Occupancy Limits: Bellevue vs Seattle

How many guests can stay in a Bellevue Airbnb?

Occupancy is typically set at two guests per legal bedroom plus two additional, subject to IRC minimum square footage per bedroom and any house rules posted by the operator.

Are parties allowed at Bellevue short-term rentals?

House rules must state the maximum guest count, and events that exceed it are prohibited. Excess-occupancy events can be grounds for registration enforcement.

How many short-term rentals can one Seattle operator run?

Most operators are limited to two dwelling units total: a primary residence (where they live more than six months a year) and one additional unit within city limits, with limited Downtown Urban Core legacy exceptions.

Does SMC 6.600 set a maximum number of guests per bedroom?

No. SMC 6.600 does not include a numeric guest-per-bedroom cap. Occupancy is governed by the underlying Building, Fire, and Housing/Maintenance codes for the structure.

Can I rent out a basement room without a separate STR license?

Yes. A rented bedroom inside your primary or secondary unit that does not have its own kitchen and bathroom is covered by your existing STR operator license and does not count as a separate unit.

What happens if I exceed the two-unit limit?

FAS can deny or revoke the operator license, and you can face $500 first-violation and $1,000 subsequent-violation penalties under SMC 6.600, plus SDCI land use enforcement under SMC 23.42.060.