Everett Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are short term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) regulations in Everett, Washington?

Are you planning to start a short-term rental (STR) business in Everett, Washington? If so, you must comply with the city's regulations. The Everett Municipal Code1 outlines the following provisions for STRs:

• A city business license is required to operate an STR.
• No more than two STR sites may be operated by any individual, marital group, a group of people, or a corporate entity such as an LLC, within the city.
• An STR use may be located in a dwelling unit or an accessory dwelling unit.
• The total number of guests occupying a dwelling unit may not exceed eight on a site, including any site with an accessory dwelling unit.
• Signs identifying the use as an STR are not permitted.

To register your STR unit with the city clerk's office, you must provide liability insurance, which is effectively your short-term rental license2. As an owner, you must collect and pay applicable taxes. For Everett, this means collecting a 3% lodging tax fee and sending it to the City of Everett, Washington2.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Everett

To start a short-term rental (STR) business in Everett, Washington, certain requirements must be met. The operators of STRs must live at the property for 12 months of the year. These operators can be actual owners or property managers and must be available 24/71. Additionally, a city business license is required to operate an STR in Everett. No more than two STR sites may be operated by any individual, marital group, a group of people, or a corporate entity within the city2.

The location of the STR must be in a dwelling unit or an accessory dwelling unit, and the total number of guests occupying a dwelling unit may not exceed eight on a site, including any site with an accessory dwelling unit23.Furthermore, no signs identifying the use as an STR are permitted2. These regulations are aimed at safeguarding resident housing options while ensuring the security of neighbors and visitors4. It's important to note that the enforcement of these rules began on September 1, 20194.

In summary, to start an STR business in Everett, operators must comply with the residency requirement, obtain a city business license, and adhere to the occupancy limits and location regulations set forth by the city. These measures are designed to balance the growing popularity of short-term rentals with the need to preserve the quality of life in residential areas.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Everett

To operate a short-term rental (STR) in Everett, Washington, you must obtain a city business license1. The license is required for any individual, marital group, group of people, or corporate entity such as an LLC, that operates no more than two STR sites within the city1. The STR unit may be located in a dwelling unit or an accessory dwelling unit, and the total number of guests occupying a dwelling unit may not exceed eight on a site, including any site with an accessory dwelling unit13.

Signs identifying the use as an STR are not permitted1.To register your STR unit with the city clerk's office, you must provide liability insurance, which is effectively your short-term rental license4. As an owner, you must collect and pay applicable taxes. For Everett, this means collecting a 3% lodging tax fee and sending it to the City of Everett, Washington4.The City of Everett Planning Department is responsible for enforcing STR regulations and zoning in Everett2.

The city strictly enforces STR rules, and compared to other cities, Everett is not considered Airbnb-friendly3. Some hosts operate in Everett despite the rules, but they risk being fined2.If you want to start an STR business in Everett, follow these steps:

• Obtain a city business license.
• Obtain liability insurance.
• Register your STR unit with the city clerk's office.
• Collect and pay applicable taxes14.

Required Documents for Everett Short Term Rentals

To operate a short-term rental (STR) in Everett, Washington, several requirements must be met. These regulations are outlined in the Everett Municipal Code and include the following provisions:

• License Requirement: A city business license is mandatory to operate an STR in Everett. Additionally, no more than two STR sites may be operated by any individual, marital group, a group of people, or a corporate entity within the city1.
• Location: An STR may be located in a dwelling unit or an accessory dwelling unit, subject to specific requirements, including owner occupancy if applicable1.
• Occupancy Limits: The total number of guests occupying a dwelling unit may not exceed eight on a site, including any site with an accessory dwelling unit1.
• Signs: No signs identifying the use as an STR are permitted1.

In addition to these provisions, operators must register their STR unit with the city clerk's office and provide liability insurance, which effectively serves as the short-term rental license2. Furthermore, operators are required to collect and pay applicable taxes, including a 3% lodging tax fee, to the City of Everett, Washington2.

The regulations also specify that STRs are allowed in any zone where dwelling units are permitted, such as single-family, multi-family, commercial, historic business district, business park, and midtown district zones. However, they are not allowed in commercial spaces, although they may be permitted in housing units within commercial zones23.

It's important to note that the enforcement of these regulations is taken seriously, and operators must comply to avoid potential fines or penalties2.

Everett Short Term Rental Taxes

In Everett, Washington, the regulations for short-term rentals (STRs) include specific requirements for taxes, licensing, and occupancy limits. To comply with the city's Airbnb laws, STR operators must adhere to the following guidelines:

Everett Short Term Rental Taxes

As an owner of an STR in Everett, you are required to collect and remit a 3% lodging tax fee to the City of Everett, Washington1. This tax must be sent to the city by hosts and is applicable to the rental of the property for periods of less than 30 consecutive days2. Further details about the tax requirements can be found in the Everett Municipal Code3.

Additional Regulations

In addition to tax obligations, operators must obtain a city business license to run an STR in Everett. Furthermore, the number of guests occupying a dwelling unit may not exceed eight on a site, including any site with an accessory dwelling unit3.

These regulations are part of the city's efforts to manage the impact of short-term rentals on the community and ensure compliance with local tax and licensing requirements. By understanding and adhering to these rules, operators can contribute to the responsible and legal operation of their short-term rental properties in Everett.

Washington wide Short Term Rental Rules

• Licensing and Location: A city business license is required to operate an STR, and no more than two sites may be operated by any individual or entity within the city. An STR may be located in a dwelling unit or an accessory dwelling unit, with specific requirements outlined in the Everett Municipal Code1.
• Occupancy Limits: The total number of guests occupying a dwelling unit may not exceed eight on a site, including any site with an accessory dwelling unit1.
• Signs: No signs identifying the use as an STR are permitted1.
• Zoning: Short-term rentals are allowed in any zone where dwelling units are allowed, such as single-family, multi-family, commercial, historic business district, business park, and midtown district zones. However, they are not allowed in commercial spaces, although they may be allowed in housing units within commercial zones23.
• Enforcement and Owner Occupancy: The operators of STRs must live at the property for 12 months of the year. They can be actual owners or property managers and must be available 24/74.

The regulations aim to balance the interests of STR operators and the community, ensuring that the industry contributes positively to the city's economy while preserving the residential character of neighborhoods.

Does Everett strictly enforce STR rules?” Is Everett Airbnb friendly?

In Everett, Washington, the regulations for short-term rentals (STRs) are clearly defined and strictly enforced. To operate an STR, a city business license is required, and no more than two STR sites may be operated by any individual or entity within the city1. Additionally, the STR unit must be registered with the city clerk's office, and liability insurance must be provided, effectively serving as the short-term rental license2.

Operators are also required to collect and pay a 3% lodging tax fee to the City of Everett2.STRs are allowed in any zone where dwelling units are permitted, subject to specific standards and regulations3. The number of guests occupying a dwelling unit is limited to eight, and no signs identifying the use as an STR are permitted1. The city has also proposed amendments to the regulations, including the removal of a reference to bed and breakfast houses5.In terms of enforcement, Everett strictly enforces its STR rules, and the city is not considered Airbnb-friendly compared to other cities2.

Some hosts operate in Everett despite the rules, but they risk being fined2.For those looking to start an STR business in Everett, it is essential to follow the specific steps, including obtaining a city business license, registering the unit, and ensuring compliance with tax requirements2.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Everett

Once you have your license, you must register your short-term rental unit with the city clerk's office and provide liability insurance, which is effectively your short-term rental license2.

You must also collect and pay applicable taxes, which for Everett means collecting a 3% lodging tax fee and sending it to the City of Everett, Washington2.It's important to note that no more than two short-term rental sites may be operated by any individual, marital group, a group of people, or a corporate entity such as an LLC, within the city2.

Additionally, the total number of guests occupying a dwelling unit may not exceed eight on a site, including any site with an accessory dwelling unit2.If you're interested in starting a short-term rental business in Everett, follow these steps:

• Obtain a city business license.
• Register your short-term rental unit with the city clerk's office and provide liability insurance.
• Collect and pay applicable taxes.

Ensure that you comply with the occupancy limits and other regulations set forth by the city12.

Remember that Everett strictly enforces STR rules2. While some hosts operate in Everett despite the rules, they risk being fined2.

Who to contact in Everett about Short Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

To ensure compliance with short-term rental (STR) regulations and zoning in Everett, Washington, you can contact the City of Everett Planning Department. They can provide detailed information and guidance on the specific requirements and processes for operating an STR within the city. You can reach the Planning Department at (425) 257-8731 or via email at planning@everettwa.gov.

Additionally, the Everett Municipal Code, Chapter 19.08.150, outlines the provisions and standards for short-term rentals, including licensing requirements, occupancy limits, and other important details2.

What do Airbnb hosts in Everett on Reddit and Bigger Pockets think about local regulations?

Airbnb hosts in Everett, Washington, have varied opinions about the local regulations. Some express frustration with the strict rules and high taxes, while others appreciate the regulations for maintaining the city's quality of life. The regulations, as outlined in the Everett Municipal Code, include the requirement for a city business license to operate a short-term rental, with a limit of two rental sites per individual or entity within the city1.

Additionally, short-term rentals are allowed in any zone where dwelling units are permitted, but the total number of guests occupying a dwelling unit may not exceed eight on a site, including any site with an accessory dwelling unit13. Hosts must also register their short-term rental unit with the city clerk's office and provide liability insurance, which effectively serves as the short-term rental license2. Furthermore, hosts are required to collect and pay a 3% lodging tax fee to the City of Everett, Washington2.

The regulations also specify that the operators of short-term rentals must live at the property for 12 months of the year, and they can be actual owners or property managers, and must be available 24/74.Some hosts have expressed concerns about the enforcement of these rules, with reports of strict enforcement and the risk of fines for non-compliance2.

Compared to other cities, Everett is not considered very Airbnb-friendly, and some hosts operate in Everett despite the rules, risking potential penalties2.