Repeat Violator Strikes: San Francisco vs Seattle
How do repeat violator strikes rules compare between San Francisco, CA and Seattle, WA?
San Francisco and Seattle have similar restriction levels.
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco County
Hosts cited three times within five years for Section 41A violations face permanent revocation of their STR registration and a lifetime ban from re-registering at any San Francisco address, alongside escalating fines on each strike.
View full San Francisco 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 | San Francisco | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Strike window | Five years rolling | - |
| Third-strike outcome | Permanent registration ban | - |
| Per-strike fine | $1,500 | - |
| Appeal window | 30 days to Planning Commission | - |
| Strike threshold | - | 3 verified calls / 12 months |
| Daily penalty | - | Up to $500 |
| County citation | - | KCC Title 14 |
| Seattle parallel | - | License suspension |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Francisco FAQ
Can I appeal an STR violation in San Francisco?
Yes. Hosts have 30 days to file a written appeal with the Planning Commission. Appeals stay enforcement, but interim listings are still blocked pending the hearing decision.
Does the lifetime ban follow me to other SF properties?
Yes. The ban attaches to the host individually, so moving to a new SF address does not restore eligibility. Co-hosts and household members may also be flagged.
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.
Compare other topics
See how San Francisco and Seattle compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool