Repeat Violator Strikes: Portland vs Seattle
How do repeat violator strikes rules compare between Portland, OR and Seattle, WA?
Portland and Seattle have similar restriction levels.
Portland, OR
Multnomah County
Portland Bureau of Development Services may suspend or revoke Accessory Short-Term Rental permits for repeated violations of PCC 33.207, including unpermitted operation, occupancy overages, party-house complaints, and unpaid Transient Lodging Tax, with multi-year application bars.
View full Portland rules →Seattle, WA
King County
Properties in unincorporated King County that generate three or more verified noise, disorderly-conduct, or code calls within a 12-month window may be declared chronic nuisances under King County Code Title 14, exposing owners to abatement orders.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Portland | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Strike threshold | 2-3 in 12 months | 3 verified calls / 12 months |
| Reapplication bar | Up to 5 years | - |
| Appeal forum | Code Hearings Officer | - |
| Per-violation fine | $500-$5,000 | - |
| Daily penalty | - | Up to $500 |
| County citation | - | KCC Title 14 |
| Seattle parallel | - | License suspension |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Portland FAQ
What counts as a 'substantiated' violation?
A complaint Bureau of Development Services confirms through inspection, police report, neighbor evidence, or platform booking records. Anonymous unverified complaints alone usually do not trigger strike status.
Can a revoked host transfer the permit to a relative?
No. Portland short-term rental permits are tied to the operator and the property. Transfers to family members at the same address that share the operating arrangement are treated as continuations of the prior operator.
Seattle FAQ
What counts as a verified call?
A response where the responding officer documents an actual violation. Hang-ups, unfounded complaints, and calls dismissed at the door do not count toward the three-strike threshold.
Will my STR license survive three strikes in Seattle?
Likely not. Seattle's Department of Finance and Administrative Services may suspend or revoke a short-term rental operator's license after repeated documented violations under SMC 6.600.
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