Snohomish, Washington Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Overview: Short-Term Rentals in Snohomish, WA

Short-term rentals ARE explicitly allowed in the City of Snohomish, WA. The City Council passed Ordinance 2446 on August 16, 2022, which specifically added short-term rentals to the residential land use table, establishing a clear regulatory framework for STR operations. The city defines short-term rentals as "a furnished dwelling unit, or room within a dwelling, or an accessory dwelling unit, rented out on a daily or weekly basis," with "vacation rental" being synonymous with this definition.

Properties located within unincorporated Snohomish County (outside city limits) do not currently face the same specific STR regulations that exist within the City of Snohomish. However, state-level requirements still apply universally.

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Snohomish

Step 1: Verify Property Location and Zoning

Critical First Step: Use the City's boundary map to confirm whether your property is within City of Snohomish limits or in unincorporated Snohomish County, as the regulatory framework differs significantly:

Within City Limits: Full city-specific regulations apply
Unincorporated County: Only state-level regulations apply (no county-specific STR ordinance as of 2025)

Step 2: Obtain Required Business Licensing

For Properties Within City of Snohomish:

Washington State Business License - Required through the Department of Revenue
City of Snohomish General Business License - STRs are classified as general business operations, NOT home occupation businesses

Application Process:

Create or log into your Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR) Business Licensing Service account
Apply for Washington State business license (if new) and City endorsement
Select "Snohomish General Business" license type specifically
City staff will review and activate your license
Renew annually through DOR system

For Properties in Unincorporated County:

Only Washington State business license required
No additional city license necessary

Step 3: Ensure Zoning Compliance

Within City Limits: STRs are allowed in:

Single-family residential zones
All multi-family zones (MR, etc.)
Commercial zones (only housing units, not commercial spaces)
Historic Business District
Business Park
Midtown District

Prohibited within City Limits:

Commercial spaces (non-housing)
Industry zones
Airport Industry zones
Parks, Open Space & Public zones

Step 4: Implement State Safety Requirements

All STR operators in Washington must provide:

Working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Emergency contact information available during guest stays
Posted street address and maximum occupancy limits
Floor plans showing fire exits and escape routes
Emergency contact information for police, fire, and medical services

Step 5: Secure Insurance Coverage

Washington State requires STR operators to maintain primary liability insurance with minimum coverage of $1 million OR conduct transactions through platforms providing equal or greater coverage.

Step 6: Prepare for Tax Compliance

Within City Limits: Total tax rate is 11.3%

State sales and use tax: 6.5%
Local sales and use tax: 2.8%
Special hotel/motel tax: 2%

Tax Collection:

Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo typically collect and remit taxes on behalf of hosts
Independent operators must collect and remit all applicable taxes themselves
Contact your platform to confirm tax handling arrangements

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Required Documentation

Essential Documents:

Washington State business license
City of Snohomish General Business license (if within city limits)
Liability insurance documentation (minimum $1 million coverage)
Safety compliance documentation (smoke/CO alarms, emergency information)

Business License Costs and Requirements:

License fees vary based on employee count and gross annual income
Renewal required annually through DOR system
Separate licenses required for multiple business locations
Fees are non-refundable once issued

Safety and Compliance Documentation:

Posted emergency information within each unit
Floor plans with escape routes
Maximum occupancy limits
Contact information for operator/24-hour contact

Operational Guidelines

Within City Limits, STR Operators Must:

Only rent entire structures or self-contained living spaces
In detached single-family residences, rent only one self-contained living space at a time
Not rent to the same party for more than 30 consecutive days
Only rent to one party at a time (no multiple simultaneous bookings)
Not provide services beyond housekeeping between visits
Not use commercial spaces for STR operations

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State

City of Snohomish Regulations (SMC 14.207.070)

Zoning Allowances: STRs permitted in zones where dwelling units are allowed

Allowed: Residential, mixed-use, commercial (housing units only)
Prohibited: Commercial spaces, industrial zones, parks/public spaces

Operational Restrictions:

Maximum 30 consecutive nights per party
Single party occupancy only
Entire structure or self-contained unit requirement
No commercial space usage
Limited services (housekeeping only)

Business Licensing Requirements:

Washington State license plus City endorsement
General business classification (not home occupation)
Separate licenses for multiple locations

Snohomish County Regulations (Unincorporated Areas)

Current Status (2025): No specific STR ordinance exists for unincorporated county areas

STRs are not regulated as a distinct land use
Zoning regulations still apply (Unified Development Code Title 30 SCC)
State law applies universally
Future county regulations under consideration but not enacted

Washington State Regulations (RCW 64.37)

Universal State Requirements:

Insurance minimum: $1 million liability coverage
Safety compliance: Smoke/CO alarms, emergency information
Tax obligations: Sales, lodging, transient accommodation taxes
Guest occupancy limits and safety information posting
Platform registration and reporting requirements

Exemptions Under State Law:

Owner-occupied properties with fewer than 3 rooms rented (owner occupies 6+ months/year)
Dwelling units used by same person for 30+ consecutive nights
Properties operated by registered charitable organizations

Tax Obligations and Compliance

Tax Structure for City of Snohomish STRs

Total Tax Rate: 11.3%

State sales and use tax: 6.5%
Local sales and use tax: 2.8%
Special hotel/motel tax: 2%

Tax Collection Responsibilities:

Platform Bookings: Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit taxes automatically
Independent Bookings: Host must collect and remit all applicable taxes
Documentation: Maintain records of all transactions and tax payments

Key Tax Definitions

Special Hotel/Motel Tax: Consumer tax on lodging charges under 30 consecutive days
Transient Rental Income Tax: Portion of state sales tax returned to localities (not additional tax)

Contact Information for Local Authority

City of Snohomish - Primary Contact:

Phone: 360-568-3115
Email: info@snohomishwa.gov
Address: 116 Union Avenue, Snohomish, WA 98290
Fax: 360-568-1375

Business Licensing Support:

DOR Business Licensing Service: dor.wa.gov
DOR Help: dor.wa.gov/manage-business/my-dor-help
DOR Contact: dor.wa.gov/contact

Office Hours:

Walk-in Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Appointments: Call 360-568-3115 or email info@snohomishwa.gov

Property Boundary Verification:

City Boundary Map: snohomishwa.gov/177/Property-Lookup

Critical Compliance Checklist

Before Listing Your Property

[ ] Verify property location (city limits vs. unincorporated county)
[ ] Confirm zoning allows STR operations
[ ] Obtain Washington State business license
[ ] If within city limits, obtain City General Business license
[ ] Secure minimum $1 million liability insurance
[ ] Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
[ ] Prepare emergency information package
[ ] Calculate and prepare for tax obligations
[ ] Review platform tax collection policies (if applicable)

Ongoing Operational Requirements

[ ] Maintain maximum 30-night consecutive stays
[ ] Rent to only one party at a time
[ ] Provide only housekeeping services between visits
[ ] Post required safety information in each unit
[ ] Collect and remit applicable taxes
[ ] Renew business licenses annually
[ ] Respond to guest inquiries during stays
[ ] Maintain good neighbor practices (parking, noise, occupancy)

Source Links

Important Note: Regulations can change. Always verify current requirements with official sources before making investment decisions. This guide reflects regulations as of 2025, but investors should confirm current status with city and county authorities.

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