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

If you live in Lakewood 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. Lakewood has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of short-term rentals, and some of them might surprise you.

Parking Rules

Lakewood Municipal Code 18A.40.090 requires that all off-street parking required for the primary residential use of an STR site be made available to guests, and STR applicants must disclose the number of off-street guest parking spaces provided. There is no STR-specific minimum on top of the residential standard in LMC Title 18A. Guests must use designated off-street spaces; on-street guest parking must follow the standard Lakewood vehicle code and Lakewood Police Department posted limits.

Key details: Requirement: LMC 18A.40.090: required off-street parking must be made available to guests. Requirement: Application must list number of off-street guest parking spaces provided. Requirement: No separate STR-specific minimum beyond the underlying residential standard. Requirement: Good Neighbor Policy must direct guests to designated off-street spaces. Requirement: Guests must follow standard LMC parking rules on public streets.

On-street parking infractions issued by Lakewood Police are processed as civil infractions under the Lakewood Municipal Code and Pierce County District Court, with monetary penalties varying by offense and tow-and-impound available for blocking driveways, fire hydrants, or for vehicles left in violation. Code Enforcement can also cite property owners under LMC 18A for failing to maintain required off-street parking on improved surfaces. Under LMC 18A.40.090, repeated parking and overflow complaints at a licensed STR can be cited as a violation of the STR permit conditions and the Good Neighbor Policy, supporting permit suspension or non-renewal in addition to any individual parking citation issued to the guest's vehicle.

Occupancy Limits

Lakewood Municipal Code 18A.40.090 defines a short-term rental as a dwelling rented for fewer than 30 consecutive calendar days and ties STR maximum occupancy to LMC Title 15 (Buildings and Construction), which incorporates the International Building, Residential, and Fire Codes. Each STR must be inspected by the City and Tacoma-Pierce County Fire District before licensing to confirm building and fire code compliance. STRs are prohibited in commercial zones (C1-C3), industrial zones (IBP, I1, I2), public/semi-public institutional zones, and Open Space Recreation zones (OSR1, OSR2). STR permits are non-transferable and tied to a single address.

Key details: Hours/Times: STR defined as rental for fewer than 30 consecutive calendar days. Maximum occupancy: Maximum occupancy set by LMC Title 15 (IBC/IRC/IFC), not a fixed guest. Rentals: Mandatory City and Fire District inspection before first rental. Restrictions: Prohibited in C1-C3, IBP, I1, I2, institutional, and OSR1-OSR2 zones. Permit/License: Permits are non-transferable and tied to a single address.

Operating an STR without a valid permit and business license is a civil violation under LMC 18A and Title 5, enforced by Lakewood Code Enforcement with monetary penalties under LMC Title 1 and potential daily accrual until compliance is achieved. Operating in a prohibited zone (C1-C3, IBP, I1, I2, institutional, or OSR1/OSR2), at an address other than the one on the permit, or after a permit transfer can result in immediate stop-use orders. Failure to pass the City and Fire District inspection bars the unit from rental until deficiencies are corrected. Occupant-load violations under LMC Title 15 / Fire Code are enforced by the Fire Marshal and can result in posted occupancy reductions, civil penalties, and revocation of the STR permit by the city.

Noise Rules

Lakewood short-term rental guests must comply with Lakewood Municipal Code Chapter 8.36 (Noise Control), which incorporates Washington's Maximum Environmental Noise Levels (Chapter 173-60 WAC). For sound entering a residential receiving zone, daytime limits run to 55 dBA and drop 10 dBA between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. (effectively 45 dBA at night). LMC 18A.40.090 also requires every STR's posted Good Neighbor Policy to address noise restrictions and quiet hours, and LMC 8.36 separately caps frequent, repetitive, or continuous sounds at 75 dBA at the property line.

Key details: Lmc 18a.40.090 Requires: LMC 18A.40.090 requires posted Good Neighbor Policy covering noise and quiet hours. Lmc Chapter 8.36: LMC Chapter 8.36 adopts WAC 173-60 environmental noise limits. Residential Daytime Limit: Residential daytime limit: 55 dBA at receiving property. Nighttime Reduction: Nighttime reduction: -10 dBA from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. (effectively 45. 75 Dba Cap: 75 dBA cap on frequent, repetitive, or continuous sounds at property line.

Noise infractions under LMC 8.36 are civil infractions enforced by Lakewood Code Enforcement and the Lakewood Police Department, with penalties under LMC Title 1 starting at a $250 base civil penalty per occurrence and escalating for repeat violations within the same property. Egregious or repeated public-disturbance noise can be charged criminally as a misdemeanor under state nuisance law. Separately, repeated documented violations at a licensed STR can support administrative action against the STR permit under LMC 18A.40.090 and the Title 5 business license, including suspension or non-renewal of the permit. Operators who fail to post the Good Neighbor Policy or respond to complaints within a reasonable time can also be cited under the STR licensing conditions.

Permit Requirements

Short-term rentals in Lakewood, WA appear to require that the listed property be a primary residence based on available information. Operators must also obtain a Washington State business license and comply with applicable Lakewood zoning and licensing requirements. Verify current requirements with the City of Lakewood.

Key details: Primary Residence: Appears required. WA State License: Required. Local Verification: Contact Lakewood City Hall. Topic: Permit Requirements.

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.

Taxes & Fees

STR hosts in Lakewood must collect and remit Washington State lodging taxes under RCW 67.28. Combined tax rate includes WA State sales tax (6.5%) plus Pierce County and Lakewood sales taxes. Remittance is to the Washington Department of Revenue.

Key details: WA State Sales Tax: 6.5%. State Law: RCW 67.28 (lodging taxes). Remittance: WA Dept. of Revenue. Topic: Taxes Fees.

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.

The Bottom Line

Lakewood'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 Lakewood is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Lakewood 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.