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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Forks, WA

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

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals must comply with Ordinance 629 and Clallam County standards, which include mandatory safety inspections for egress and fire protection, septic system capacity limits, adequate on-site parking, and providing renters with written notice of noise regulations and emergency contacts.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Apply for a Special Use Permit (SUP) through the City of Forks. 2. Obtain a safety inspection from the Clallam County Department of Community Development to verify building code compliance (egress, fire protection). 3. Ensure compliance with state business licensing and tax requirements.

Official Resources

Official Forks STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Forks, WA?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Forks, WA, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals must comply with Ordinance 629 and Clallam County standards, which include mandatory safety inspections for egress and fire protection, septic system capacity limits, adequate on-site parking, and providing renters with written notice of noise regulations and emergency contacts. 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 Forks, WA?
Short-term rentals must comply with Ordinance 629 and Clallam County standards, which include mandatory safety inspections for egress and fire protection, septic system capacity limits, adequate on-site parking, and providing renters with written notice of noise regulations and emergency contacts.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Forks?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Forks. 1. Apply for a Special Use Permit (SUP) through the City of Forks. 2. Obtain a safety inspection from the Clallam County Department of Community Development to verify building code compliance (egress, fire protection). 3. Ensure compliance with state business licensing and tax requirements.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Forks?
1. Apply for a Special Use Permit (SUP) through the City of Forks. 2. Obtain a safety inspection from the Clallam County Department of Community Development to verify building code compliance (egress, fire protection). 3. Ensure compliance with state business licensing and tax requirements.
Is Vrbo legal in Forks, WA?
Vrbo is permitted in Forks, 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 Forks?
Short-term rental hosts in Forks 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 Forks?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Forks. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.
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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