Comparent
AllowedCounty

Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Pierce County, WA

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

Zoning & Conditions

Vacation rentals are allowed in legally established single-family or accessory dwellings with a limit of five guest rooms and a maximum of 10 guests (two per bedroom). Owners must provide a 'Good Neighbor' brochure to renters, notify all adjacent property owners of the rental's presence, and file a signed affidavit with the county.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Notify all neighboring property owners directly adjacent to the rental property. 2. Complete and sign the Vacation Rental Affidavit, including contact info and listing sites. 3. File the affidavit with the Pierce County Planning and Public Works Department; a Conditional Use Permit is only required if code standards cannot be met.

Official Resources

Official Pierce County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Pierce County, WA?
Yes — Airbnb and other short-term rentals are allowed in Pierce County, WA, but operators must obtain a permit before listing. Vacation rentals are allowed in legally established single-family or accessory dwellings with a limit of five guest rooms and a maximum of 10 guests (two per bedroom). Owners must provide a 'Good Neighbor' brochure to renters, notify all adjacent property owners of the rental's presence, and file a signed affidavit with the county. "Airbnb" is a brand name; the rules on this page apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.). See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Pierce County, WA?
Vacation rentals are allowed in legally established single-family or accessory dwellings with a limit of five guest rooms and a maximum of 10 guests (two per bedroom). Owners must provide a 'Good Neighbor' brochure to renters, notify all adjacent property owners of the rental's presence, and file a signed affidavit with the county.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Pierce County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Pierce County. 1. Notify all neighboring property owners directly adjacent to the rental property. 2. Complete and sign the Vacation Rental Affidavit, including contact info and listing sites. 3. File the affidavit with the Pierce County Planning and Public Works Department; a Conditional Use Permit is only required if code standards cannot be met.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Pierce County?
1. Notify all neighboring property owners directly adjacent to the rental property. 2. Complete and sign the Vacation Rental Affidavit, including contact info and listing sites. 3. File the affidavit with the Pierce County Planning and Public Works Department; a Conditional Use Permit is only required if code standards cannot be met.
Is Vrbo legal in Pierce County, WA?
Yes. Vrbo operates under the same short-term rental rules as Airbnb in Pierce County, WA, since regulations apply to the rental activity rather than the booking platform. A permit is required before you list on Vrbo or any other platform. Last verified 2026-05-14.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Pierce County?
Short-term rental hosts in Pierce County 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 Pierce County?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Pierce County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.

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