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Bellingham, WA Short-Term Rentals: Noise Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Noise standard
No unreasonable disturbance to neighbors
Banned events
Weddings, banquets, parties, paid gatherings
Allowed
Small informal noncommercial guest gatherings
Code section
BMC 20.10.037(D)(6),(D)(9)

Summary

Bellingham short-term rental hosts must prevent unreasonable disturbances to neighbors and cannot host weddings, banquets, parties, or paid gatherings; small informal get-togethers among guests' family and friends are allowed if they don't disturb the neighborhood.

The short-term rental must be operated in a way that will prevent unreasonable disturbances to nearby residents. ... Type I or Type II short-term rentals must not include weddings, banquets, parties, charitable fundraising, or other gatherings for direct or indirect compensation... Small, informal noncommercial gatherings of family and friends of short-term rental guests are permitted, provided the gathering is not a disturbance to the surrounding neighborhood.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-06-015, passed June 1, 2026).

Full Breakdown

BMC 20.10.037(D)(6)(a) requires every short-term rental to operate in a way that prevents unreasonable disturbances to nearby residents. Subsection (D)(9) separately bars Type I and Type II rentals from hosting weddings, banquets, parties, charitable fundraisers, or other gatherings for compensation: the use is meant to be transient lodging, not an event venue. Small, informal noncommercial gatherings of a guest's family and friends are permitted only if they don't disturb the surrounding neighborhood. Violations can trigger fines under Chapter 20.52 BMC and permit revocation under BMC 20.10.037(D)(17).

Violations & Fines

Disturbing neighbors or hosting a banned event (wedding, banquet, party, paid gathering) violates BMC 20.10.037(D)(6) and (D)(9), punishable under Chapter 20.52 BMC and grounds for STR permit revocation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I throw a party at a Bellingham short-term rental?
No. BMC 20.10.037(D)(9) bars Type I and Type II STRs from hosting weddings, banquets, parties, or other paid gatherings; only small informal, non-disruptive get-togethers are allowed.
What happens if my STR guests disturb the neighbors?
It violates BMC 20.10.037(D)(6)(a)'s requirement to prevent unreasonable disturbances, and can trigger fines under Chapter 20.52 BMC plus permit revocation.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Bellingham

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsShort-Term Rental PermitsSignificant RestrictionsExtended Home ShareSignificant RestrictionsShort-Term Rental Parking RulesSome RestrictionsPrimary-Residence-Only RuleSome RestrictionsTaxes & FeesSome RestrictionsNight CapsSome RestrictionsInsurance RequirementsSome RestrictionsRepeat Violator StrikesSignificant RestrictionsOccupancy LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/NeuterSome Restrictions

All Bellingham rules

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