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🏠 Short-Term Rentals/Permit Requirements

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

Heavy Restrictions

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

Heavy Restrictions

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

FactPortlandSeattle
Permit RequiredASTR permit — Type A ($65 single/$105 multi) or Type B (conditional use)-
Primary ResidenceMust occupy 270+ days/yearRequired if operating 2 units
Absent-Owner RentalMax 95 nights/year-
Max Guests (Type A)5 overnight guests, 2 bedrooms-
CodePortland Zoning Code Chapter 33.207SMC 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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