Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Bellevue, WA?

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Bellevue, WA, but with significant restrictions. Short-term rentals (defined as stays fewer than 30 days) are permitted only in specific circumstances and property types. The city has implemented a tiered regulatory framework that differentiates between entire home rentals and individual room rentals, with the latter having more lenient requirements.

The regulatory environment is particularly restrictive for entire single-family homes, which cannot be used for transient lodging. However, individual room rentals and multifamily units (apartments, condos) may qualify under the city's Short-Term Stay Use provisions, subject to strict limitations on the number of units and registration requirements.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Bellevue

Step 1: Property Assessment and Zoning Verification

Critical First Step: Before acquiring or operating any property as an STR, verify that your intended use complies with Bellevue's Land Use Code. The most restrictive rule is that entire single-family homes or homes with ADUs cannot be used for transient lodging. Your property must fall into one of these permissible categories:

• Apartments or condo units in residential districts (R-1 through R-30)
• Individual rooms in single-family homes (as boarding house/B&B, owner-occupied)
• Units in Planned Unit Developments or multifamily dwelling units

Step 2: Determine Your Business Structure

• Owner-Occupied Room Rentals: Maximum 2 rooms, 2 adults per room, requires Home Occupation Permit
• Non-Owner-Occupied Room Rentals: Maximum 4 rooms, but not allowed in single-family districts
• Multifamily Unit Rentals: Limited to 5 units per building and 20% of total development units

Step 3: File Registration Notice

Submit the Short-Term Stay Use Registration Notice to the Development Services Department. This registration must include:

• Name and address of registrant
• Building and development identification
• Number of dwelling units used for short-term stays
• Compliance with house rules (if applicable to the development)

Step 4: Implementation and Ongoing Compliance

• Post house rules in each unit (if universal rules exist in the development)
• Maintain registration with the city
• Monitor unit limitations (5 units/20% cap for multifamily developments)
• Track compliance with owner-occupancy requirements for boarding houses

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Registration Requirements

1. Short-Term Stay Use Registration Notice

   • Form available from Development Services
   • Must be filed before operations begin
   • Remains in effect until registrant notifies department of cessation
   • No specified fee mentioned in official sources

2. Home Occupation Permit (for boarding houses/B&Bs)

   • Required for single-family room rentals
   • Application through Development Services
   • Only valid for owner-occupied properties
   • Maximum 2 rooms for rental

Supporting Documentation

• Property ownership verification
• Development compliance documentation (for multifamily units)
• House rules documentation (if applicable to the development)
• Owner-occupancy proof (for boarding house/B&B operations)

Ongoing Compliance Requirements

• Registration maintenance with Development Services
• House rule posting in all STR units
• Unit limitation monitoring (5 units/20% cap for multifamily)
• Owner-occupancy maintenance (for boarding house operations)

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Bellevue Regulations

Entire Home Rentals

PROHIBITED: Single-family homes and homes with ADUs cannot be used for transient lodging.

PERMITTED: Apartments, condo units, or homes in Planned Unit Developments/multifamily dwelling units in residential districts (R-1 through R-30), subject to:

• Short-Term Stay Use Registration Notice filing
• Maximum 5 units per building
• Maximum 20% of total development units
• Compliance with all building, health, and safety standards

Individual Room Rentals

Owner-Occupied Single-Family Homes (Boarding House/B&B):

• Must be owner-occupied
• Maximum 2 rooms for rental
• Maximum 2 adults per room
• Home Occupation Permit required
• Governed by LUC 20.20.140

Non-Owner-Occupied Single-Family Homes (Rooming House):

• Maximum 4 rooms for rental
• NOT allowed in single-family land use districts
• Governed by LUC 20.20.700

Multifamily Units:

• Individual rooms may be used for transient lodging
• Subject to same 5-unit/20% limitations as entire unit rentals
• Requires Short-Term Stay Use Registration Notice

State of Washington Regulations

Short-term rental operators must also comply with Washington state regulations, particularly:

• RCW 64.37 - regulations governing short-term rentals
• State tax collection and remittance requirements
• Consumer protection regulations
• Health and safety standards

Enforcement and Compliance

• 12-month grace period for existing operations (from ordinance effective date)
• 3-month compliance period for general requirements
• Violations subject to enforcement under LUC 20.40.460 and Bellevue City Code Chapter 1.18
• Maximum penalties and ongoing compliance monitoring

Contact Information for Local Authority

Development Services Department - Land Use Division

Primary Contact for STR Registration and Compliance:

Phone: 425-452-4188
Email: landusereview@bellevuewa.gov
Website: bellevuewa.gov/city-government/departments/development

Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Address:
City of Bellevue
450 110th Avenue NE
Bellevue, WA 98004

Additional Contact Information

General City Information:
Phone: 425-452-6800
Email: servicefirst@bellevuewa.gov

ADA and Accessibility Services:
Phone: 425-452-6800 (voice)
Email: servicefirst@bellevuewa.gov
ADA Officer: ADATitleVI@bellevuewa.gov

Hearing Impaired: 711

Source Pages and Links

Official Bellevue Government Sources

• Residential Rental Regulations - Bellevue WA - Primary source for STR regulations
• Land Use Code 20.20.800 - Short Term Stay Uses - Legal framework and detailed requirements
• Short-Term Stay Registration Form - Required registration document
• Accessory Dwelling Units Information - ADU restrictions
• Home Occupation Permit Information - Required for boarding houses

State of Washington Sources

• RCW 64.37 - Short-Term Rental Regulations - State-level requirements
• Washington Department of Revenue - Lodging Tax Guide - Tax obligations

Additional Regulatory References

• LUC 20.20.140 - Boarding Houses - Owner-occupied room rental requirements
• LUC 20.20.700 - Rooming Houses - Non-owner-occupied room rental restrictions

Important Note for Investors: Bellevue's regulatory environment for short-term rentals is among the more restrictive in the region. The prohibition on entire single-family home rentals significantly limits investment opportunities. Successful STR operations in Bellevue will primarily focus on multifamily units within the 5-unit/20% limitations or carefully structured owner-occupied room rental businesses. Always verify current regulations and engage with city officials before making any property acquisitions or operational changes.