Primary-Residence-Only Rule: Bellevue vs Seattle
How do primary-residence-only rule rules compare between Bellevue, WA and Seattle, WA?
Bellevue and Seattle have similar restriction levels.
Bellevue, WA
King County
King County itself imposes no primary-residence restriction on short-term rentals in unincorporated areas, but several cities within the county, most notably Seattle, limit operators to their primary dwelling plus at most one additional unit.
View full Bellevue rules →Seattle, WA
King County
King County itself imposes no primary-residence restriction on short-term rentals in unincorporated areas, but several cities within the county, most notably Seattle, limit operators to their primary dwelling plus at most one additional unit.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bellevue | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| County rule | None for unincorporated | None for unincorporated |
| Seattle cap | 2 units per operator | 2 units per operator |
| Bellevue cap | No cap (2026) | No cap (2026) |
| Citation | SMC 6.600 | SMC 6.600 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bellevue FAQ
Does King County limit me to my primary home?
Not in unincorporated areas. Cities like Seattle do; check whether your address sits inside an incorporated city before assuming county rules apply.
Can I list two STRs in Seattle?
Yes, one must be your primary residence and the second any additional unit you own. Both require separate Seattle short-term rental operator licenses.
Seattle FAQ
Does King County limit me to my primary home?
Not in unincorporated areas. Cities like Seattle do; check whether your address sits inside an incorporated city before assuming county rules apply.
Can I list two STRs in Seattle?
Yes, one must be your primary residence and the second any additional unit you own. Both require separate Seattle short-term rental operator licenses.
Compare other topics
See how Bellevue and Seattle compare on other ordinance categories.
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