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Bothell

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Bothell, WA

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STR Regulations for Bothell, Washington

Overview: Short-Term Rentals Are Permitted
Short-term rentals (STRs) are allowed in Bothell, WA, but operate under state-level regulations (Washington RCW 64.37). The city has no specific STR permitting requirements beyond state law and general business licensing. King County (which partially overlaps Bothell) does not have its own STR regulations.

1. How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business

Step 1: Obtain State-Level Licenses

  • Washington State Business License: Register with the Washington Department of Revenue (DOR) and obtain a Unified Business Identifier (UBI).
  • City of Bothell Business License: Apply via the DOR portal for a "General Business License" endorsement. (STRs are not classified as "home occupations").

Step 2: Insurance & Tax Setup

  • Secure primary liability insurance ($1M+ coverage) or confirm coverage through platforms like Airbnb/Vrbo.
  • Set up tax remittance for sales, use, and lodging taxes (often collected/remitted by platforms).

Step 3: Ensure Safety Compliance

  • Post required safety information inside the unit (see Regulations section below).
  • Install smoke/carbon monoxide detectors per state law.

Step 4: Property Preparation

  • Verify zoning compliance (STRs allowed in all residential zones where dwelling units are permitted).
  • Prepare guest amenities and listings.

2. Required Documents & Permits

| Requirement | Details | Source | |-------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------| | State Business License | UBI number via DOR | RCW 64.37 | | City of Bothell License | "General Business" endorsement through DOR portal | RedAwning | | Liability Insurance | $1M+ coverage or platform-provided | RCW 64.37.050 | | Tax Registration | Sales/use tax via DOR (platforms may handle this) | RCW 64.37.020 | | Safety Poster | Emergency contacts, exits, max occupancy | RCW 64.37.030 |

3. Regulations Specific to Bothell, County, and State

State Regulations (RCW 64.37)

  • Taxes: Remit sales, use, and lodging taxes (often collected by platforms).
  • Consumer Safety:
    • Post property address, emergency contacts, fire exit plans, and occupancy limits.
    • Provide 24/7 guest access to a contact person.
  • Insurance: Maintain $1M+ liability coverage or use platform-provided coverage.
  • Platform Requirements: Platforms (Airbnb/Vrbo) must register with the DOR and collect/remit taxes.

Bothell City Regulations

  • Zoning: STRs allowed in all residential zones where dwelling units are permitted (e.g., single-family, multi-family).
  • Permits: No city-specific STR permits required beyond business licensing.
  • Transient Accommodations: Temporary structures (e.g., tents, cabins) require a Type II permit under BMC 12.06.160, but these rules do not apply to standard STRs.

Snohomish County

  • County rules (e.g., Snohomish City Ordinance 2446) apply only to properties within the City of Snohomish (not Bothell). Bothell is a separate jurisdiction.

4. Contact Information

| Authority | Contact Details | Notes | |------------------------------|----------------------------------------------|------------------------------------| | City of Bothell | Website: www.ci.bothell.wa.us | General business licensing questions | | WA Department of Revenue | Phone: 360-534-1600 | UBI number, tax setup | | Bothell Fire Department | Phone: 425-486-6374 | Fire safety inspections |

5. Source Links

Key Takeaway: Bothell permits STRs under state law, with no city-specific restrictions. Investors must comply with RCW 64.37 (taxes, insurance, safety) and obtain a general business license via the state DOR. For zoning questions, consult the City of Bothell Planning Department.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Bothell?

Bothell hosts earn a median $32,805/year with $143 ADR and 71% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $46,584+ per year.

See the full Bothell market breakdown

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Bothell

Market Saturation Score

036912
Mild Saturation
4/ 12
months with declining YoY revenue
2–4 declining months: early saturation pressure - watch for trend persistence.
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Photos of Bothell

Overview of Bothell

Bothell sits in western Washington, straddling the border between King County and Snohomish County just north of Lake Washington. With a population of roughly 48,000, it functions as a quiet suburban hub within the larger Seattle metropolitan area, located about 20 miles northeast of downtown Seattle. The city has a relaxed, family-friendly feel, with tree-lined streets, well-maintained parks, and a walkable downtown corridor that has grown noticeably more vibrant in recent years. Bothell is best known as a gateway to the surrounding wine country and as a convenient base for visitors exploring the east side of the Puget Sound region, including the tech centers of Redmond and Kirkland.

One of the biggest draws within easy reach of Bothell is Woodinville Wine Country, a wine-tasting district that sits just a few miles to the east and can be reached in roughly 10 to 15 minutes by car. The area is home to more than 100 wineries and tasting rooms clustered into a handful of distinct districts, including the historic Chateau Ste. Michelle estate, making it one of the most concentrated wine-tasting destinations in the Pacific Northwest. Visitors can easily spend a full day sampling wines from Washington State's major growing regions without ever leaving the suburban landscape.

Outdoor recreation in Bothell centers on the Sammamish River Trail, a paved multi-use path that runs through the heart of the city along the river of the same name. Stretching roughly 14 miles between Marymoor Park in Redmond and the Bothell waterfront, the trail is popular with cyclists, joggers, and casual strollers, and it connects the city to neighboring communities while passing through wetlands and wooded stretches. Its accessibility and gentle grades make it a frequent stop for visitors looking to stretch their legs or take a leisurely ride.

A short drive west brings guests to the shores of Lake Washington at Saint Edward State Park in Kenmore, about 10 minutes from downtown Bothell. The park wraps around a striking former seminary building and features old-growth forest, walking paths, and lake views that feel surprisingly remote for a location this close to a major metro area. Meanwhile, downtown Bothell itself has quietly evolved into a destination in its own right, with a growing collection of independent restaurants, breweries, and small shops clustered along Main Street that appeal to both locals and out-of-town guests.

Bothell offers short-term rental owners a compelling combination: proximity to Seattle's major attractions without the downtown congestion or pricing, walkable amenities within the city itself, and quick access to wine country, lake recreation, and major employment centers. Its position in the heart of the eastside makes it well suited to leisure travelers, business visitors working in Redmond or Kirkland, and wine country tourists alike, while its quieter residential character provides a comfortable home base for guests who want to experience the Puget Sound region at a more relaxed pace.

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