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Redmond, WA

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STR Regulations for Redmond, Washington

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Redmond, WA?

YES — Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Redmond, WA. The city has established comprehensive regulations for short-term rental operations and is currently updating these regulations to prepare for increased demand from the 2026 World Cup tourism surge.

The City of Redmond defines short-term rentals in accordance with Washington State Revised Code (RCW) 64.37.010 as lodging use that is not a hotel, motel, or bed-and-breakfast, in which a dwelling unit, or portion thereof, is offered or provided to guests by a short-term rental operator for fewer than thirty consecutive nights.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Redmond?

Redmond hosts earn a median $38,137/year with $192 ADR and 73% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $53,693+ per year.

See the full Redmond market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Redmond

Phase 1: Eligibility Assessment

  • Verify your property type and zoning compliance
  • Confirm your operation meets the legal definition of a short-term rental under RCW 64.37.010
  • Determine whether your operation qualifies for any exemptions (owner-occupied with fewer than three rooms rented, or charitable organizations)

Phase 2: Licensing Requirements

Currently required:

  • Washington State Business License (existing requirement)
  • City of Redmond Business License (proposed for Q4 2025, currently voluntary but recommended)

Proposed licensing structure:

  • Multifamily/Mixed-Use Developments: One business license per operator regardless of unit count
  • Single-Family/Accessory Dwelling Units: One business license per individually addressed STR unit

Phase 3: Operational Preparation

  • Review and implement consumer safety requirements per RCW 64.37.030
  • Prepare communication protocols for guests, neighbors, and city officials
  • Develop property management systems for safety and compliance

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Current Requirements

Business Licensing

Washington State Business License

  • Required for engaging in business activities
  • Must be obtained before operating any short-term rental

Redmond Business License (Proposed Mandatory by Q4 2025)

  • Fee: $153.00 (2025 rate)
  • Renewal: Annual
  • Application Process: Through Redmond's Business Licensing webpage
  • Regulation Reference: Redmond Municipal Code (RMC) 5.04.040.A

Safety and Compliance Documentation

Consumer Safety Checklist (RCW 64.37.030)

  • Original copy with property owner signature
  • Must be submitted to Director of Planning and Community Development for new and renewal applications
  • Requires compliance with RCW 19.27.530 for carbon monoxide alarms

Required Posted Information (Within each STR unit):

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

Proposed Additional Requirements

Communication Framework

Neighbor Notification Protocol

  • Provide contact information to immediate neighbors
  • Establish communication channels for guest inquiries during stay

City Relationship Requirements

  • Regular communication with city officials
  • Participation in city economic development initiatives
  • Compliance with tourism promotion guidelines

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Redmond Regulations (RMC Chapter 5.04)

Current Business License Exemptions

  • Apartment/condominium residential rental activities with four or fewer units at one location
  • Single-family residential rental activities with four or fewer units at one location

Important: The proposed amendments would remove STR exemptions from this provision.

Operating Standards

Permit Requirements

  • Permits are personal and non-transferable
  • City may revoke permits for code violations or fee non-payment

Property Standards

  • Must comply with all applicable building and health codes
  • No external signage permitted on STR premises
  • Maximum occupancy of three guests per bedroom (age 3+)

Nuisance Prevention

  • Must comply with RMC 9.42.015 (Public Disturbance Noises)
  • Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.
  • Weekly solid waste collection required

Parking Requirements

  • One off-street parking space per STR unit (in addition to on-site requirements)
  • Must identify suitable parking for guests
  • Limited-duration parking compliance

Zoning Compliance

  • STRs permitted in residential zones when meeting all requirements
  • May not obstruct other permitted uses in zone
  • Only one residential structure per property may operate as STR (when both primary and accessory dwellings exist)

King County Regulations

No additional King County-specific STR regulations identified in provided sources.

Washington State Regulations (RCW 64.37)

State Definition Requirements

Primary Definition (RCW 64.37.010):

  • Lodging use not classified as hotel, motel, or bed-and-breakfast
  • Dwelling unit or portion offered for fee
  • Stays fewer than thirty consecutive nights

Exemptions (RCW 64.37.010(9)(b)):

  • Owner-occupied dwellings with fewer than three rooms rented (minimum six months occupancy required)
  • Dwelling units used by same person for thirty or more consecutive nights
  • Charitable organizations providing temporary housing for medical treatment

Consumer Safety Requirements (RCW 64.37.030)

Mandatory Guest Information:

  • Contact information available during entire guest stay
  • Compliance with RCW 19.27.530 for carbon monoxide alarms
  • Posted information in conspicuous location

Violation Process:

  • First violation: Warning letter required
  • Subsequent violations: Class 2 civil infraction under RCW 7.80

Platform Compliance (RCW 64.37.040)

  • STR platforms must inform operators of tax collection and remittance responsibilities
  • Platforms may collect/remit taxes on behalf of operators

Enforcement and Penalties

Redmond Municipal Code Enforcement (RMC 5.04.110)

Operating Without License:

  • Violation for each day of operation
  • 100% penalty of licensing fee due
  • Enforcement by police officers, code compliance officers, or designated persons

Penalty Mitigation:

  • Finance director may waive penalties for "excusable neglect or extreme hardship"

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contacts

Kimberly Dietz, Principal Planner

  • Phone: 425-556-2415
  • Email: kdietz@redmond.gov
  • Role: Lead planner for STR regulations and community engagement

Philly Marsh, Economic Development Manager

  • Email: Contact through city directory
  • Role: Tourism and economic development coordination

General City Contacts

  • Main Phone: 425-556-2900
  • Address: 15670 NE 85th Street, P.O. Box 97010, Redmond, WA 98073-9710
  • Online Services: redmond.gov/311 for non-emergency issues and service requests

Business Licensing

  • Webpage: www.redmond.gov/230/Business-Licensing
  • Contact: Business Licensing Coordinator
  • Location: Economic Development Department

Tourism and Economic Development

  • Webpage: redmond.gov/324
  • Contact: Economic Development staff
  • Services: Tourism promotion, visitor information resources

Links to Source Pages

Primary Government Sources

State Law References

Community Engagement

Tourism and Economic Development

External Reference (Third-Party Summary)

Important Note: The Guestable blog contains some outdated information from 2021 and should not be used as primary guidance. Always reference official city and state sources for current regulations.

Additional Municipal Documents

Disclaimer: Regulations are subject to change as the City Council completes its review process in Q4 2025. Current and potential operators should verify requirements with city officials before commencing operations. The city anticipates final council action on proposed amendments in December 2025, with implementation following adoption.

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Redmond

Market Saturation Score

036912
Mild Saturation
4/ 12
months with declining YoY revenue
2–4 declining months: early saturation pressure - watch for trend persistence.
View Full Redmond Market Analysis

Photos of Redmond

Overview of Redmond

Redmond, Washington sits in the eastern Puget Sound region as one of the larger communities in King County, with a population of roughly 75,000. The city has a distinctive dual personality: on one side, it is a globally recognized tech hub, home to the corporate headquarters of Microsoft and a dense cluster of gaming, software, and biotech employers; on the other, it is a leafy, lakeside suburb with miles of paved trails, parks, and easy access to the Cascade Range. Travelers often use Redmond as a quieter, more residential base than downtown Seattle while still being a short drive from the region's biggest draws. Downtown Seattle lies about 20 miles to the west, typically a 30- to 40-minute drive depending on traffic across State Route 520 or Interstate 90.

Marymoor Park anchors Redmond's outdoor life and is the largest park in King County, spanning more than 600 acres along the northern shore of Lake Sammamish. Just minutes from downtown Redmond, the park offers miles of walking and cycling paths, sports fields, an off-leash dog area, a historic aircraft hangar, a velodrome, and a concert venue that hosts popular summer events. Its scale and year-round programming make it a meaningful amenity for visitors who want green space without leaving the city limits.

About 10 miles east of Redmond, Snoqualmie Falls is one of the most visited natural sites in Washington, a roughly 270-foot waterfall on the Snoqualmie River with a riverside lodge, observation decks, and a short walking trail. From Redmond, the drive typically takes 30 to 40 minutes along I-90, making it an easy half-day excursion for guests who want a classic Pacific Northwest photo stop and a glimpse of the foothills.

Lake Sammamish itself runs along Redmond's southern edge and is a draw for kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming at small beaches such as Idylwood, and the long, well-maintained Sammamish River and Lake Sammamish trail corridors that connect Redmond to neighboring Issaquah and Marymoor Park. The lake is a quieter alternative to Lake Washington and gives short-term guests an immediate nature experience without leaving the city.

For travelers who want a mix of suburban calm and regional access, Redmond offers a compelling package: major tech campuses and corporate visitors on one hand, and trailheads, a large regional park, and a famous waterfall within easy reach on the other. Its position between Seattle and the Cascades, combined with a walkable downtown, dependable infrastructure, and proximity to Bellevue and the Eastside, makes it a versatile home base for both business and leisure stays.

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