Overview: STR Status in Bremerton, WA

Short-term rentals are currently allowed in Bremerton, Washington. However, the regulatory landscape is evolving. As of 2025, Kitsap County (which includes Bremerton) is in the process of developing comprehensive STR regulations. The county previously adopted vacation rental code requiring conditional use permits but deferred enforcement due to concerns about the code being overly broad and burdensome. A new policy development process began in early 2019 and continues to evolve.

Important Note: Bremerton operates within Kitsap County's jurisdiction for unincorporated areas. Bremerton city itself has not published specific STR regulations separate from county guidelines. This guide covers both city-specific requirements (where applicable) and county-level regulations that affect Bremerton properties.

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Bremerton

Initial Assessment and Planning

Before initiating a short-term rental operation in Bremerton, conduct a comprehensive property analysis:

1. Zoning Verification: Confirm your property zoning allows short-term rental use. According to Kitsap County survey data, STRs "currently can be located in any residential or commercial area in unincorporated Kitsap County."

2. Property Type Assessment: Determine your STR category based on county definitions:

   • Room, suite, garage apartment, or secondary house at primary residence
   • Detached single-family home (3+ bedrooms)
   • Detached single-family home (fewer than 3 bedrooms)
   • Apartment or condominium
   • Attached single-family home, townhome, or multi-unit dwelling

3. Financial Planning: Consider the lodging tax structure - 2% Washington State Department of Revenue requirement plus 2% additional Kitsap County special excise tax.

Business Setup Process

Step 1: Business Registration

• Obtain Washington State business license
• Register with Washington Department of Revenue for tax collection purposes

Step 2: Property Preparation

• Ensure compliance with building codes and safety standards
• Install required safety equipment (carbon monoxide alarms per RCW 19.27.530)
• Prepare emergency information and floor plans

Step 3: Insurance Acquisition

• Secure primary liability insurance with minimum $1 million coverage, or
• Verify platform-provided insurance meets state requirements

Step 4: Platform Registration

• Register with chosen platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.)
• Ensure platforms are compliant with Washington State regulations

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

State-Level Requirements (RCW 64.37)

Mandatory Documents for Every STR:

1. Contact Information Display

   • Operator contact information prominently displayed
   • Designated contact available during guest stays

2. Safety Information Package

   • Short-term rental street address
   • Emergency contact information (police, fire, medical)
   • Floor plan indicating fire exits and escape routes
   • Maximum occupancy limits
   • Operator contact information

3. Insurance Documentation

   • Proof of $1M primary liability insurance, or
   • Platform insurance verification

County-Level Requirements (Kitsap County)

Currently in Development: Kitsap County is actively developing comprehensive STR regulations through a public process that began in 2019. The county has indicated they will implement:

• Registration requirements
• Operational guidelines
• Enforcement mechanisms
• Complaint response procedures

Current Status: The county has deferred enforcement except for health and safety issues while final regulations are developed.

City-Level Requirements (Bremerton)

Landlord License: While designed for traditional rentals, Bremerton requires a general business license for anyone renting real property within city limits:

• Fee: $75
• Application: Bremerton Municipal Code 3.48.025
• Online application available through Landlord License Online Center

Rental Property Registration: Bremerton Municipal Code 5.06 requires landlords to provide complete rental property listings to Bremerton Police Department for the Landlord Notification Program.

Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

Washington State Regulations (RCW 64.37)

Tax Obligations:

• Collect and remit all applicable local, state, and federal taxes
• Platforms may collect/remit on operator's behalf
• Includes occupancy, sales, lodging, and other taxes/fees

Consumer Safety Requirements:

• Provide guest contact information during stay
• Carbon monoxide alarm compliance (RCW 19.27.530)
• Post required safety information conspicuously within each unit
• First violation receives warning letter; subsequent violations are class 2 civil infractions

Platform Requirements:

• Platforms must register with Department of Revenue
• Must inform operators of tax obligations
• Must provide safety requirement summaries
• Must warn about potential insurance gaps

Insurance Mandate:

• Maintain minimum $1M primary liability insurance, OR
• Use platform providing equal/greater coverage

Kitsap County Regulations (In Development)

Existing Framework:

• Vacation rental code adopted 2016 requiring conditional use permits
• Enforcement deferred pending updated regulations
• Focus groups planned for stakeholder input
• Regulatory concepts under development based on HB 1798 and 75+ local ordinances

Anticipated Requirements (Based on Public Input):

• Host management and responsiveness requirements
• Noise and parking restrictions
• Occupancy limits
• Registration/licensing system
• Enforcement and complaint procedures

Bremerton City Regulations

Current Requirements:

• General business license for rental property operations
• Participation in Landlord Notification Program
• Compliance with city building and safety codes
• No specific STR ordinances beyond general rental requirements

Contact Information

Primary Regulatory Contacts

Kitsap County - STR Project:

• Phone: 360-337-5777
• Email: help@kitsap1.com
• Project Contacts:
  • Eric Baker, Policy Manager: 360-337-4495, ebaker@co.kitsap.wa.us
  • Jennifer Cannon, Policy Analyst: 360-337-7051, jjcannon@co.kitsap.wa.us

Bremerton City - Tax & License Division:

• Phone: 360-473-5311
• Email: taxinfo@ci.bremerton.wa.us
• Mailing Address: 345 6th St., Suite 100, Bremerton, WA 98337
• Online Portal: landlords.bremertonwa.gov

Washington State Resources:

• Department of Revenue: dor.wa.gov
• Legislative Hotline: 1-800-562-6000
• TTY: 1-800-833-6388

Important Regulatory Considerations

Community Concerns (Based on 2019 Survey Data)

Kitsap County residents identified key concerns that likely influence future regulations:

• Increased noise and disrespectful guests
• Impacts to neighborhood character
• Safety concerns and host responsiveness
• Shoreline and parking intrusions
• Competition with traditional lodging

Recommended Compliance Strategy

Given the evolving regulatory environment:

1. Monitor County Developments: Stay informed about Kitsap County's regulatory progress through their project webpage and email notifications.

2. Exceed Minimum Standards: Implement best practices beyond basic requirements to prepare for stricter future regulations.

3. Community Relations: Develop positive relationships with neighbors and establish clear communication channels.

4. Insurance Review: Ensure comprehensive coverage exceeds minimum requirements.

5. Documentation: Maintain detailed records of all operations, complaints, and resolutions.

Source Links

Official Government Sources:

• Kitsap County STR Policy Development
• Washington State RCW 64.37 (STR Regulations)
• Bremerton Landlord Information
• Kitsap County Survey Summary
• Kitsap County Regulatory Concepts

Additional Resources:

• Washington Department of Revenue Lodging Guide
• HouseHack Seattle WA STR Guide (Third-party analysis)

Legal References:

• RCW 19.27.530 (Carbon Monoxide Alarms)
• RCW 59.18.060 (Landlord Tenant Act)
• RCW 7.80 (Civil Infractions)

Disclaimer: This guide is based on available information as of 2025. Regulations are evolving, and investors should verify current requirements with local authorities before making investment decisions. The information provided does not constitute legal advice, and consultation with qualified professionals is recommended.