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

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

Occupancy Limits

Marysville does not publish a numeric guests-per-bedroom cap for short-term rentals. Maximum occupancy defaults to the International Residential Code adopted under MMC Title 16 (Building Code), which requires at least 70 sq ft for the first sleeping occupant and 50 sq ft per additional occupant per bedroom. Bed and breakfast guesthouses under MMC 22C.210 are limited to a small number of guest rooms in residential zones.

Key details: Building Code: MMC Title 16 / IRC. Min Sleeping Room: 70 sq ft (IRC R304). Per Add'l Occupant: 50 sq ft (IRC R304.2). B&B Standard: MMC Ch. 22C.210. State STR Law: RCW 64.37.

Exceeding building-code occupancy or operating an unpermitted lodging use in a residential zone is enforced by Marysville Code Enforcement under MMC Title 4.02 (Enforcement Procedures) and may be cited as a public nuisance under MMC Ch. 6.24. Confirm current civil penalty amounts with Marysville Code Enforcement at 360-363-8000.

Parking Rules

Marysville does not publish a separate STR-specific parking standard. Off-street parking for a dwelling unit used as a short-term rental defaults to MMC Chapter 22C.130 (Parking and Loading), which generally requires two off-street stalls per single-family dwelling. On-street parking must comply with MMC Title 10 traffic rules; bed and breakfast guesthouses operating in residential zones add one stall per guest room under MMC 22C.210.

Key details: Parking Code: MMC Ch. 22C.130. Single-Family Minimum: 2 off-street stalls. B&B Add'l Standard: MMC 22C.210. On-Street Rules: MMC Title 10. Continuous Park Limit: 24 hours typical.

Parking violations are enforced by the Marysville Police Department under MMC Title 10 and may result in citation, ticket, or tow at the owner's expense. Confirm current fine amounts and tow procedures with Marysville Police at 360-363-8300 or Code Enforcement at 360-363-8000.

Noise Rules

Short-term rentals in Marysville must comply with the citywide noise ordinance in MMC Chapter 6.76, which adopts the Washington State maximum environmental noise levels in WAC 173-60-040. Sound from a residential STR (Class A EDNA source) reaching another residential property may not exceed 55 dBA daytime or 45 dBA between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

Key details: Noise Code: MMC Ch. 6.76. State Standard: WAC 173-60-040. Daytime Cap (Res-to-Res): 55 dBA. Nighttime Cap: 45 dBA (10p-7a). STR Responder Window: 2 hours (RCW 64.37).

First-time noise violations are typically civil infractions issued by Marysville Police or Code Enforcement under MMC 6.76. A second violation by the same person within 24 hours of an infraction or warning is a misdemeanor. Confirm current fine amounts with Marysville Code Enforcement at 360-363-8000.

Permit Requirements

No Marysville-specific STR registration ordinance was identified. Hosts must comply with Washington State RCW 64.37 safety requirements and obtain a state business license through the Department of Revenue.

Key details: Local Ordinance: None identified. State Law: RCW 64.37. Business License: WA Dept of Revenue required. Contact: Marysville Community Development: 360-363-8000.

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.

Marysville is more permissive than most cities when it comes to permit requirements. That said, there are still limits.

Taxes & Fees

STR operators must collect and remit Washington State retail sales tax (6.5%) and applicable lodging tax under RCW 67.28. Snohomish County and city lodging taxes may apply in addition to the state rate. Register with WA Dept. of Revenue.

Key details: State Sales Tax: 6.5% (RCW 82.08). Lodging Tax: State + local (RCW 67.28). WA Registration: 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.

The Bottom Line

Marysville'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 Marysville is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Marysville's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.