Short-Term Rentals in Olympia, WA (2026)
5 verified short-term rentals rules for Olympia, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Short-Term Rental Permits
In the City of Olympia, Washington, every short-term rental operator needs the required City and State business licenses, and a vacation rental also needs a land use permit from the Department that is valid for two years. An operator cannot hold an interest in more than two vacation rental units under Olympia Municipal Code § 18.04.060(JJ).
Olympia WA Short-Term Rental Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsOlympia Municipal Code § 18.04.060
c. A short-term rental operator shall obtain any required City and State business license(s). ... f. A short-term rental operator shall post a copy of City of Olympia business license, and land use permit if applicable, in a conspicuous location in the short-term rental. ... 3. The following requirements apply to short-term rental-vacation rentals only: a. In addition to other required permits ...
Taxes & Fees
In the City of Olympia, Washington, the Short-Term Rental Permit carries a $116.42 fee in the land use fee schedule of Olympia Municipal Code § 4.40.010, which applies from January 1, 2026. A separate chapter levies a four percent special excise tax on lodging, collected through the state Department of Revenue.
Olympia, WA Short-Term Rental Permit Fee and Lodging Tax
Some RestrictionsOlympia Municipal Code § 4.40.010
A. Commencing January 1, 2026, the following fee schedule applies. ... Short-Term Rental Permit $116.42 ... Technology Fee – applicable to all planning applications 4.1 percent of planning fee
Short-Term Rental Parking Rules
In the City of Olympia, Washington, a short-term rental adds 1 off-street parking space when more than 2 bedrooms are rented in 1 dwelling unit, and 1 more space when a parcel holds 2 vacation rentals and 1 is a single-family home. Table 38.01 of OMC 18.38.100 sets both rules. Rentals operating before September 26, 2021 are excused from the added spaces.
Olympia WA Short-Term Rental Parking Requirements
Some RestrictionsOlympia Municipal Code § 18.38.100 (Table 38.01)
A. Required Vehicular and Bicycle Parking. ... The specific number of motor vehicle parking spaces set forth in Table 38-01 must be provided, however the project proponent may increase or decrease by 10 percent automatically. ... Residential uses, when parking is on site and not located in a parking lot, shall provide parking space(s) that are at least eight feet wide by 18 feet in length. ... ...
Occupancy Limits
In the City of Olympia, Washington, every short-term rental is limited to two adults per bedroom, with children under 12 allowed in a bedroom that holds no more than two adults. Total overnight guests top out at 10 adults or the bedroom-based limit, whichever is less, under Olympia Municipal Code § 18.04.060(JJ)(1).
Olympia WA Short-Term Rental Guest Limits
Some RestrictionsOlympia Municipal Code § 18.04.060
JJ. SHORT-TERM RENTALS. Short-Term Rentals are allowed in the districts specified in Tables 4.01, 5.01, and 6.01 subject to the following requirements. Violations are subject to civil penalties and suspension and/or revocation of a City license or permit. 1. The following requirements apply to all short-term rentals: a. The number of overnight guests is limited to two adults per bedroom, except...
Host Presence Rule
In the City of Olympia, Washington, a short-term rental homestay requires the property owner or a long-term rental tenant to live in the residence as their primary residence, including whenever a guest is staying. Under Olympia Municipal Code § 18.04.060(JJ)(2), a homestay needs no land use permit.
Olympia WA Short-Term Rental Host Residency
Some RestrictionsOlympia Municipal Code § 18.04.060
2. The following requirements apply to short-term rental-homestays only: (see also 18.04.060.L) a. The property owner, or a long-term rental tenant, must reside in a residence offered as a short-term rental – homestay as their primary residence, including whenever a guest is residing in the homestay. b. No land use permit is required for a short-term rental – homestay.
Looking for Thurston County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Olympia city rules.
Short-Term Rentals in Thurston County →