Short-Term Rentals in Lakewood, WA (2026)
6 verified short-term rentals rules for Lakewood, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Short-Term Rental Permits
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.
Lakewood Short-Term Rental Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsRCW 64.37
(v) The contact information for the operator or designated contact. (2) Short-term rental platforms must provide short-term rental operators with a summary of the consumer safety requirements in subsection (1) of this section. (3) For a first violation of this section, the city or county attorney must issue a warning letter to the owner or operator. An owner that violates this section after rec...
Noise Rules
Lakewood, Washington bars paid parties at short-term rentals: LMC 18A.40.090(B)(2)(i)(viii) says STR guests 'are not permitted to host banquets, parties, or other gatherings for direct or indirect compensation,' while allowing noncommercial gatherings that do not infringe on neighbors' peaceful occupancy of their homes.
Lakewood Short-Term Rental Party & Noise Rule
Some RestrictionsLMC 18A.40.090(B)(2)(i)(viii), (ix)
viii. STR guests are not permitted to host banquets, parties, or other gatherings for direct or indirect compensation. STR guests are permitted to hold noncommercial gatherings which do not infringe upon the right of the neighboring residents to enjoy a peaceful occupancy of their homes. ix. The STR shall be conducted in such a manner as to give no outward appearance nor manifest any characteri...
Taxes & Fees
A Lakewood, Washington short-term rental permit is not free: LMC 18A.40.090(B)(2)(f)(vii) requires the application to include the STR permit fee set by the Lakewood City Council, and LMC 18A.40.090(B)(2)(i)(xii) separately requires the operator to meet every local, state and federal license and tax obligation for as long as it operates.
Lakewood Short-Term Rental Fees & Tax Duties
Some RestrictionsLMC 18A.40.090(B)(2)(f)(vii); (B)(2)(i)(xii)
vii. The STR permit fee as established by the City of Lakewood City Council. ... xii. ... The STR shall meet all local, state, and federal requirements regarding licenses and taxes.
Short-Term Rental Parking Rules
Lakewood, Washington requires a short-term rental applicant to disclose its off-street parking under LMC 18A.40.090(B)(2)(f)(v), and once permitted, LMC 18A.40.090(B)(2)(i)(vi) requires 'all off-street parking required for the primary use of the site' to actually be made available to the guests renting the STR.
Lakewood Short-Term Rental Parking Rules
Some RestrictionsLMC 18A.40.090(B)(2)(f)(v); (B)(2)(i)(vi)
v. Number of off-street parking spaces provided at the location, or that are proposed to be dedicated for use by guests of the STR. vi. ... All off-street parking required for the primary use of the site shall be made available to guests.
Occupancy Limits
Lakewood, Washington does not print a flat guest-count cap for short-term rentals; instead LMC 18A.40.090(B)(2)(i)(x) requires 'maximum occupancy shall be regulated consistent with LMC Title 15,' which adopts the 2021 International Building Code occupant-load rules by reference under LMC 15.05.020(A).
Lakewood Short-Term Rental Occupancy Limits
Some RestrictionsLMC 18A.40.090(B)(2)(i)(x); LMC 15.05.020(A)
x. Maximum occupancy shall be regulated consistent with LMC Title 15. ... A. The 2021 Edition of the International Building Code (IBC), including Appendix Chapters E, G, and J, published by the International Code Council and amended by the Washington State Building Code Council in Chapter 51-50 WAC, is hereby adopted by reference and as subsequently amended by this chapter.
Host Presence Rule
Lakewood, Washington requires every short-term rental to have a live point of contact: LMC 18A.40.090(B)(2)(i)(iii) requires the STR permittee or a designee to 'always be available and able to respond in person, or by telephone, within one (1) hour' to complaints, guest concerns and inquiries.
Lakewood Short-Term Rental Host Response Rule
Some RestrictionsLMC 18A.40.090(B)(2)(i)(iii), (iv)
iii. STR permittee, or their designee, shall always be available and able to respond in person, or by telephone, within one (1) hour to complaints, guest concerns, and inquiries. ... iv. Contact information for the STR permittee, or their designee, shall be clearly posted in a visible location within the main living space of the STR.
Looking for Pierce County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Lakewood city rules.
Short-Term Rentals in Pierce County →