Short-term rental permit rules in Auburn, WA — also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration — list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Auburn requires short-term rental operators to obtain a City business license and register with the Washington State Department of Revenue. Hosting platforms like Airbnb collect state lodging taxes.
The City of Auburn treats short-term rentals (rentals under 30 consecutive days) as a business activity requiring a City of Auburn business license under ACC Title 5. Operators must also register with the Washington State Department of Revenue and collect applicable state and local lodging taxes. Under RCW 64.37, the Washington Short-Term Rental Operator Registration Act requires operators to provide contact information and comply with safety requirements including posted evacuation routes, working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and a fire extinguisher. Short-term rentals must comply with Auburn zoning under ACC Title 18, including occupancy limits, parking standards, and residential performance standards. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo remit Washington state sales and lodging taxes on the operator's behalf, but local business license and registration obligations remain with the operator.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Auburn, WA
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Auburn, WA
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Auburn, WA
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Auburn, WA
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Auburn, WA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how other cities in King County handle permit requirements.
See how Auburn's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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