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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Eastsound, WA

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

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.

How to Obtain a Permit

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).

Regulatory Updates — Eastsound

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedSeptember 2023

San Juan County STR Operating License Program

Annual license required for all STRs in unincorporated San Juan County including Orcas Island; $200/year fee with mandatory safety compliance inspection.

Under ReviewNovember 2025

San Juan County STR Housing Impact Study

Planning Department study examining housing displacement effects on Orcas Island; results expected to inform potential 2026 cap proposals following Friday Harbor's moratorium.

ProposedDecember 2025

Orcas Island Community STR Forum

Community meetings exploring density caps similar to Friday Harbor's; no formal ordinance introduced yet but growing momentum for action in 2026.

Official Resources

Official Eastsound STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

San Juan Island STR AssociationLocal

Local group representing STR operators across the San Juan Islands; monitors county council proceedings and advocates for operator interests.

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 short-term rentals allowed in Eastsound, WA?
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.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Eastsound?
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).
How do I get a short-term rental permit 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).
Do I need a license to rent on Orcas Island?
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.
Are there caps on STRs in Eastsound?
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.
Does Washington State have STR preemption?
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.
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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