Renton vs Seattle
How do permit requirements rules compare between Renton, WA and Seattle, WA?
Renton and Seattle have similar restriction levels.
Renton, WA
King County
Renton regulates short-term rentals under RMC 4-4-055. Operators need a 150 dollar City Business License via filelocal-wa.gov and must meet safety, parking, and owner-occupancy rules.
View full Renton 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 | Renton | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Code | RMC 4-4-055 | SMC Chapter 6.600 |
| Permit Type | City Business License (150 dollars) | - |
| Rental Definition | Under 30 consecutive days | - |
| Owner-Occupancy | Required for simultaneous multi-party rentals | - |
| Filing | filelocal-wa.gov | - |
| Operator License | - | $75/unit/year |
| Unit Cap | - | Max 2 units per operator |
| Primary Residence | - | Required if operating 2 units |
| RRIO | - | Required for non-primary-residence STRs |
| Contact | - | str@seattle.gov / (206) 386-1267 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Renton FAQ
Do I need a Renton permit if I only rent my home 1 weekend a year?
If you do not advertise online, use a property manager, or rent more than 3 times per year, RMC 4-4-055 may not apply. Still, state DOR lodging tax registration is required.
Is the Renton STR permit the same as the business license?
Effectively yes. Renton uses its Business License (plus safety sign posting and code compliance) rather than a stand-alone STR permit.
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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