Short-Term Rentals in Port Townsend, WA (2026)

5 verified short-term rentals rules for Port Townsend, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Short-Term Rental Permits

Port Townsend requires a business license for every short-term rental, plus a land use permit application before the rental can operate.

Port Townsend STR License Required

Some Restrictions

PTMC 5.45.010, 5.45.020

The purpose of this chapter is to regulate the business of operating two types of short term rentals: bed and breakfast inns and tourist homes. (Ord. 3172 § 4 (Exh. C), 2017). 5.45.020 Application process. A. Except as specified in this chapter, the application process in Chapter 5.08 PTMC applies. B. The application fee shall be $25.00 per year. C. The applicant must certify that the...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Taxes & Fees

Port Townsend levies a 4% special excise tax on short-term rental lodging charges, on top of state sales tax.

Port Townsend 4% Lodging Tax

Some Restrictions

PTMC 3.20.010

There is hereby levied a special excise tax of four percent on the sale of or charge made for the furnishing of lodging that is subject to tax under Chapter 82.08 RCW, said tax including the “basic” two percent lodging tax as authorized by RCW 67.28.180 and the “special” two percent lodging tax as authorized by RCW 67.28.181, as now adopted and hereafter amended. The tax imposed under Chapter 8...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Short-Term Rental Parking Rules

Port Townsend requires bed and breakfast inns and tourist homes to add at least one parking space beyond what the residence already needs, up to one per sleeping room, all kept on the same lot.

Port Townsend STR Parking Requirements

Some Restrictions

PTMC 17.57.020(B)(10); Table 17.72.080

10. Parking. All off-street parking associated with a tourist home shall be entirely on the same lot as the tourist home. Parking requirements shall be as set forth in Chapter 17.72 PTMC, Off-Street Parking and Loading. | Table 17.72.080 — Bed and breakfast inns/tourist homes: Minimum Recommended Parking Spaces: 1 space in addition to the spaces required for the residential unit. Maximum Permis...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Host Presence Rule

Port Townsend requires the owner of a licensed tourist home to be on site whenever short-term rental activity is happening.

Port Townsend Tourist Home Owner Presence

Significant Restrictions

PTMC 5.45.030(E)

The owner of a tourist home shall be on site during the time rental activity is taking place.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Primary-Residence-Only Rule

Port Townsend limits short-term rentals in residential zones to bed and breakfast inns and tourist homes operated out of the owner's primary residence, not investment or absentee-owned properties.

Port Townsend Short-Term Rentals: Primary Residence Only

Some Restrictions

PTMC 17.57.020(B)(3)

Buildings that are not the primary residence of the owner may not be used as a tourist home. Provided, that a tourist home or a portion thereof lawfully established prior to June 1, 1989, may be located in an accessory building. 4. Tourist homes are only permitted in detached single-family residences. They are not allowed in duplex, triplex, or fourplex single-family residences. 5. Primar...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗