Short-term rental permit rules in Vancouver, WA β also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration β list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Vancouver adopted an STR ordinance in December 2023 requiring all short-term rental operators to obtain a city business license and a $250 one-time STR permit. STRs are defined as residential properties available for stays under 30 days.
The Vancouver City Council adopted STR regulations on December 18, 2023. Operators must obtain a city business license and pay a $250 one-time STR permit fee. Short-term rentals include residential properties, rooms, guesthouses, and ADUs available for less than 30 days. Operators must comply with Good Neighbor Guidelines, designate a local contact person, and maintain the property to safety standards. The permit application process includes verification of safety equipment and compliance with building codes.
Operating without a permit results in fines and enforcement action. Repeated violations may result in loss of ability to obtain future permits.
Vancouver, WA
Vancouver prohibits leaving any vehicle parked on a public street for more than 24 consecutive hours. Officers attach a notification sticker; if the vehicle ...
Vancouver, WA
Vancouver's Municipal Code Chapter 20.912 governs all fences, walls, and retaining walls citywide. Residential fences have tiered height limits by yard locat...
Vancouver, WA
Vancouver has no dedicated local ordinance banning wildlife feeding. Washington state law prohibits feeding large wild carnivores and, since May 2025, feedin...
Vancouver, WA
Vancouver allows hens, ducks, geese, rabbits, and similar domestic animals in all zoning districts for hobby use with no minimum lot size. Roosters, turkeys,...
Vancouver, WA
Vancouver's Land Use and Development Code (VMC Chapter 20.925) encourages but does not universally mandate native plants. For development projects, native an...
Vancouver, WA
Vancouver allows residential lawn ornaments and yard art without permits provided they do not exceed the 8-foot residential accessory-structure height standa...
See how Vancouver's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.