Snohomish County, WA Short-Term Rentals: Insurance Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- County insurance mandate
- None specified
- Required compliance
- Fire, health, building codes
- 3+ rooms
- State transient-accommodation rules
- State authority
- WA Department of Health
- Recommended
- Private STR liability coverage
Summary
The county's bed-and-breakfast code sets no specific liability-insurance requirement for STRs. It instead requires compliance with fire, health and building codes, and at three or more guest rooms compliance with state transient-accommodation regulations under the Washington Department of Health.
If three or more guest rooms are proposed, the applicant shall also meet state regulations pertaining to transient accommodation;
(j) If six guest rooms are proposed, the applicant shall meet all requirements for a hotel occupancy pursuant to the building code in chapter 30.52A SCC;
(k) If outbuilding(s) are proposed for guest rooms, each outbuilding shall be a minimum of 130 square feet. The aggregate outbuilding square footage for guest use shall not exceed 850 square feet; and
(l) If an accessory dwelling unit or temporary dwelling exists on the premises, the maximum number of bed and breakfast guest rooms shall be one less than otherwise permitted.
(4) A certificate of occupancy, to ensure compliance with applicable codes, shall be obtained from the department prior to allowing guests at the establishment. The certificate of occupancy shall be subject to an annual inspection and renewal pursuant to SCC 30.53A.361.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through legislation passed August 12, 2026).
Full Breakdown
SCC 30.28.020 does not name a minimum liability-insurance amount. Instead, SCC 30.28.020(3)(h) requires the applicant to comply with all applicable county codes for fire, health and building requirements and food-service and on-site sewage rules; SCC 30.28.020(3)(i) requires meeting state regulations pertaining to transient accommodation if three or more guest rooms are proposed (Washington transient-accommodation licensing under the Department of Health). Hosts should still carry appropriate liability and short-term-rental insurance as a business matter, and marketplace platforms may provide limited host protection, but that is not a county-imposed mandate.
Violations & Fines
Non-compliance with the fire, health, building or state transient-accommodation requirements can block issuance or renewal of the certificate of occupancy and trigger code enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the county require STR liability insurance?
When do state health rules kick in?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Snohomish County
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