Overview

Short-term rentals ARE ALLOWED in Everett, WA. The city permits short-term rental operations across most zoning districts where dwelling units are permitted, subject to specific regulations and requirements. Everett has established a regulatory framework that balances housing availability with tourism and investment opportunities.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Everett

Step 1: Verify Zoning Eligibility

Short-term rentals are permitted in the following zones:

• Neighborhood Residential (NR-C, NR)
• Urban Residential (UR4, UR7)
• Mixed Use (MU4, MU7, MU15, MU25)
• Limited Industrial Mixed Use (LI-MU)
• Agricultural (AG)

Short-term rentals are not allowed in:

• Light Industrial (LI)
• Heavy Industrial (HI)

Step 2: Obtain Required Business License

Before operating, you must obtain a municipal business license from the City Clerk's Office. The Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR) handles business licensing:

1. Register at dor.wa.gov to create or sign into your BLS account
2. Apply for Snohomish General Business license (STRs are not considered home occupation businesses)
3. Submit application for city endorsement
4. Wait for activation - DOR will notify you when license is activated
5. Annual renewal required - DOR sends renewal reminders

Step 3: Register Your STR Unit

Register your short-term rental unit with the City Clerk's office and provide liability insurance documentation.

Step 4: Comply with State Requirements

Meet Washington State short-term rental requirements (detailed in state regulations section below).

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City Requirements:

• Business License (annual renewal)
• STR Unit Registration (with liability insurance documentation)
• Compliance with local zoning requirements

State Requirements (RCW 64.37):

• Contact Information posting in unit
• Emergency contact information posting
• Carbon monoxide alarm compliance (RCW 19.27.530)
• Fire safety information posting (floor plan, exits, escape routes)
• Maximum occupancy limits posting
• $1 million primary liability insurance or platform-provided coverage

Additional Operational Requirements:

• Lodging Tax Registration (3% tax rate)
• Compliance with building and fire codes
• Operational smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Specific Regulations

City of Everett Regulations

Zoning and Location:

• STRs allowed in dwelling units and accessory dwelling units
• Must comply with accessory dwelling unit requirements (EMC 19.08.100)
• Subject to owner occupancy requirements if applicable to ADU

Operational Limits:

• Maximum 8 guests total per site (including any accessory dwelling unit)
• No exterior signs identifying the use as short-term rental
• Primary residence limit: Hosts may only rent their primary residence for a maximum of 90 days per year if not present
• Minimum stay: 30 consecutive nights minimum
• Single party rule: Only rent to one party at a time

Safety Requirements:

• Operational smoke and carbon monoxide detectors required
• Compliance with building and fire codes
• Prohibited: Mother-in-law flats and backyard cottages (accessory dwelling units) cannot be used as STRs

Washington State Regulations (RCW 64.37)

Consumer Safety Requirements:

Operators must provide to all guests:

1. Contact information for duration of stay
2. Emergency contact information (police, fire, medical)
3. Floor plan with fire exits and escape routes
4. Maximum occupancy limits
5. Operator contact information

All information must be posted conspicuously within each dwelling unit.

Tax Requirements:

• Collect and remit all applicable local, state, and federal taxes
• Platforms may collect and remit on behalf of operators
• Includes occupancy, sales, lodging, and other taxes/fees

Platform Requirements:

• Must register with Department of Revenue
• Must inform operators of tax obligations
• Must inform operators of safety requirements
• Must provide written notice about insurance coverage gaps

Liability Insurance:

• Minimum $1 million primary liability insurance required
• Alternative: Conduct transactions through platform providing equal or greater coverage
• Personal insurance policies may not provide coverage for STR activities

Contact Information

City of Everett - City Clerk's Office

• Website: www.everettwa.gov
• Business Licensing: Available through City Clerk's office
• STR Registration: City Clerk's office

Washington State Department of Revenue

• Website: dor.wa.gov
• Phone: (360) 902-0525
• Business Licensing Portal: Available online at dor.wa.gov

Washington State Legislature

• Website: leg.wa.gov
• Legislative Hotline: 1-800-562-6000
• TTY: 1-800-833-6388

Source Pages

• Everett Municipal Code - STR Section: everett.municipal.codes/EMC/19.08.150 (Note: This section has been repealed by Ordinance 4102-25, pending codification)
• Everett 2044 Development Regulations: www.everettwa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/43393
• Washington State RCW 64.37: app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=64.37&full=true
• Stay Flourish STR Guide: www.stayflourish.com/post/your-ultimate-guide-to-complying-with-everett-washington-s-airbnb-laws-in-2023

Important Compliance Notes

1. Recent Changes: The original STR section (EMC 19.08.150) has been repealed and replaced with new regulations under Ordinance 4102-25, effective July 8, 2025. Current requirements are found in the updated development regulations.

2. Annual Renewal: Business licenses must be renewed yearly, and STR registrations require ongoing compliance monitoring.

3. Enforcement: The city tracks STR properties and operators to ensure compliance with safety rules and to collect applicable taxes.

4. Insurance: Verify that your liability insurance covers short-term rental activities, as personal policies may have exclusions.

5. Tax Compliance: Ensure proper collection and remittance of all applicable taxes, including the 3% local lodging tax.

This guide provides the essential framework for operating a compliant short-term rental business in Everett, WA. Always verify current regulations with the city before beginning operations, as municipal codes are regularly updated.