Permit Requirements: Bellevue vs Seattle
How do permit requirements rules compare between Bellevue, WA and Seattle, WA?
Bellevue and Seattle 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 →Seattle, WA
King County
Seattle requires STR operators to hold a City Business License Tax Certificate and a separate STR Operator's Regulatory License ($75/unit/year) under SMC Chapter 6.600. Operators are limited to 2 units; one must be their primary residence if operating 2. Non-primary-residence STRs must also register with RRIO.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bellevue | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Code | LUC 20.20.800 | SMC Chapter 6.600 |
| Registration | Required annually | - |
| Business License | Required | - |
| SF Whole-Home STR | Not allowed | - |
| Multi-Family Cap | 5 units or 20% | - |
| Operator License | - | $75/unit/year |
| Unit Cap | - | Max 2 units per operator |
| Primary Residence | - | Required if operating 2 units |
| RRIO | - | Required for non-primary-residence STRs |
| Contact | - | str@seattle.gov / (206) 386-1267 |
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.
Seattle FAQ
Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in Seattle?
Seattle requires STR operators to hold a City Business License Tax Certificate and a separate STR Operator's Regulatory License ($75/unit/year) under SMC Chapter 6.600. Operators are limited to 2 units; one must be their primary residence if operating 2. Non-primary-residence STRs must also...
What are the short-term rental registration requirements in Seattle?
Code: SMC Chapter 6.600. Operator License: $75/unit/year. Unit Cap: Max 2 units per operator. Primary Residence: Required if operating 2 units.
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