Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Lake Stevens, WA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Lake Stevens, WA, but with restrictions. STRs are limited to specific zoning districts with a 150-foot separation requirement between parcels and a city-wide cap of 50 active licenses. Operators must occupy the unit as a primary residence for at least 240 days per year (unless living within the Lake Stevens UGA) and are limited to one STR per parcel. Prohibited activities include events like weddings or banquets, and quiet hours are mandated between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. 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 limited to specific zoning districts with a 150-foot separation requirement between parcels and a city-wide cap of 50 active licenses. Operators must occupy the unit as a primary residence for at least 240 days per year (unless living within the Lake Stevens UGA) and are limited to one STR per parcel. Prohibited activities include events like weddings or banquets, and quiet hours are mandated between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Lake Stevens. 1. Submit a Type I application and STR checklist through the city's online permit portal. 2. Provide proof of a city business license and current insurance per RCW 64.37.050. 3. Pay the $500 initial permit fee (or $100 for annual renewal) and comply with neighbor notification requirements.

1. Submit a Type I application and STR checklist through the city's online permit portal. 2. Provide proof of a city business license and current insurance per RCW 64.37.050. 3. Pay the $500 initial permit fee (or $100 for annual renewal) and comply with neighbor notification requirements.

Vrbo is permitted in Lake Stevens, 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 Lake Stevens 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 Lake Stevens. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.