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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Leavenworth, WA

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

Zoning & Conditions

STRs are banned in Leavenworth residential zones (RL6, RL12, Multifamily). In commercial zones, they may require fire sprinklers and parking improvements. In Chelan County jurisdiction, requirements include one off-street parking space per bedroom, a local contact reachable within 60 minutes, and prominent display of the permit number in all advertisements.

How to Obtain a Permit

In the City, STRs are generally banned in residential zones; where allowed in commercial zones, owners must obtain city licensing and meet building code requirements. In Chelan County jurisdiction: 1) Submit a completed STR application with fees ($600-$900). 2) Provide proof of a local contact available 24/7. 3) Pass required safety/fire inspections and renew annually between Sept 1 and Oct 31.

Regulatory Updates — Leavenworth

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedJanuary 2025

Residential Zone STR Ban Enforcement Maintained

Leavenworth continued active enforcement of its residential zone STR ban, issuing citations to operators found listed on booking platforms in RL6, RL12, and Multifamily-zoned properties.

PassedAugust 2024

Commercial Zone Fire Sprinkler Requirement Clarified

The City clarified that STRs operating in commercial zones must comply with fire sprinkler installation requirements based on structure size and occupancy load, with no grandfather provisions for older structures.

PassedMarch 2024

Chelan County STR Permit System Updated

Chelan County updated its STR permit process for properties under county jurisdiction near Leavenworth, adding requirements for one off-street parking space per bedroom and permit number display in all advertising.

Official Resources

Official Leavenworth STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing advocacy and compliance resources for vacation rental professionals navigating Leavenworth's dual city/county STR jurisdiction.

Washington RealtorsStatewide

Statewide real estate association monitoring STR ordinances across Washington and engaging on local residential zone bans like Leavenworth's current framework.

Leavenworth Chamber of CommerceLocal

Local business organization representing Leavenworth's Bavarian-themed tourism economy and monitoring STR policy for its impact on the city's visitor accommodation capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Leavenworth, WA?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Leavenworth, WA, but with restrictions. STRs are banned in Leavenworth residential zones (RL6, RL12, Multifamily). In commercial zones, they may require fire sprinklers and parking improvements. In Chelan County jurisdiction, requirements include one off-street parking space per bedroom, a local contact reachable within 60 minutes, and prominent display of the permit number in all advertisements. 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 Leavenworth, WA?
STRs are banned in Leavenworth residential zones (RL6, RL12, Multifamily). In commercial zones, they may require fire sprinklers and parking improvements. In Chelan County jurisdiction, requirements include one off-street parking space per bedroom, a local contact reachable within 60 minutes, and prominent display of the permit number in all advertisements.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Leavenworth?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Leavenworth. In the City, STRs are generally banned in residential zones; where allowed in commercial zones, owners must obtain city licensing and meet building code requirements. In Chelan County jurisdiction: 1) Submit a completed STR application with fees ($600-$900). 2) Provide proof of a local contact available 24/7. 3) Pass required safety/fire inspections and renew annually between Sept 1 and Oct 31.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Leavenworth?
In the City, STRs are generally banned in residential zones; where allowed in commercial zones, owners must obtain city licensing and meet building code requirements. In Chelan County jurisdiction: 1) Submit a completed STR application with fees ($600-$900). 2) Provide proof of a local contact available 24/7. 3) Pass required safety/fire inspections and renew annually between Sept 1 and Oct 31.
Is Vrbo legal in Leavenworth, WA?
Vrbo is permitted in Leavenworth, 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 Leavenworth?
Short-term rental hosts in Leavenworth 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 Leavenworth?
The most recent tracked change in Leavenworth is "Residential Zone STR Ban Enforcement Maintained" (2025-01-01, status: passed). Leavenworth continued active enforcement of its residential zone STR ban, issuing citations to operators found listed on booking platforms in RL6, RL12, and Multifamily-zoned properties. See the regulatory updates section on this page for the full history.
Can I operate an STR in my Leavenworth residential neighborhood?
No. Leavenworth prohibits STRs in all residential zones including RL6, RL12, and Multifamily. Only properties in commercial zones are eligible for STR operation, subject to fire sprinkler and parking requirements.
What if my property is in Chelan County rather than the City of Leavenworth?
Properties under Chelan County jurisdiction have their own STR permit rules, which are separate from and generally less restrictive than city regulations. County rules require one off-street parking space per bedroom, a local contact reachable within 60 minutes, and permit number display in all advertising.
What is required to operate an STR in Leavenworth's commercial zone?
Commercial zone STRs in Leavenworth must meet fire sprinkler installation requirements (based on structure size and occupancy) and parking improvement standards. These can be costly upgrades, particularly for older structures without existing sprinkler systems.
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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