Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Gig Harbor, WA?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Gig Harbor, Washington. The City of Gig Harbor permits short-term rentals (STRs) as a legal land use following the adoption of Ordinance 1507 on February 27, 2023, which went into effect on March 8, 2023. This ordinance established a comprehensive regulatory framework for short-term rentals, allowing them in all residential and commercial zones where dwelling units are permitted, with specific requirements and limitations.

The city defines a short-term rental as "a legally established dwelling unit, accessory apartment, or portion thereof that is offered as a rental to guests for fewer than thirty consecutive nights." Notably, the definition excludes "live aboard vessels," which are not considered short-term rentals under Gig Harbor regulations.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Gig Harbor

Step-by-Step Process

1. Initial Consultation

   • Contact the Planning Division at (253) 851-6170 to speak with a planner
   • Review the Short-term Rental Client Assistance Memo and checklist
   • Determine if your property qualifies and meets all requirements

2. Application Preparation

   • Complete the Master Planning Permit Application
   • Gather all required documents from the STR Checklist
   • Prepare written descriptions of your proposed operation
   • Complete the Good Neighbor Policy form

3. Document Submission

   • Email complete application to planningintake@gigharborwa.gov
   • OR deliver to Planning Division at Civic Center (3510 Grandview Street)
   • Ensure all documents from the STR Checklist are included

4. Review and Payment

   • City reviews application for completeness
   • Once complete, invoice is generated for permit fees
   • Pay fees to initiate formal review process

5. Public Notice and Posting

   • Notice of Application is prepared for mailing, publishing, and posting
   • Applicant receives notice board and posting instructions
   • Public comment period follows standard procedures

6. Final Review and Inspection

   • Staff completes review after public comment period
   • Upon permit issuance, schedule Building/Fire inspection
   • Building Inspector verifies life/safety items (smoke/CO detectors)

7. Business License

   • Apply for City Business License through Washington Department of Revenue
   • Complete Fire & Safety inspection requirements

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Required Documents for Initial Permit

1. Completed Short-term Rental Permit Application

   • Master Planning Permit Application form

2. Property Ownership Verification

   • Verified statement confirming exclusive ownership
   • OR written consent from all property owners

3. Operation Description

   • Written description of proposed STR operation
   • Affirmation that operation meets general requirements of GHMC 17.85.040

4. Location Documentation

   • Written description of proposed STR location

5. Parking Information

   • Number of off-street parking spaces provided
   • OR dedicated parking spaces for STR guests

6. Good Neighbor Policy

   • Completed Good Neighbor Policy form

7. Permit Fees

   • Short-term rental permit fee as established by city council resolution

Required Permits and Licenses

1. Short-term Rental Permit

   • Type II permit procedure
   • Valid until ownership changes or business license becomes invalid
   • Non-transferable to other persons or addresses

2. City Business License

   • Apply through Washington Department of Revenue
   • Must be maintained in valid status for permit validity

3. Fire & Safety Inspection

   • Conducted by City's Building Official/Fire Marshal
   • Required before operation and for annual renewals

Annual Renewal Requirements

1. Fire & Safety Re-inspection

   • Schedule with Building Official/Fire Marshal before business license renewal

2. Notarized Affidavit

   • Signed and notarized form approved by director and city attorney
   • Confirms compliance with general regulations of GHMC 17.85.040

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Gig Harbor Regulations (GHMC 17.85)

Zoning and Location

• Permitted Areas: All residential and commercial zones where dwelling units are allowed
• Prohibited Uses: Live aboard vessels are explicitly excluded from STR definition

Operational Limitations

• One Permit Per Operator: Only one STR permit allowed per person or entity
• Non-transferability: Permits cannot be transferred to other persons or addresses
• Permit Duration: Valid until property ownership changes or business license becomes invalid

Performance Standards

• Business Appearance: STRs must give no outward appearance or manifest characteristics of a business in the ordinary meaning of the term
• Neighborhood Integration: Must not infringe on neighbors' peaceful enjoyment of their homes
• Parking Requirements: Off-street parking must be provided for guests

Safety Requirements

• Life/Safety Inspection: Must pass inspection for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Compliance Verification: Annual notarized affidavit confirming ongoing compliance with all regulations

Public Notice and Process

• Type II Procedure: Processed through standard administrative review
• Public Notice: Required posting of application notice on subject property
• Appeal Rights: Standard appeal procedures apply

State-Level Regulations (Washington State)

Business and Tax Requirements

• Business License: Required through Washington Department of Revenue
• Lodging Taxes: Subject to state and local lodging tax requirements
• City License Endorsement: Must obtain Gig Harbor city license endorsement through DOR

Potential Future State Considerations

• State-level affordable housing concerns may lead to additional restrictions
• County or state regulations may be implemented from housing policy perspective

County-Level Considerations

While Gig Harbor is in Pierce County, the provided content primarily addresses city regulations. However, county-level policies may apply to unincorporated areas surrounding Gig Harbor. Investors should verify county requirements for any properties outside city limits.

Contact Information

Primary Contact: Planning Division

Planning Division
3510 Grandview Street
Gig Harbor, WA 98335

Phone: (253) 851-6170
Email: planningintake@gigharborwa.gov

Key Staff Contacts

Katharine Shaffer, Principal Planner
Phone: (253) 853-7615
Email: kshaffer@gigharborwa.gov

General City Contact

City of Gig Harbor
3510 Grandview Street
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Phone: (253) 851-8136
Website: www.cityofgigharborwa.gov

Permit Portal

• Online Permit Portal: Available for application status and processing
• SmartGov Community: Online permitting system

Code Compliance

• Code Compliance: Available for reporting STR violations
• Action Request Form: Submit through city's Code Compliance page

Source Links and Reference Materials

Primary Regulatory Documents

• Short-term Rental Program - City Website
• Gig Harbor Municipal Code Chapter 17.85
• Ordinance 1507 - STR Regulations

Application Materials

• Master Planning Permit Application
• Short-term Rental Checklist
• Good Neighbor Policy
• Short-term Rental Renewal Affidavit

Client Assistance and Guidance

• Short-term Rentals Client Assistance Memo
• Short-term Rental FAQs

Business Licensing

• Washington Department of Revenue - Gig Harbor License

News and Updates

• Gig Harbor Now - STR Growth Report
• KING 5 - STR Laws Passage

Public Records and History

• STR Permit Status Dashboard
• City Council Meeting Archives

Code Compliance

• Code Compliance Page
• Code Compliance Action Request Form

This guide is based on information available as of the latest updates to Gig Harbor's short-term rental program. Regulations may change; investors should verify current requirements with city staff before making investment decisions.