Seattle, WA Short-Term Rentals: Parking Rules (2026)

Short-term rentals in Seattle are regulated primarily by SMC Chapter 6.600 (operator licensing) and SMC 23.42.060 (land use), neither of which adds a parking requirement specific to STR operation. The SDCI common-code guidance for STRs simply directs operators to comply with parking, noise, housing, and building-maintenance code requirements that apply to the underlying property. Because most STRs in Seattle operate out of the operator's primary residence (or one secondary unit also within the city), the parking obligation is whatever the Land Use Code requires for that residential use, with no STR-specific add-on. On the street, STR guests are subject to the full set of SDOT and Seattle Police Department rules: posted time limits in metered or signed blocks, street-cleaning restrictions, the prohibition on parking a vehicle on the same street for more than 72 consecutive hours, and the prohibition on blocking driveways, curb cuts, fire hydrants, or red curbs. In Restricted Parking Zone (RPZ) neighborhoods, vehicles without a valid permit may not exceed the posted time limit during enforcement hours. Each household is limited to four vehicle decals and one guest hangtag, so hosts cannot rely on guest hangtags for STR turnover. SDOT does sell short-term RPZ day permits (one-day) in most zones (excluding Zones A and B), with a cap of five per day and 50 per year per address; an operator may purchase these for guests, or provide guests with instructions on where to park outside the RPZ. Hosts are advised by the Department of Finance and Administrative Services (FAS) to disclose parking conditions, including any RPZ enforcement, in listing descriptions to avoid guest citations.