Permit Requirements: Portland vs Seattle
How do permit requirements rules compare between Portland, OR and Seattle, WA?
Portland and Seattle have similar restriction levels.
Portland, OR
Multnomah County
Portland requires an Accessory Short-Term Rental (ASTR) permit for all STRs. Only primary residences qualify. Type A permits allow up to 2 bedrooms/5 guests; Type B (conditional use) allows 3–5 bedrooms. Permit fees: $65 for single dwellings, $105 for multi-dwelling units.
View full Portland 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 | Portland | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Required | ASTR permit — Type A ($65 single/$105 multi) or Type B (conditional use) | - |
| Primary Residence | Must occupy 270+ days/year | Required if operating 2 units |
| Absent-Owner Rental | Max 95 nights/year | - |
| Max Guests (Type A) | 5 overnight guests, 2 bedrooms | - |
| Code | Portland Zoning Code Chapter 33.207 | SMC Chapter 6.600 |
| Operator License | - | $75/unit/year |
| Unit Cap | - | Max 2 units per operator |
| RRIO | - | Required for non-primary-residence STRs |
| Contact | - | str@seattle.gov / (206) 386-1267 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Portland FAQ
Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in Portland?
Portland requires an Accessory Short-Term Rental (ASTR) permit for all STRs. Only primary residences qualify. Type A permits allow up to 2 bedrooms/5 guests; Type B (conditional use) allows 3–5 bedrooms. Permit fees: $65 for single dwellings, $105 for multi-dwelling units.
What are the short-term rental registration requirements in Portland?
Permit Required: ASTR permit — Type A ($65 single/$105 multi) or Type B (conditional use). Primary Residence: Must occupy 270+ days/year. Absent-Owner Rental: Max 95 nights/year. Max Guests (Type A): 5 overnight guests, 2 bedrooms.
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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