy Tax. 3. File completed tax returns and remit payments to the Finance Department on a quarterly basis.
Is Vrbo legal in Ketchikan, AK?
Vrbo is permitted in Ketchikan, AK under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Ketchikan?
Short-term rental hosts in Ketchikan are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Ketchikan?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Ketchikan. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.
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Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction