Permit Requirements: Bellevue vs Kent
How do permit requirements rules compare between Bellevue, WA and Kent, WA?
Bellevue and Kent have similar restriction levels.
Bellevue, WA
King County
Bellevue requires STR operators to file a Registration Notice with Development Services and obtain a business license under LUC 20.20.800. Entire single-family homes cannot be rented short-term.
View full Bellevue rules →Kent, WA
King County
Kent requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and comply with RCW 64.37, which mandates liability insurance, guest safety info, and contact registration.
View full Kent rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bellevue | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| Code | LUC 20.20.800 | - |
| Registration | Required annually | - |
| Business License | Required | - |
| SF Whole-Home STR | Not allowed | - |
| Multi-Family Cap | 5 units or 20% | - |
| State Law | - | RCW 64.37 |
| Minimum Liability Insurance | - | $1 million |
| Kent License | - | Business license required |
| Tax Registration | - | WA DOR required |
| Rental Duration | - | Under 30 days |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bellevue FAQ
What permits do I need to run an Airbnb in Bellevue?
You must file a Registration Notice with Development Services, obtain a Bellevue business license, and register with the Washington Department of Revenue for a UBI number under LUC 20.20.800.
Can I rent out my entire Bellevue house on Airbnb?
Not if it is a single-family home in a residential district. The home must be owner-occupied and only individual rooms may be rented on a transient basis.
Kent FAQ
Do I need a permit to rent my home short-term in Kent?
Yes. A Kent business license is required and operators must comply with RCW 64.37 including liability insurance and tax registration.
What counts as a short-term rental?
A fee-based lodging arrangement of less than 30 consecutive days, typically via Airbnb, VRBO, or similar platforms.
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