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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Bellevue, WA

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Entire single-family homes cannot be used for transient lodging; individual rooms in an owner-occupied single-family home may operate as a Boarding House/Bed and Breakfast (max two rooms, max two adults per room). Apartments, condos, or units in multifamily dwellings in Residential (R-1 through R-30) districts may provide Short-Term Stay Use with registration, limited to no more than five units per building and 20% of units in a development.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) For multifamily/condo units: File a Short Term Stay Use Registration Notice with Development Services; use may commence upon acceptance. 2) For owner-occupied single-family rooms: Apply for a Home Occupation Permit through Development Services, which includes public notice to neighbors and planner review. 3) Compliance: May require fire inspection; Home Occupation permits are subject to review after one year.

Official Resources

Official Bellevue STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Bellevue, WA?
Entire single-family homes cannot be used for transient lodging; individual rooms in an owner-occupied single-family home may operate as a Boarding House/Bed and Breakfast (max two rooms, max two adults per room). Apartments, condos, or units in multifamily dwellings in Residential (R-1 through R-30) districts may provide Short-Term Stay Use with registration, limited to no more than five units per building and 20% of units in a development.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Bellevue?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Bellevue. 1) For multifamily/condo units: File a Short Term Stay Use Registration Notice with Development Services; use may commence upon acceptance. 2) For owner-occupied single-family rooms: Apply for a Home Occupation Permit through Development Services, which includes public notice to neighbors and planner review. 3) Compliance: May require fire inspection; Home Occupation permits are subject to review after one year.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Bellevue?
1) For multifamily/condo units: File a Short Term Stay Use Registration Notice with Development Services; use may commence upon acceptance. 2) For owner-occupied single-family rooms: Apply for a Home Occupation Permit through Development Services, which includes public notice to neighbors and planner review. 3) Compliance: May require fire inspection; Home Occupation permits are subject to review after one year.
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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: March 2026 · Suggest a correction