Executive Summary: Are STRs Allowed?

Yes, short-term rentals (STRs) are permitted in Bellingham, WA, under specific regulations. The City of Bellingham allows STRs in residential, commercial, and urban village zones, but bans them in industrial, institutional, public areas, the Lake Whatcom Watershed, and shoreline areas. Key restrictions include:

• Residential Zones: Only 1 STR per operator. Must be primary residence (owner or long-term tenant). Whole unit rental limited to 95 days/year. Maximum 5 bedrooms. No STRs in detached accessory dwelling units (DADUs).
• Commercial/Urban Village Zones: No STR cap. Non-primary residences allowed. No annual rental day limits.
• All Zones: Liability insurance ($1M), safety inspections, business license, posted permit number, local contact person required.
  (Source: Bellingham Municipal Code 20.10.037)

1. Starting an STR Business

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Pre-Application Consultation: Contact the Permit Center (City Hall, 210 Lottie St., 360-778-8300) for zoning confirmation and guidance.
2. Permit Application: Submit a Short-Term Rental Application (PDF) to the Permit Center.
3. Required Submissions:
   • Business License number from the WA State Department of Revenue.
   • Application fee: Type I ($370), Type II ($550), Type III-A ($847).
   • Courtesy notice mailed to adjacent neighbors (Type I permits).
4. Inspections: City inspection required before approval per BMC 20.10.037.D.11.
5. Permit Renewal: Submit STR Renewal Affidavit (PDF) every even-numbered year (e.g., Jan 1, 2026). (Source: City Permit Process, Business License DOR)

2. Required Documents, Permits & Licenses

| Requirement | Details | |------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------| | STR Land Use Permit | Type I/II/III-A based on bedrooms and zoning (Permit Application PDF). | | Business License | Apply via WA Dept. of Revenue. Number required for permit. | | Insurance | Liability coverage ≥ $1M per transaction or via platform coverage. | | Safety Inspection | City inspection for smoke alarms, CO detectors, bedroom safety per BMC 20.10.037.D.11. | | Renewal Affidavit | Filed every 2 years (PDF). | | Good Neighbor Guide | Must be posted in unit (guidelines in permit). | (Source: BMC 20.10.037, City FAQs)

3. City, County & State Regulations

Bellingham Municipal Code (BMC 20.10.037)

| Zoning Type | Key Rules | |--------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Residential (Single/Multi-Family) | - Max 1 STR per operator.<br>- Must be primary residence (owner/tenant, 270+ days/year).<br>- Max 5 bedrooms.<br>- Whole unit rental limit: 95 days/year.<br>- No DADU STRs. | | Commercial/Urban Village | - No operator cap.<br>- Non-primary residences allowed.<br>- No day limits. | | Prohibited Areas | - Lake Whatcom Watershed Basin One.<br>- Shoreline areas (BMC Title 22).<br>- Units subsidized via city programs. | | Operational Rules | - 24/7 local contact person.<br>- 1 off-street parking space (residential).<br>- No exterior changes indicating commercial use.<br>- No events for compensation.<br>- Permit number posted on platforms. | (Source: BMC 20.10.037)

Whatcom County

No additional county-level STR regulations identified in provided sources. Compliance with state laws applies.

Washington State

• Business License: Required via WA Dept. of Revenue.
• Taxes: Transient lodging tax may apply (consult state resources).
• Health Regulations: Operators providing food must follow WA State Dept. of Health rules. (Source: BMC 20.10.037.D.13)

4. Contact Information

| Authority | Details | |--------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------| | City Permit Center | 210 Lottie St., Bellingham, WA 98225<br>Phone: 360-778-8300<br>Email: permits@cob.org<br>Website: cob.org/permits | | Planning & Community Development | Website: Planning Dept. | | WA Dept. of Revenue | Website: dor.wa.gov |

5. Links to Source Pages

| Document/Topic | URL | |--------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------| | City STR Overview | https://cob.org/services/planning/development/short-term-rentals | | Bellingham Municipal Code | https://bellingham.municipal.codes/BMC/20.10.037 | | STR FAQs (PDF) | https://cob.org/wp-content/uploads/str-faq.pdf | | STR Application (PDF) | https://cob.org/wp-content/uploads/str-application.pdf | | Renewal Affidavit (PDF) | https://cob.org/wp-content/uploads/str-renewal-affidavit.pdf | | WA Dept. of Revenue (Business License) | https://dor.wa.gov/open-business/apply-business-license | | City Permit Center | https://cob.org/services/permits | | Ordinance 2018-11-024 (PDF) | https://mrsc.org/getmedia/2d50ac3d-c535-4e10-9270-b74a78fb5734/b45o2018-11-024.pdf |

6. Critical Notes for Investors

• DADU Ban: Detached ADUs in single-family zones cannot be STRs. This is under legal challenge as of 2024 (Front Online article).
• Enforcement: City monitors compliance using Host Compliance.
• Inspection Timing: Safety inspections must pass before permit approval.
• Rental Day Limits: Only apply to whole-unit rentals in residential zones (max 95 days). Room rentals are unlimited in primary residences.

This guide reflects regulations current as of July 2025. Verify changes at bellingham.municipal.codes.