Bellingham, WA

Short-term rentals in Bellingham require a Short-Term Rental Land Use Permit under Ordinance No. 2018-11-024, effective May 5, 2019. In residential zones, the hosting dwelling unit must serve as the primary residence of the owner or long-term renter for at least 270 days/year, the whole unit may be rented no more than 95 days/year, and operators are limited to one STR. In commercial and urban village zones, the primary residency requirement does not apply and there is no limit on the number of STRs.

Licensing and Permits

Bellingham requires hosts to obtain an STR license or permit before listing their property on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO. An inspection is required as part of the permitting process.

Enforcement

Bellingham has medium enforcement of STR regulations. Operating without proper licensing or failing to comply with local regulations can result in citations, fines, and potential loss of your permit.

Compiled from 4 official government sources and continuously monitored for changes. Always verify current requirements with your local municipality before making investment or operational decisions.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local municipality before making investment or operational decisions.