Overview: Are STRs Allowed in Quilcene?

Short-term rentals (STRs) are allowed in Quilcene, Washington, but they are regulated by Jefferson County rather than a city government. Jefferson County defines an STR as the rental of a Single-Family Residence (SFR) or Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) for fewer than 30 nights. The county updated its STR rules in 2025, adding a 4% countywide cap on permits (excluding Master Planned Resorts), annual inspections, and clear occupancy limits tied to septic capacity. Bed & Breakfasts are treated under a separate permit type and are not counted against the 4% cap.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in This Market

A practical, step-by-step approach for investors:

1. Confirm eligibility and zoning

   • Verify the parcel zoning supports STRs. Permittable zones include Rural Residential (1:5, 1:10, 1:20), Rural Village Center, and Resource Lands (Agriculture and Forest). In Port Ludlow Master Planned Resort (MPR), STRs are allowed only in the Resource Complex (MPR‑RC/CF).
   • Check zoning and parcel details using the Jefferson County GIS portal.
   • Confirm the dwelling is legally established/permitted with an approved septic system or sewer connection and potable water.
   • Note: If both an SFR and ADU exist on the same property, only one unit may operate as an STR. An operator may hold only one STR permit in unincorporated Jefferson County.

2. Plan occupancy and infrastructure

   • Capacity is determined by septic capacity (Gallons Per Day, or GPD). Each bedroom is allocated 120 GPD and accommodates 2 people. Example: a two-bedroom septic (240 GPD) allows up to 4 guests.
   • Provide on‑site parking for STR guests in addition to any required resident parking.
   • Prepare a site plan and floor plan for application submission.

3. Prepare required documents

   • Permit Application (PDF)
   • Short-Term Rental Supplemental Application (PDF)
   • Jefferson County STR Pre-Inspection Checklist (PDF)
   • Site Plan
   • Floor Plan
   • Current Operations & Monitoring (O&M) report for the septic system

4. Submit application

   • Email all materials to DCD at planning@co.jefferson.wa.us with the subject “Short‑Term Rental application.” Alternatively, drop off at DCD, 621 Sheridan St, Port Townsend, WA (M–Th 9–4:30; closed 12–1).
   • DCD will issue an invoice for fees. The Office of the Fire Marshal will then contact you to schedule inspection.

5. Pass inspection and receive permit

   • Annual fire/life safety inspections are mandatory for all permitted STRs.
   • If the STR has 6 or more guest rooms or will exceed 10 occupants, a Conditional (Discretionary) land use permit is required, along with additional building requirements.

6. Operate and renew

   • Operate in compliance with county rules to avoid disturbances (JCC 18.20.210(3)(a)).
   • Renew annually; submit renewal at least 30 days before the permit expires. If the 4% cap is reached, permits may be waitlisted.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Core permitting documents

• Standard Land Use Permit Application
• Short-Term Rental Supplemental Application
• STR Pre-Inspection Checklist
• Site Plan Requirements
• STR Emergency Posting
• Emergency Contacts
• Ready Set Go 1–2–3 wildfire preparedness materials
• Burn Restrictions with QR code for current fire danger levels

Permit types and thresholds

• Standard STR Permit: SFR or ADU with STR use; annual inspection required.
• Conditional (Discretionary) STR Permit: Required if the STR has 6 or more guest rooms or more than 10 occupants; additional building standards apply.
• Bed & Breakfast Permit: Separate permit; applies when the owner/lessee resides on site and rents individual rooms. B&Bs are not subject to the 4% STR cap and may serve food with Environmental Public Health approval.

Compliance and operations

• On-site guest parking required in addition to resident parking.
• Occupancy limits based on septic capacity (120 GPD per bedroom, 2 persons per bedroom).
• Annual fire/life safety inspection and yearly renewal.
• septic O&M report must be current at application and renewal.

Fees and payments

• Application and renewal fees are invoiced by DCD after submission.

Specific Regulations: City/County/State

City: Quilcene is an unincorporated area of Jefferson County; there are no city-specific STR regulations. All rules summarized below are county-level requirements that apply in Quilcene.

County regulations (2025 update)

• Allowed zones: Rural Residential (1:5, 1:10, 1:20), Rural Village Center, Resource Lands (Agriculture and Forest). In Port Ludlow MPR, STRs are only permitted within the Resource Complex (MPR‑RC/CF).
• Capacity: Determined by septic capacity (GPD). Each bedroom = 120 GPD = up to 2 guests.
• One STR per property: If both an SFR and ADU exist, only one may be used for STR. Operators may hold only one STR permit in unincorporated county.
• Disturbance standard: STRs must prevent unreasonable disturbances to area residents (JCC 18.20.210(3)(a)).
• Parking: Provide adequate on-site parking for guests beyond any resident parking requirement.
• Annual inspection: Fire/life safety inspections every year while the permit is in effect.
• Conditional permit: Required for 6+ guest rooms or >10 occupants; additional building standards apply.
• 4% cap: A countywide cap equal to 4% of the housing stock (estimated annually by the Office of Financial Management), distributed proportionally by zip code. Master Planned Resorts are excluded from the cap and from housing stock calculations.
• Waitlist: When a zip code reaches its cap, new applications are waitlisted until permits become available.
• Bed & Breakfast vs STR: B&Bs require a separate permit and are not counted against the STR cap.
• State references in county materials: Washington State laws cited include RCW 36.32.120 (county powers), RCW 64.37 (short‑term rental–related statutory context), and WAC 197‑11‑926 (SEPA adoption by reference).

State-level requirements

• Housing assumptions and planning context: OFM housing stock estimates support county cap calculations and comprehensive planning.
• SEPA: Environmental review context and reliance on state administrative codes is referenced in county documentation. While specific SEPA actions for your project will vary, be prepared to complete state environmental review if triggered.
• Lodging taxes: Washington allows local sales and use taxes for lodging under councilmanic authority (RCW 82.14.530; see also Bill Summary 1590, 2019). Confirm current Jefferson County lodging tax rates with the county or state resources as they may apply to STR revenue.

Contacts for Local Authority (STR oversight)

Department of Community Development (DCD) – Planning and Permits

• Address: 621 Sheridan St, Port Townsend, WA 98368
• Hours: Monday–Thursday, 9:00 AM–4:30 PM (Closed 12:00–1:00 PM)
• Email: planning@co.jefferson.wa.us
• Website: STR information and applications

Office of the Fire Marshal – Inspections

• Email/Contact: via DCD referral for inspection scheduling (per county process)
• Website: Inspection resources and safety checklists

Jefferson County – General Contact

• Address: Jefferson County Courthouse, 1820 Jefferson Street, P.O. Box 1220, Port Townsend, WA 98368
• Hours: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM (Courthouse)
• Website: County directory and department contacts

Links to Source Pages

• Jefferson County Community Development – Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rentals main page, process, and 2025 updates
• STR Permit Application (PDF): Standard land use permit form
• STR Supplemental Application (PDF): County-specific STR supplemental
• STR Pre-Inspection Checklist (PDF): Safety and compliance items
• STR Brochure (updated 2025-04-09) (PDF): Summary of rules and processes
• Site Plan Requirements (PDF): Required drawing standards
• Office of the Fire Marshal – STR Inspection Resources: Inspection procedures and safety documents
• Jefferson County GIS Portal: Zoning and parcel information
• Unified Development Code (UDC) – Code Publishing: County zoning and development standards
• JCC 18.20.210(3) (PDF): Updated STR regulations (clean version)
• Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan (2018): Planning context relevant to housing and land use

Notes for Investors

• The 4% cap is allocated by zip code. When a zip code’s share of permits is full, new applicants are placed on a waitlist. Track cap status when underwriting acquisitions.
• Master Planned Resorts are outside the cap and have distinct allowances; if you are targeting resort areas, confirm subarea rules and permit pathways.
• Because occupancy is tied to septic capacity, due diligence should include septic system status and O&M report currency. If you are planning additions or bedrooms, reassess GPD and building requirements.
• For multi-unit or larger guest-count properties, budget time and cost for the Conditional permit pathway and additional building standards.
• Annual renewal and inspection cycles are non-negotiable; plan operations and guest communications to accommodate inspection schedules.

This guide reflects county regulations updated in 2025 and the county’s current permitting process. Always confirm the latest code changes and fee schedules with DCD before initiating an application.