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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Lopez Island, WA

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Vacation rentals require a county permit and are limited to single-family residences and accessory dwelling units; vacation rentals are expressly prohibited in Natural shoreline designation, Conservancy shoreline designation, Agricultural Resource and Forest Resource land use designations, Shaw and Waldron Islands, owner-builder exempt structures, parcels connected to the Town of Friday Harbor water system, and structures other than single-family residences/ADUs. Lopez Island is subject to an island cap of 135 vacation rental permits; properties in Lopez Village Commercial that operated as vacation rentals prior to June 25, 2025 must apply for a provisional use permit through the Department of Community Development by June 25, 2026.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Apply to San Juan County Department of Community Development for a Vacation Rental permit using the County's Vacation Rentals Information & Application resources; 2) Maintain compliance by submitting the County-required annual Certificate of Compliance to DCD; 3) Note caps and special rules: new permits may be suspended when an island cap is reached (Lopez cap = 135) and owners in Lopez Village Commercial with pre-existing operations must apply for a provisional use permit per Ordinance 10-2025 within one year of the ordinance effective date.

Official Resources

Official Lopez Island STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Lopez Island, WA?
Vacation rentals require a county permit and are limited to single-family residences and accessory dwelling units; vacation rentals are expressly prohibited in Natural shoreline designation, Conservancy shoreline designation, Agricultural Resource and Forest Resource land use designations, Shaw and Waldron Islands, owner-builder exempt structures, parcels connected to the Town of Friday Harbor water system, and structures other than single-family residences/ADUs. Lopez Island is subject to an island cap of 135 vacation rental permits; properties in Lopez Village Commercial that operated as vacation rentals prior to June 25, 2025 must apply for a provisional use permit through the Department of Community Development by June 25, 2026.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Lopez Island?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Lopez Island. 1) Apply to San Juan County Department of Community Development for a Vacation Rental permit using the County's Vacation Rentals Information & Application resources; 2) Maintain compliance by submitting the County-required annual Certificate of Compliance to DCD; 3) Note caps and special rules: new permits may be suspended when an island cap is reached (Lopez cap = 135) and owners in Lopez Village Commercial with pre-existing operations must apply for a provisional use permit per Ordinance 10-2025 within one year of the ordinance effective date.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Lopez Island?
1) Apply to San Juan County Department of Community Development for a Vacation Rental permit using the County's Vacation Rentals Information & Application resources; 2) Maintain compliance by submitting the County-required annual Certificate of Compliance to DCD; 3) Note caps and special rules: new permits may be suspended when an island cap is reached (Lopez cap = 135) and owners in Lopez Village Commercial with pre-existing operations must apply for a provisional use permit per Ordinance 10-2025 within one year of the ordinance effective date.

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