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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Ashford, WA

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

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals are limited to 5 guest rooms and a maximum of 10 guests (2 per bedroom). Owners must provide guests with parking information and a 'Good Neighbor' brochure, and they must notify all adjacent property owners of their intent to operate.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Notify all adjacent property owners of the intent to operate. 2. Complete and sign the official Vacation Rental Affidavit in the presence of a notary. 3. Submit the notarized affidavit to Pierce County Planning & Public Works (Development Center) for recording in the permitting system.

Regulatory Updates — Ashford

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedMay 2023

Pierce County STR Operating Permit Program

County requires annual STR operating permit ($150/year) for all vacation rentals in unincorporated Pierce County including Ashford; safety compliance required.

PassedAugust 2024

Pierce County STR Safety Standards Update

Updated fire safety requirements for STRs; properties with four or more bedrooms require county fire safety inspection before permit renewal.

Under ReviewSeptember 2025

Pierce County Gateway Community STR Density Review

County reviewing STR concentration in gateway communities; Ashford has among the highest STR-to-housing ratios in Pierce County. Density recommendations expected in 2026.

Official Resources

Official Ashford STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Mt. Rainier Gateway Business AssociationLocal

Local business group supporting Ashford-area tourism operators including vacation rental owners who form the backbone of the gateway economy.

Washington Hospitality AssociationStatewide

Statewide hospitality industry group that tracks STR legislation and provides regulatory guidance for Washington state operators.

Vacation Rental Management AssociationNational

National trade association offering education, advocacy, and resources for professional vacation rental managers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Ashford, WA?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Ashford, WA, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are limited to 5 guest rooms and a maximum of 10 guests (2 per bedroom). Owners must provide guests with parking information and a 'Good Neighbor' brochure, and they must notify all adjacent property owners of their intent to operate. 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 Ashford, WA?
Short-term rentals are limited to 5 guest rooms and a maximum of 10 guests (2 per bedroom). Owners must provide guests with parking information and a 'Good Neighbor' brochure, and they must notify all adjacent property owners of their intent to operate.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Ashford?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Ashford. 1. Notify all adjacent property owners of the intent to operate. 2. Complete and sign the official Vacation Rental Affidavit in the presence of a notary. 3. Submit the notarized affidavit to Pierce County Planning & Public Works (Development Center) for recording in the permitting system.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Ashford?
1. Notify all adjacent property owners of the intent to operate. 2. Complete and sign the official Vacation Rental Affidavit in the presence of a notary. 3. Submit the notarized affidavit to Pierce County Planning & Public Works (Development Center) for recording in the permitting system.
Is Vrbo legal in Ashford, WA?
Vrbo is permitted in Ashford, WA 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 Ashford?
Short-term rental hosts in Ashford 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 Ashford?
The most recent tracked change in Ashford is "Pierce County STR Operating Permit Program" (2023-05-01, status: passed). County requires annual STR operating permit ($150/year) for all vacation rentals in unincorporated Pierce County including Ashford; safety compliance required. See the regulatory updates section on this page for the full history.
What permits do I need for an Ashford STR?
A Pierce County annual STR Operating Permit ($150/year) is required, plus a Washington state business license and state/county lodging tax registration. Properties with four or more bedrooms require a county fire safety inspection.
Are STRs common in Ashford?
Yes — Ashford has one of Pierce County's highest STR-to-housing ratios as the primary gateway to Mount Rainier National Park. The local economy depends heavily on vacation rentals supporting national park visitors.
Does Washington State have STR preemption?
No. Washington has no statewide STR preemption law. Pierce County's permit program governs unincorporated Ashford independently. Operators must monitor county proceedings for any density cap proposals.
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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