Lakewood, WA Short-Term Rentals: Noise Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Paid parties/banquets
- prohibited for STR guests
- Noncommercial gatherings
- allowed if not disruptive
- Business-character standard
- no outward business appearance
- Good neighbor policy
- form must be posted
- Max penalty
- $500 Class 2 civil infraction
Summary
Lakewood, Washington bars paid parties at short-term rentals: LMC 18A.40.090(B)(2)(i)(viii) says STR guests 'are not permitted to host banquets, parties, or other gatherings for direct or indirect compensation,' while allowing noncommercial gatherings that do not infringe on neighbors' peaceful occupancy of their homes.
viii. STR guests are not permitted to host banquets, parties, or other gatherings for direct or indirect compensation. STR guests are permitted to hold noncommercial gatherings which do not infringe upon the right of the neighboring residents to enjoy a peaceful occupancy of their homes. ix. The STR shall be conducted in such a manner as to give no outward appearance nor manifest any characteristics of a business, in the ordinary meaning of the term, that would infringe upon the right of the neighboring residents to enjoy a peaceful occupancy of their homes.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 852, passed June 15, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Lakewood's short-term rental rules target commercial event use rather than setting a fixed noise level. ' Read together, the two clauses give code enforcement a hook against loud, recurring or commercially advertised parties at an STR without setting a decibel limit specific to short-term rentals; a noise complaint tied to a paid event or a business-like pattern of gatherings can support permit action, while ordinary noncommercial entertaining at the rental is allowed as long as it does not disturb the neighbors' peaceful occupancy. 090(B)(2)(i)(v), must also be posted and guests held to it.
Violations & Fines
Hosting a paid banquet, party or gathering at a Lakewood STR, or running the unit so it manifests business-like characteristics that disturb neighbors, violates LMC 18A.40.090(B)(2)(i)(viii) and (ix). LMC 18A.20.105(B) makes the violation a Class 2 civil infraction under LMC 1.48.010, carrying up to a $500.00 penalty, and can support revocation of the STR permit under LMC 18A.20.105(C).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can guests throw a paid party at a Lakewood short-term rental?
Does Lakewood set a specific noise limit for short-term rentals?
What can a Lakewood STR host do if guests keep hosting loud gatherings?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lakewood
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