Overview: Are STRs Allowed in Suquamish, WA?

Yes, short-term rentals (STRs) are currently allowed in Suquamish, WA. Suquamish is located within unincorporated Kitsap County. STRs are permitted under specific zoning conditions, but operate under a unique regulatory environment:

1. County Zoning Classification: Under Kitsap County Code (KCC 17.410.040), "Bed and breakfast house or vacation rental" is listed as an allowed use. Its status varies by zoning district:
   • Rural Residential (RR), Rural Protection (RP), Rural Wooded (RW), Urban Restricted (UR), Greenbelt (GB), Urban Low Residential (UL), Urban Cluster Residential (UCR): Permitted as an Administrative Conditional Use (ACUP) or Hearing Examiner Conditional Use (CUP). (See zoning code footnote 34 for specific zones).
   • Urban Medium Residential (UM): Permitted as an Administrative Conditional Use (ACUP).
   • Urban High Residential (UH): Permitted as a Permitted Use (P).
   • Suquamish Village Zones (SVC, SVLR, SVR): Listed under the LAMIRD section. Bed & Breakfast/Vacation Rental is generally treated similarly to residential zones (ACUP/CUP). (Specific designation requires confirmation with the code for these specific zones).
2. Current Enforcement Status (Critical): While zoning rules technically permit STRs with conditions, Kitsap County deferred enforcement of its STR code (adopted in 2016) in early 2019 due to the regulations being deemed overly broad and burdensome. Enforcement is deferred except for health and safety issues. The County is actively developing new, more targeted STR regulations (see "Regulations" section), but no new permits are currently being issued under the old or new framework.
3. Tax Obligation (Immediate Requirement): Regardless of permit status, ALL STR operators in Kitsap County are REQUIRED to collect and remit Lodging Taxes: 2% Washington State Lodging Tax + 2% Kitsap County Special Excise Tax = 4% Total Lodging Tax.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Suquamish

1. Assess Zoning Compliance: Verify your property's zoning district using the Kitsap County Zoning Map or online parcel viewer. Confirm that "Bed and breakfast house or vacation rental" is an allowed use in your specific zone (see overview).
2. Understand Current Requirements:
   • No Active Permitting: Since enforcement is deferred, you do not need a county STR permit to operate at this time. Monitor county updates for when new rules take effect.
   • Register for Lodging Taxes (MANDATORY): Contact the Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR) to register as a lodging business. This is required regardless of permit status. Apply online via MyDOR or call 1-800-647-7706. You'll need an EIN/SSN, business details, property address, rental dates, and tax information. Failure to register and remit lodging taxes is a violation.
   • Prepare for Future Regulations: Be aware the County is developing new rules. Stay informed (see "Getting Involved" below).
3. Property Preparation: Ensure your property meets basic health and safety standards. While active permitting is deferred, the County can still act on health/safety complaints. Be prepared for potential future requirements (e.g., smoke detectors, egress, parking).
4. Set Up Business Operations: Create listings (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.), establish pricing, cleaning protocols, guest communication, and insurance.
5. Remit Lodging Taxes: Collect the 4% lodging tax (2% state + 2% county) from guests and remit it monthly to the Washington DOR using your MyDOR account. Keep meticulous records.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses & Guidelines

• Current Requirements (As of now):
  • Washington State Lodging Tax Registration: Mandatory registration with WA DOR as a lodging business. (Register Online, Tax Info).
  • Business License (Local City): Suquamish is an unincorporated area of Kitsap County. There is no separate Suquamish city business license required for STRs specifically. Check if any general county business registration applies.
  • Compliance with Health & Safety Laws: Adhere to state and county health, safety, and building codes.
• Future Requirements (Anticipated - Subject to New Regulations):
  • Kitsap County STR Permit: Once new regulations are enacted, a permit will likely be required (likely an ACUP). Applications will likely be submitted through the Kitsap County Department of Community Development (DCD). Process details, fees, and requirements are currently under development.
  • Zoning Compliance Documentation: Proof that your property is in a zone where STRs are an allowed use.
  • Site Plan: Details on parking, access, setbacks, etc., as required by permit conditions.
  • Notification/Neighboring Property Owner Information: May be required as part of the permit process.
  • Liability Insurance: Likely to be a permit requirement.
  • Compliance with State Requirements (HB 1798): See "Regulations" section below.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals (City, County, State)

• City of Suquamish: Suquamish is primarily governed by Kitsap County regulations as it is an unincorporated area. No separate, city-specific STR ordinances were identified in the provided content.
• Kitsap County (Current):
  • Deferral: Enforcement of existing STR zoning rules (KCC 17.410, etc.) is deferred except for health/safety issues.
  • New Policy Development: The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) directed staff to develop new STR regulations based on public input, best practices, and state law (HB 1798). This process is ongoing. No final regulations are in effect yet.
  • Public Outreach: Extensive public engagement (surveys, meetings, focus groups) was conducted in 2019. Input consistently called for scalable regulations focusing on host management, neighbor relations, safety, and effective enforcement.
  • Lodging Tax: 4% total lodging tax (2% state + 2% county) is mandatory.
• Kitsap County (Future - Under Development):
  • Regulatory Concepts: Potential elements discussed include registration/licensing, permit requirements (scalable by STR type), host management responsibilities, occupancy limits, parking restrictions, noise controls, trash management, safety standards, and complaint/enforcement mechanisms. Specific details are pending final BOCC action.
• Washington State:
  • House Bill 1798 (2019): This state law preempted local regulation in several key areas while establishing minimum requirements. Key implications for STRs include:
    • Preemption: Prevents local governments from banning STRs or imposing overly restrictive regulations that conflict with state rules (except for those in effect before Jan 1, 2020).
    • Health & Safety Standards: Requires compliance with state health and safety laws. Established standards for smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and emergency information (e.g., evacuation routes, local contact).
    • Lodging Taxes: Established the framework for the state lodging tax (currently 2%) collected by operators.
    • Platform Responsibility: Requires platforms like Airbnb to collect and remit lodging taxes on behalf of operators (though operators remain ultimately responsible).
    • Local Authority: Retained some local authority for zoning, safety, and specific conduct issues.
  • RCW 19.27.060: Washington law states that Building Code compliance is required for STRs if they are offered as transient lodging.

Contact Information

• Kitsap County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) - STR Policy Project:
  • Project Contact: Email: help@kitsap1.com or Phone: 360.337.5777. (Note: This appears to be a general contact for the project).
  • Kitsap1: Call 360.337.5777 or Email: help@kitsap1.com. (As listed under "Contact Us" on project page).
• Kitsap County Department of Community Development (DCD) - Permitting/Zoning:
  • Phone: 360-337-5777
  • Website: https://www.kitsap.gov/dcd/Pages/default.aspx
  • Permits: https://www.kitsap.gov/dcd/Pages/Permits.aspx (For future permit applications when enacted)
• Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR) - Lodging Tax Registration/Reporting:
  • Phone: 1-800-647-7706
  • Website: https://dor.wa.gov/
  • MyDOR (Registration/Reporting): https://my.dor.wa.gov/
  • Special Hotel/Motel Tax Info: https://dor.wa.gov/find-taxes-rates/other-taxes/special-hotelmotel-tax

Getting Involved & Monitoring Updates

• Kitsap County STR Project Page: https://www.kitsap.gov/BOC_p/Pages/STR.aspx - This is the primary source for updates on new STR regulations.
• Email Notifications: Sign up for Kitsap County project updates: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WAKITSAP/subscriber/new

Links to Source Pages

1. Kitsap County Board of Commissioners - STR Policy Development & Public Outreach: https://www.kitsap.gov/BOC_p/Pages/STR.aspx
2. Kitsap County - STR Outreach Survey Summary (June 2019): https://www.kitsap.gov/BOC_p/Policy%20Documents/2STR%20Outreach-Survey%20Summary%20June19.pdf
3. Kitsap County Code - Chapter 17.410 - Allowed Uses: https://dcd.kitsapgov.com/ordnances/2017-06-02-WA-KitsapCounty/Kitsap17/Kitsap17410.html
4. Washington State Department of Revenue - Special Hotel/Motel (Lodging) Tax: https://dor.wa.gov/find-taxes-rates/other-taxes/special-hotelmotel-tax
5. Washington State Legislature - House Bill 1798 (2019) - STR Regulations: http://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2019-20/Pdf/Bills/House%20Passed%20Legislation/1798-S.PL.pdf
6. Kitsap County Zoning Map (PDF): https://www.kitsap.gov/dcd/Documents/Zoning%20Maps/Kitsap_County_Zoning_Map.pdf
7. Kitsap County - Online Permits: https://www.kitsap.gov/dcd/Pages/Permits.aspx