Occupancy Limits: Lakewood vs Puyallup
How do occupancy limits rules compare between Lakewood, WA and Puyallup, WA?
Lakewood and Puyallup have similar restriction levels.
Lakewood, WA
Pierce County
Lakewood Municipal Code 18A.40.090 defines a short-term rental as a dwelling rented for fewer than 30 consecutive calendar days and ties STR maximum occupancy to LMC Title 15 (Buildings and Construction), which incorporates the International Building, Residential, and Fire Codes. Each STR must be inspected by the City and Tacoma-Pierce County Fire District before licensing to confirm building and fire code compliance. STRs are prohibited in commercial zones (C1-C3), industrial zones (IBP, I1, I2), public/semi-public institutional zones, and Open Space Recreation zones (OSR1, OSR2). STR permits are non-transferable and tied to a single address.
View full Lakewood rules →Puyallup, WA
Pierce County
Puyallup has no stand-alone short-term rental ordinance and instead regulates STR-style uses under the bed-and-breakfast provisions of PMC Title 20. In residential zones, a B&B inside the primary structure is limited to two lodging rooms; a B&B with more than two lodging rooms or in a detached accessory structure is capped at eight lodging rooms total, must keep meals to registered guests only, and may not host banquets, weddings, or conferences. Operators must comply with state RCW 64.37 (24-hour contact, $1 million liability insurance, carbon-monoxide alarms) and pay the city lodging tax under RCW 67.28.
View full Puyallup rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lakewood | Puyallup |
|---|---|---|
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lakewood FAQ
How many guests can stay at a Lakewood STR?
LMC 18A.40.090 does not set a fixed guests-per-bedroom number. Maximum occupancy is determined by LMC Title 15 building, residential, and fire codes, based on the inspected occupant load for the specific structure. The figure is set during the required City and Fire District inspection.
Where in Lakewood are STRs not allowed?
STRs are prohibited in Commercial zones C1, C2, and C3; Industrial zones IBP, I1, and I2; Public and Semi-Public Institutional zones; and Open Space Recreation zones OSR1 and OSR2. They are allowed in most other residential land use zones, subject to permit and inspection.
Can I move my Lakewood STR permit to a different property?
No. LMC 18A.40.090 makes the STR permit non-transferable to another person or entity, and it is only valid at the address printed on the permit. A new property requires a separate application, inspection, and permit.
Do I have to put my permit number on Airbnb and VRBO listings?
Yes. LMC 18A.40.090 requires that the approved STR permit number and the City of Lakewood business license number be posted on every listing or advertisement that offers the STR, including listings on third-party short-term rental platforms.
Puyallup FAQ
How many guest rooms can I rent in a Puyallup STR?
Under the B&B provisions of PMC Title 20, up to two lodging rooms are allowed inside the primary residence by right. More than two rooms, or rooms located in a detached accessory structure, require conditional review and are capped at eight lodging rooms total.
Does Puyallup set a guest-per-bedroom limit?
No. PMC Title 20 does not include a guest-per-bedroom cap. Occupant load is governed by the State Building Code as adopted in PMC Title 17 and by Puyallup Fire Department life-safety and egress standards for the structure.
What state requirements apply on top of Puyallup's rules?
RCW 64.37 requires every STR operator to provide 24-hour contact information to guests, maintain at least $1 million in primary liability insurance (or use a platform that does), and comply with the state's carbon-monoxide alarm standards under RCW 19.27.530.
Do I need a business license and lodging tax registration in Puyallup?
Yes. STR operators must obtain a Puyallup business license under PMC Title 5 and register with the Washington Department of Revenue. Puyallup's lodging tax is adopted under RCW 67.28 and may not exceed 2 percent on the furnishing of lodging.
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