Pierce County, WA Short-Term Rentals: Host Presence Rule (2026)
Key Facts
- On-site host required
- No
- Unhosted rentals
- Allowed
- Contact duty
- Responsive contact (RCW 64.37.030)
- B&B contrast
- Proprietor must reside on parcel
- Affidavit
- Lists owner or manager contact
Summary
Pierce County Code 18A.37.040 does not require a host or manager on-site during a vacation-rental stay. It requires only that the owner or representative supply contact and parking information and file the affidavit. State law RCW 64.37.030 requires a responsive contact, not physical presence.
Provide contact information to all short-term rental guests during a guest's stay. The contact must be available to respond to inquiries at the short-term rental during the length of stay.
Full Breakdown
Pierce County imposes no on-site host or resident-manager requirement for vacation rentals. PCC 18A.37.040(B) allows unhosted whole-home rentals; the owner or representative must provide guests with parking-location information and a Good Neighbor brochure and file the Vacation Rental Affidavit listing owner, representative, or property-management-company contacts. Nothing in the vacation-rental section requires the host to remain on the parcel during stays. This differs from the bed-and-breakfast standard in subsection A, which requires the proprietor to reside on the parcel. State law sets a responsiveness standard rather than presence: RCW 64.37.030 requires operators to provide contact information available to respond to inquiries at the short-term rental during the length of a stay. Cities may add local-contact or 24/7 response requirements.
Violations & Fines
There is no violation for operating an unhosted rental in unincorporated Pierce County. The relevant failures are not filing the affidavit with valid contact details under PCC 18A.37.040(B)(6), or failing to provide a responsive contact under RCW 64.37.030.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be present during guest stays in Pierce County?
Do I need a contact who can respond to guests?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pierce County
Compare Pierce County to another location·View the Washington short-term rentals overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.