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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in San Juan County, WA

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Vacation rentals are prohibited in Natural/Conservancy shorelines, Agricultural/Forest Resource zones, Shaw and Waldron Islands, and parcels on Town of Friday Harbor water. The County enforces island-specific caps (e.g., 337 for San Juan, 211 for Orcas) and requires all advertisements to display the valid permit number.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Submit an application via the San Juan County Online Permit Center or by mail to DCD; 2) Pay fees ($145 online or $160 paper for annual certification; $1,000-$2,300 for initial permits); 3) Provide Rules of Conduct, UBI, and emergency contact info. Fire inspections occur every 2-3 years.

Official Resources

Official San Juan County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in San Juan County, WA?
Vacation rentals are prohibited in Natural/Conservancy shorelines, Agricultural/Forest Resource zones, Shaw and Waldron Islands, and parcels on Town of Friday Harbor water. The County enforces island-specific caps (e.g., 337 for San Juan, 211 for Orcas) and requires all advertisements to display the valid permit number.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in San Juan County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in San Juan County. 1) Submit an application via the San Juan County Online Permit Center or by mail to DCD; 2) Pay fees ($145 online or $160 paper for annual certification; $1,000-$2,300 for initial permits); 3) Provide Rules of Conduct, UBI, and emergency contact info. Fire inspections occur every 2-3 years.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in San Juan County?
1) Submit an application via the San Juan County Online Permit Center or by mail to DCD; 2) Pay fees ($145 online or $160 paper for annual certification; $1,000-$2,300 for initial permits); 3) Provide Rules of Conduct, UBI, and emergency contact info. Fire inspections occur every 2-3 years.

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