Key Facts Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources

Vancouver, WA Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions

Verified 3 weeks ago|Source: VMC Chapter 20.835 Short-Term Rentals (Ordinance M-4440, 2023) →

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Key Facts

Permit fee: $250 one-time; $50/yr business license
Citywide STR cap: 870 permits (≈1% of housing stock)
Max rental length: Fewer than 30 consecutive days
Occupancy basis: State building/health codes apply
Effective date

Summary

Vancouver requires a permit and business license for all short-term rentals (stays under 30 days). Rentals must comply with state and local health, safety, and building codes, which govern maximum occupancy. A citywide cap of 870 STR permits is in effect under VMC Chapter 20.835.

Full Breakdown

VMC Chapter 20.835, adopted December 18, 2023 (Ordinance M-4440), created Vancouver's STR permit program effective January 1, 2024 as a 24-month pilot. Operators must obtain a city business license ($50/yr) and a one-time STR permit ($250). STRs are capped at 870 permits city-wide (roughly 1% of housing stock). Rentals must operate within a legally established dwelling unit — not in accessory structures, RVs, or non-residential structures. Occupancy must comply with state building and health codes (WAC/RCW), which default to two occupants per bedroom plus two. Commercial entities cannot hold licenses. Permit revocation results from violations of VMC 20.835.040 standards.

Violations & Fines

Failure to comply with VMC 20.835.040 standards results in permit revocation. Unlicensed operation is unlawful; civil violations may be pursued under VMC Chapter 22.02 with monetary penalties and daily fines.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many guests can I host per bedroom?

VMC 20.835 does not set a separate per-bedroom limit; Washington State building code (the default) typically allows two occupants per bedroom plus two additional guests for the unit.

Can I run an STR out of a guest house or ADU?

No. VMC 20.835.040 restricts STR operation to legally established dwelling units only; accessory structures and RVs are not permitted.

What happens if the 870-permit cap is reached?

No new STR permits may be issued once the citywide cap is met. The pilot program will be reassessed after 24 months to determine whether to expand or restrict permits.

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Vancouver, WA Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)

Key Facts

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

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