Comparent
RestrictedCity

Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Olga, WA

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

San Juan County requires a permit for rentals under 30 days, with island-specific caps (e.g., 211 for Orcas Island). Per the Olga Hamlet Plan, STRs are prohibited in OHC and OHCC designations and are only allowed as a conditional use in Olga Hamlet Residential. Advertising must display a permit number, and violations carry a $2,300 penalty.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Apply via San Juan County’s online permit portal for a Vacation Rental Certificate of Compliance or a conditional use permit ($2,300 fee) if required by the Olga Hamlet Plan. 2) Submit required materials including Rules of Conduct and pay the annual compliance fee ($145 online). 3) New permits in capped areas are allocated via a lottery process.

Official Resources

Official Olga STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Olga, WA?
San Juan County requires a permit for rentals under 30 days, with island-specific caps (e.g., 211 for Orcas Island). Per the Olga Hamlet Plan, STRs are prohibited in OHC and OHCC designations and are only allowed as a conditional use in Olga Hamlet Residential. Advertising must display a permit number, and violations carry a $2,300 penalty.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Olga?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Olga. 1) Apply via San Juan County’s online permit portal for a Vacation Rental Certificate of Compliance or a conditional use permit ($2,300 fee) if required by the Olga Hamlet Plan. 2) Submit required materials including Rules of Conduct and pay the annual compliance fee ($145 online). 3) New permits in capped areas are allocated via a lottery process.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Olga?
1) Apply via San Juan County’s online permit portal for a Vacation Rental Certificate of Compliance or a conditional use permit ($2,300 fee) if required by the Olga Hamlet Plan. 2) Submit required materials including Rules of Conduct and pay the annual compliance fee ($145 online). 3) New permits in capped areas are allocated via a lottery process.
Comparent

Looking for property managers in Olga, WA?

Compare top-rated short-term rental managers on Comparent — read reviews, see pricing, and find the right fit.

View Property Managers

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