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.

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

• Redmond STR Main Page: www.redmond.gov/2301/Short-Term-Rentals
• Redmond Business Licensing: www.redmond.gov/230/Business-Licensing
• Redmond Municipal Code 5.04: redmond.municipal.codes/RMC/5.04
• Short-Term Rental Guide (PDF): www.redmond.gov/DocumentCenter/View/39671/Short-Term-Rental-Guide
• Community Meeting Materials: www.redmond.gov/DocumentCenter/View/38749/Community-Meeting-July-21-2025-ppt-pdf

State Law References

• RCW 64.37.010 (STR Definitions): app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=64.37.010
• RCW 64.37.030 (Consumer Safety): app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=64.37.030
• RCW 64.37.040 (Platforms): app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=64.37.040

Community Engagement

• Let's Connect Portal: www.letsconnectredmond.com/short-term-rentals
• Public Meeting Notes: www.redmond.gov/DocumentCenter/View/38750/Community-meeting-notes-07212025-pdf

Tourism and Economic Development

• Experience Redmond Tourism: experienceredmond.com/
• Tourism Program: www.redmond.gov/324

External Reference (Third-Party Summary)

• Guestable Blog (Alternative Overview): www.guestable.com/blog/short-term-rental-regulations-in-the-city-of-redmond/

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

• Proposed Code Amendments: www.redmond.gov/DocumentCenter/View/39672/Chapter-504-RMC-with-comments
• Updated STR Guide: www.redmond.gov/DocumentCenter/View/39671/Short-Term-Rental-Guide

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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.