Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Chelan County, WA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Chelan County, WA, but with restrictions. STRs are regulated by a three-tier system: Tier 1 (owner-occupied, max 8 guests), Tier 2 (non-owner occupied, max 12 guests), and Tier 3 (max 16 guests). Operations are subject to density caps by Zip Code/UGA (typically 6%), a requirement for a qualified local contact reachable within 60 minutes, and mandatory signage displaying the permit number. 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.

STRs are regulated by a three-tier system: Tier 1 (owner-occupied, max 8 guests), Tier 2 (non-owner occupied, max 12 guests), and Tier 3 (max 16 guests). Operations are subject to density caps by Zip Code/UGA (typically 6%), a requirement for a qualified local contact reachable within 60 minutes, and mandatory signage displaying the permit number.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Chelan County. 1. Submit an administrative land use permit application including a property management plan, floor/site plans, and proof of liability insurance. 2. Pass a life-safety inspection conducted by the Fire Marshal or Community Development personnel. 3. Pay required fees and renew the permit annually between September 1 and October 31.

1. Submit an administrative land use permit application including a property management plan, floor/site plans, and proof of liability insurance. 2. Pass a life-safety inspection conducted by the Fire Marshal or Community Development personnel. 3. Pay required fees and renew the permit annually between September 1 and October 31.

Vrbo is permitted in Chelan County, 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.

Short-term rental hosts in Chelan County 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.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Chelan County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.