Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Port Townsend, WA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Port Townsend, WA, but with restrictions. STRs are restricted to primary residences; the owner or operator must be on-site during the rental. STRs are prohibited in Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Occupancy is generally limited to two adults per bedroom, and specific parking minimums (one space per guest room in addition to residential requirements) apply. 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.

STRs are restricted to primary residences; the owner or operator must be on-site during the rental. STRs are prohibited in Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Occupancy is generally limited to two adults per bedroom, and specific parking minimums (one space per guest room in addition to residential requirements) apply.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Port Townsend. 1. Submit a Short Term Rental Conditional Use Application with required fees (Minor or Major) and a life-safety inspection fee. 2. Provide proof of primary residence, a site plan, a floor plan, and a list of tax parcels/owners within 300 feet for public noticing. 3. Pass a mandatory fire/life-safety inspection and obtain a City business license.

1. Submit a Short Term Rental Conditional Use Application with required fees (Minor or Major) and a life-safety inspection fee. 2. Provide proof of primary residence, a site plan, a floor plan, and a list of tax parcels/owners within 300 feet for public noticing. 3. Pass a mandatory fire/life-safety inspection and obtain a City business license.

Vrbo is permitted in Port Townsend, 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.

Short-term rental hosts in Port Townsend 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.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Port Townsend. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.