Overview: Are STRs allowed in Buckley, WA?

Yes. In Buckley (Pierce County), short‑term rentals are permitted as “Vacation Rentals” (VRs) under PCC 18A.37.040, and Bed & Breakfast (B&B) operations are separately permitted when specific criteria are met. Both must operate within a legally established single‑family dwelling or accessory structure and must file required affidavits with Pierce County. Where the standards cannot be met, a Conditional Use Permit is required.

Pierce County has adopted Ordinance 2025‑516s amending 18A.37.040; the change is pending codification. Investors should monitor the ordinance status and County Code updates.

How to start a short‑term rental business in Buckley, WA

1. Confirm land use eligibility and capacity

• Confirm the subject property is in a zoning district where VRs and B&Bs are allowed by PCC 18A.37.040.
• Vacation Rental capacity:
  • Up to 5 guest rooms.
  • 2 guests per bedroom; maximum 10 guests total at any time.
• B&B capacity:
  • Not more than 5 guest rooms.
  • Not more than 10 travelers lodged at any time.
  • Lodging per guest may not exceed two weeks.

2. Notify neighbors and communicate operations

• Provide written notification of the vacation rental business to all directly adjacent property owners (VR requirement).
• Provide guests with the location of guest parking spaces (VR requirement).

3. Prepare and file the required affidavit(s)

• Vacation Rental Affidavit (with Pierce County Planning and Public Works) including:
  • Owner’s intent to use the residence as a Vacation Rental.
  • Contact information for owner, representative, or property manager (phone + email).
  • Internet site(s) where the VR property is advertised.
  • Confirmation that required neighborhood notification was provided.
• B&B Affidavit (with Pierce County Planning and Public Works) confirming:
  • The location of the property.
  • That the property will be used as a bed and breakfast.

4. Provide “Good Neighbor” information

• Provide a “Good Neighbor brochure” for short‑term rentals to each renter describing appropriate etiquette for residing in a Vacation Rental.

5. Confirm occupancy, parking, and use limitations

• Enforce maximum guest counts and room limits per the VR/B&B standards.
• Verify parking arrangements and share this with guests.
• Ensure stays are less than 30 days; rentals exceeding 30 days are not regulated under this chapter.

6. Consider a Conditional Use Permit if you cannot meet the standards

• If any VR/B&B standard will be exceeded, apply for a Conditional Use Permit with Pierce County Planning and Public Works.

7. Manage licensing and tax obligations

• Verify business licensing requirements with the City of Buckley and any local tax obligations.
• For state-level lodging taxes in Washington, consult the Washington State Department of Revenue and local tax authority resources (see “State-level regulations” below).

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

• Vacation Rental Affidavit (Pierce County Planning and Public Works):
  • Owner’s intent to use property as a Vacation Rental.
  • Contact details for owner, representative, or property manager (phone, email).
  • Listing of internet site(s) where the VR is advertised.
  • Confirmation that adjacent neighbor notification was provided.
• B&B Affidavit (Pierce County Planning and Public Works):
  • Property location and that the property will be used as a B&B.
• Conditional Use Permit (CUP):
  • Required if standards in PCC 18A.37.040 are exceeded or cannot be met.
• Good Neighbor brochure:
  • Must be provided to each renter; describes appropriate VR etiquette.
• Parking:
  • Provide guests with the location of guest parking spaces (VR requirement).

Licensing and taxes

• City of Buckley:
  • Confirm business licensing and any local tax requirements directly with the City.
• Washington State (high level):
  • Lodging providers typically have state and local lodging/occupation tax obligations; consult the Washington State Department of Revenue for guidance.

Specific regulations for short‑term rentals: Buckley (city), Pierce County (county), Washington (state)

• City of Buckley:
  • Buckley is a non‑charter code city in Pierce County. STR use is governed by the Pierce County zoning code (see County regulations below). Confirm any additional city business licenses and local taxes directly with the City of Buckley.
• Pierce County (PCC 18A.37.040):
  • Vacation Rental (VR):
    • Allowed within a legally established single‑family or accessory dwelling.
    • Maximum 5 guest rooms.
    • Maximum 2 guests per bedroom; total guests capped at 10 at any time.
    • Compensation of any kind paid for lodging.
    • Provide guest parking location information to guests.
    • Provide notification to all directly adjacent property owners.
    • File a Vacation Rental Affidavit with Pierce County Planning and Public Works.
    • Provide a Good Neighbor brochure to each renter.
    • Rentals longer than 30 days are not regulated under this chapter.
    • Failure to meet or exceed standards requires a Conditional Use Permit.
  • Bed & Breakfast (B&B):
    • Allowed on a parcel where the B&B proprietor resides.
    • Not more than 5 guest rooms and not more than 10 travelers at any time.
    • Lodging per guest does not exceed two weeks.
    • Compensation of any kind is paid for lodging.
    • File a B&B Affidavit with Pierce County Planning and Public Works.
    • Exceeding standards requires a Conditional Use Permit.
• Washington State (general context for STRs):
  • Washington imposes state and local lodging/occupation taxes on short‑term rentals. Specific rates, registration, reporting, and collection obligations vary by jurisdiction. Consult the Washington State Department of Revenue and your local tax authority for current requirements and compliance steps.

Contact information (local authority in charge of STRs)

• Pierce County Planning and Public Works – Zoning/Code Administration
  • Mailing: 955 Tacoma Ave S, Suite 100, Tacoma, WA 98402
  • Phone: (253) 798‑3738
  • Website: www.piercecountywa.gov
• City of Buckley (confirm business licensing and local taxes)
  • Phone: (360) 829‑0211
  • Address: City Hall, Buckley, WA
  • Website: www.cityofbuckley.com (verify contact and licensing details)

Source links (for verification and updates)

• Pierce County Code – 18A.37.040: Bed and Breakfast (B&B) and Short‑Term Vacation Rentals (VR): pierce.county.codes/PCC/18A.37.040
• Pierce County – County Code (PCC) home: pierce.county.codes/PCC
• Pierce County – County Website: www.piercecountywa.gov/