Gig Harbor, Washington Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

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.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Gig Harbor?

Gig Harbor hosts earn a median $38,796/year with $243 ADR and 65% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $57,808+ per year.

See the full Gig Harbor market breakdown

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

Step-by-Step Process

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
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
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
Review and Payment
- City reviews application for completeness
- Once complete, invoice is generated for permit fees
- Pay fees to initiate formal review process
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
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)
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

Completed Short-term Rental Permit Application
- Master Planning Permit Application form
Property Ownership Verification
- Verified statement confirming exclusive ownership
- OR written consent from all property owners
Operation Description
- Written description of proposed STR operation
- Affirmation that operation meets general requirements of GHMC 17.85.040
Location Documentation
- Written description of proposed STR location
Parking Information
- Number of off-street parking spaces provided
- OR dedicated parking spaces for STR guests
Good Neighbor Policy
- Completed Good Neighbor Policy form
Permit Fees
- Short-term rental permit fee as established by city council resolution

Required Permits and Licenses

Short-term Rental Permit
- Type II permit procedure
- Valid until ownership changes or business license becomes invalid
- Non-transferable to other persons or addresses
City Business License
- Apply through Washington Department of Revenue
- Must be maintained in valid status for permit validity
Fire & Safety Inspection
- Conducted by City's Building Official/Fire Marshal
- Required before operation and for annual renewals

Annual Renewal Requirements

Fire & Safety Re-inspection
- Schedule with Building Official/Fire Marshal before business license renewal
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

Application Materials

Client Assistance and Guidance

Business Licensing

Washington Department of Revenue - Gig Harbor License

News and Updates

Public Records and History

Code Compliance

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.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Gig Harbor

Gig Harbor, Washington, is a picturesque waterfront city tucked into the southern shore of the Puget Sound in Pierce County. With a population of roughly eleven thousand residents, the city has a small-town feel wrapped around a working marina and a walkable historic district. Long associated with fishing and boatbuilding, Gig Harbor today draws visitors with its scenic waterfront, art galleries, and a calendar of community events that reflect its Scandinavian and maritime heritage. It serves as a convenient gateway to the Kitsap Peninsula and Olympic Peninsula beyond, while sitting only about ten miles north of Tacoma and roughly thirty miles southwest of Seattle along the corridor of US-16.

Downtown Gig Harbor lines the harbor itself, and the waterfront boardwalk offers an easy stroll past seafood restaurants, boutique shops, and public docks where pleasure craft and small fishing boats tie up for the day. Visitors come for the views across the channel toward the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and, on clear days, the snow-domed silhouette of Mount Rainier rising to the southeast. The downtown is just steps from nearly any in-town lodging, making it a natural anchor for guests who want dining and shopping within walking distance.

About fifteen minutes south of Gig Harbor, Point Defiance Park sprawls across a forested peninsula at the entrance to the Tacoma Narrows. One of the largest urban parks in the United States, it combines old-growth forest trails, a beach, a rose garden, and two family favorites: the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and the historic Fort Nisqually Living History Museum. Its scale and concentration of attractions make it an easy day trip for families staying on the harbor.

To the southeast, Mount Rainier National Park is roughly a two-hour drive from Gig Harbor, accessed via Tacoma and the highway corridor through Puyallup. The park's wildflower meadows, glacier-fed rivers, and the towering volcanic peak itself are a major draw for hikers and sightseers, and the Paradise and Sunrise visitor areas offer some of the most photographed alpine scenery in the Pacific Northwest. Seasonal road closures and snow influence when guests can comfortably reach the higher elevations.

Across the Sound to the west, the Olympic Peninsula and Olympic National Park are reachable in a few hours by road, including a short ferry crossing. The park's temperate rainforests, rugged Pacific coastline, and glacier-capped mountains provide a striking counterpoint to the more accessible attractions around Tacoma and the harbor.

Gig Harbor's appeal as a short-term rental base comes from this balance: a calm, photogenic waterfront town with a real sense of place, paired with quick access to a major zoo and park, an iconic national park, and the broader amenities of the Puget Sound region. Guests can spend a morning on the boardwalk, an afternoon with the animals at Point Defiance, and the following day among the wildflowers of Mount Rainier, all while returning to a quiet harbor community in the evening.