Occupancy Limits: Everett vs Lynnwood
How do occupancy limits rules compare between Everett, WA and Lynnwood, WA?
Everett and Lynnwood have similar restriction levels.
Everett, WA
Snohomish County
Everett limits the number of guests allowed in short-term rental properties. Occupancy caps are typically based on bedroom count or square footage to protect neighborhood quality of life.
View full Everett rules →Lynnwood, WA
Snohomish County
Lynnwood has no stand-alone short-term rental ordinance and no published guests-per-bedroom cap. State law (RCW 64.37) defines a short-term rental as fewer than 30 consecutive nights and sets baseline operator duties. LMC 21.02.100 defines a boarding/lodging/rooming house as serving nontransient persons, so transient STR use is not the same use category. LMC 21.42.110 governs ADUs and home occupations in single-family zones but does not address STRs. Operators must hold a Lynnwood Title 5 general business license and register with the WA Department of Revenue. Confirm zoning eligibility with Development & Business Services at 425-670-5400.
View full Lynnwood rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Everett | Lynnwood |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Limit | 2 per bedroom + 2 | - |
| Listing | Must state max occupancy | - |
| Enforcement | Complaint-driven | - |
| Penalty | Permit revocation possible | - |
| STR definition | - | Fewer than 30 consecutive nights (RCW 64.37.010) |
| Local STR ordinance | - | None adopted; confirm zoning with Development & Business Services at 425-670-5400 |
| Boarding/lodging house definition | - | LMC 21.02.100 - serves nontransient persons (does not cover STRs) |
| Business license | - | Lynnwood general business license required under LMC 5.06 |
| State liability insurance | - | $1M minimum or platform-provided coverage (RCW 64.37.020) |
| DOR registration | - | Required statewide under RCW 64.37 |
| Lodging tax | - | 2% state-shared under RCW 67.28.180; no extra 2% local in Snohomish County |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Everett FAQ
How many guests can stay in my short-term rental?
Typically 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests. Check Everett municipal code for exact limits.
What happens if guests exceed the occupancy limit?
The host is responsible. Violations can result in fines and potential permit revocation in Everett.
Lynnwood FAQ
How many guests can stay at a Lynnwood STR?
Lynnwood does not set a fixed guests-per-bedroom number. Practical occupancy is bounded by the building, residential, and fire codes (occupant load by sleeping room area and egress) and by any conditions placed on the operator's Title 5 general business license.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Lynnwood single-family zones?
Lynnwood has not enacted a dedicated STR ordinance, and STRs do not fit the LMC 21.02.100 boarding/lodging house definition (which requires nontransient persons). Confirm zoning eligibility for your address with Development & Business Services at 425-670-5400 before listing.
What state-law duties apply to a Lynnwood STR operator?
Under RCW 64.37, operators must register with the WA Department of Revenue, carry $1M primary liability insurance (or use a platform that provides equivalent coverage), post a 24-hour contact and safety information in the unit, and comply with carbon monoxide and smoke alarm requirements.
Does Lynnwood charge a local STR lodging tax?
Snohomish County cities, including Lynnwood, are not authorized to add a local 2 percent lodging tax on top of the state-shared 2 percent under RCW 67.28.180. State sales tax also applies. Confirm the current combined rate with the WA Department of Revenue.
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