Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Eastsound, WA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Eastsound, WA, but with restrictions. Vacation rentals are subject to island-specific permit caps (Orcas Island cap is 211 permits) and must include the permit number in all advertising. Properties in Eastsound Village Commercial are subject to provisional use permit requirements under Ordinance 10-2025, and all permit holders must submit an annual Certificate of Compliance and adhere to Rules of Conduct. 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.

Vacation rentals are subject to island-specific permit caps (Orcas Island cap is 211 permits) and must include the permit number in all advertising. Properties in Eastsound Village Commercial are subject to provisional use permit requirements under Ordinance 10-2025, and all permit holders must submit an annual Certificate of Compliance and adhere to Rules of Conduct.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Eastsound. 1) Submit a Vacation Rental Application or Provisional Use Permit application via the San Juan County Online Permit Center (SmartGov). 2) Pay the required fee ($2,300 for conditional use or $1,000 for provisional use) and provide documentation including Rules of Conduct and on-island manager contact. 3) Maintain the permit by submitting an annual Certificate of Compliance via the online portal ($145 fee).

1) Submit a Vacation Rental Application or Provisional Use Permit application via the San Juan County Online Permit Center (SmartGov). 2) Pay the required fee ($2,300 for conditional use or $1,000 for provisional use) and provide documentation including Rules of Conduct and on-island manager contact. 3) Maintain the permit by submitting an annual Certificate of Compliance via the online portal ($145 fee).

Vrbo is permitted in Eastsound, 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 Eastsound 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.

The most recent tracked change in Eastsound is "San Juan County STR Operating License Program" (2023-09-01, status: passed). Annual license required for all STRs in unincorporated San Juan County including Orcas Island; $200/year fee with mandatory safety compliance inspection. See the regulatory updates section on this page for the full history.

Yes. San Juan County requires all STR operators in unincorporated areas (which includes most of Orcas Island) to hold an annual STR Operating License ($200/year) plus a county business license. Safety compliance is part of the licensing process.

No formal cap exists yet in Eastsound or on Orcas Island, but the 2025 housing impact study may recommend density limits following Friday Harbor's December 2025 moratorium on new STR permits.

No. Washington has no statewide STR preemption law. Each county and municipality sets its own rules. San Juan County's permit program applies to all unincorporated areas including Orcas Island.