Comparent
RestrictedCity

Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Pacific Beach, WA

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

Zoning & Conditions

STRs are restricted to specific zoning districts including G-1, G-5, R-2, R-3, RR, LQ, and C-2. A valid Short Term Rental Permit is required unless the property was approved via a Conditional Use Permit or PUD prior to March 22, 2022. Operators must comply with all applicable state and local health, safety, and building regulations.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Submit a Site Plan Review Application. 2) Complete any related permits or approvals identified during the site plan review. 3) Submit the Short Term Rental Permit Application via the SmartGov portal for staff review. Permits must be renewed annually at least 30 days before expiration.

Official Resources

Official Pacific Beach STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Pacific Beach, WA?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Pacific Beach, WA, but with restrictions. STRs are restricted to specific zoning districts including G-1, G-5, R-2, R-3, RR, LQ, and C-2. A valid Short Term Rental Permit is required unless the property was approved via a Conditional Use Permit or PUD prior to March 22, 2022. Operators must comply with all applicable state and local health, safety, and building regulations. 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 Pacific Beach, WA?
STRs are restricted to specific zoning districts including G-1, G-5, R-2, R-3, RR, LQ, and C-2. A valid Short Term Rental Permit is required unless the property was approved via a Conditional Use Permit or PUD prior to March 22, 2022. Operators must comply with all applicable state and local health, safety, and building regulations.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Pacific Beach?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Pacific Beach. 1) Submit a Site Plan Review Application. 2) Complete any related permits or approvals identified during the site plan review. 3) Submit the Short Term Rental Permit Application via the SmartGov portal for staff review. Permits must be renewed annually at least 30 days before expiration.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Pacific Beach?
1) Submit a Site Plan Review Application. 2) Complete any related permits or approvals identified during the site plan review. 3) Submit the Short Term Rental Permit Application via the SmartGov portal for staff review. Permits must be renewed annually at least 30 days before expiration.
Is Vrbo legal in Pacific Beach, WA?
Vrbo is permitted in Pacific Beach, 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 Pacific Beach?
Short-term rental hosts in Pacific Beach 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 Pacific Beach?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Pacific Beach. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.
Comparent

Looking for property managers in Pacific Beach, 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: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction