Short-Term Rentals in Edmonds, WA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Edmonds or are thinking about moving there, short-term rentals are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Edmonds has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of short-term rentals, and some of them might surprise you.

Parking Rules

Edmonds does not have a dedicated STR parking ordinance. STRs in detached single-family homes are treated like the residential use and the analogous bed-and-breakfast standard in ECDC 20.23 requires one off-street parking space per rental room (in all zones except BD), with adjacent legal on-street parking countable toward the requirement.

Key details: STR Parking Standard: Not separately codified. Analogous B&B Standard: 1 space per rental room (ECDC 20.23). Parking Code: ECDC 17.50.020. Adjacent On-Street: Counted where legal. Downtown (BD) Zones: Per-room standard does not apply.

Failing to provide required off-street parking, parking guests in violation of posted street regulations, or blocking sidewalks, driveways, or fire lanes can lead to citations from Edmonds Police and Code Enforcement, towing at owner expense, and zoning enforcement against the host under ECDC.

Noise Rules

STR guests in Edmonds must comply with the citywide noise ordinance (ECC Chapter 5.30). The city follows Washington's environmental noise levels: 55 dBA daytime and 45 dBA at the receiving residential property line at night, with quiet hours from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

Key details: Noise Code: ECC Chapter 5.30. Daytime Limit: 55 dBA at residential property line. Nighttime Limit: 45 dBA, 10:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m.. State Standard: WAC 173-60-040 (Class A EDNA). Public Disturbance: Prohibited any hour (ECC 5.30.130).

Violations of ECC 5.30 are civil infractions enforced by Edmonds Code Enforcement and Police; repeated public disturbance noises may also be a misdemeanor. Hosts can be cited for guest violations and may lose their state STR registration under RCW 64.37 for unresolved complaints.

Occupancy Limits

Edmonds does not set a numeric guest cap unique to short-term rentals. Stays must be fewer than 30 consecutive nights, hosts must post a maximum occupancy figure for guests under RCW 64.37, and the analogous bed-and-breakfast rule (ECDC 20.23) bars stays longer than 30 consecutive days and prohibits kitchens in individual guest rooms.

Key details: Per-Bedroom Cap: Not codified by Edmonds. Stay Length: Fewer than 30 consecutive nights. ECDC 20.23 Limit: 30 consecutive days max. Kitchens in Guest Rooms: Prohibited (ECDC 20.23). Posted Max Occupancy: Required (RCW 64.37.020).

Operating a stay longer than the 30-day STR window without complying with landlord-tenant rules, exceeding posted occupancy, lacking a posted 24/7 contact under RCW 64.37, or violating ECDC 20.23 conditions are zoning and statutory violations that can lead to Edmonds Code Enforcement citations, loss of business license, and removal from listing platforms under RCW 64.37.

Taxes & Fees

STR operators must collect and remit Washington State retail sales tax (6.5%) and applicable lodging/hotel-motel tax under RCW 67.28. Edmonds may levy a local lodging tax in addition to the state rate. All operators must register with WA Dept. of Revenue.

Key details: State Sales Tax: 6.5% (RCW 82.08). Lodging Tax: Local lodging tax applies (RCW 67.28). WA Registration: Required — WA Dept. of Revenue. Code: RCW 64.37; RCW 67.28.

Failure to collect or remit occupancy taxes carries penalties of 10% of the unpaid amount per month, plus interest. Operating without tax registration may result in back-tax assessments plus fines.

Permit Requirements

Edmonds regulates short-term rentals through the Community Development Code. Bed & breakfasts are covered under ECDC 20.23. Hosts must obtain a City of Edmonds business license (ECC Chapter 4.72). STR zoning may be addressed through ECDC 20.23 or newer ordinance updates.

Key details: Code: ECDC 20.23; ECC 4.72. Business License: Required from City of Edmonds. State Law: RCW 64.37. Contact: Planning: 425-771-0220.

Operating without a permit carries fines of $500 per day. Failure to display the permit number on listings results in a $250 fine. Permits may be revoked after three substantiated complaints within 12 months.

The Bottom Line

Edmonds's short-term rentals rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Edmonds is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Edmonds can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.