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

Short-term rentals ARE ALLOWED in Kirkland, WA, but under strict regulations that prioritize owner-occupied properties. The City Council adopted Ordinance O-4607 in October 2017, specifically regulating short-term rentals as rentals lasting fewer than 30 days. The ordinance primarily applies to single-family residences, while multifamily residences are governed by individual complex rules. Kirkland requires business licenses for all commercial rental transactions, and the regulations emphasize owner-occupancy as a core requirement for short-term rental operations.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Kirkland

Starting a short-term rental business in Kirkland follows a structured process with multiple compliance steps:

1. Verify Property Eligibility: Ensure your property meets the primary residence requirement (owner or authorized agent must occupy the property as primary residence for at least 245 days per year)

2. State Registration: Register with the Washington State Department of Revenue to obtain a state business license

3. City Licensing: Apply for a City of Kirkland business license through the online business licensing portal or by completing the hand-delivered application form

4. Documentation Completion: Fill out and sign the mandatory short-term rental declaration form

5. Property Manager Assignment: Identify a property manager living within 15 miles for times when neither owner nor authorized agent occupies the property

6. Tax Registration: Set up lodging tax payments to the State of Washington

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

State Requirements:

• Washington State Department of Revenue business registration
• State business license

City Requirements:

• City of Kirkland business license application
• Completed and signed Short-Term Rental Declaration form (PDF)
• Documentation of property manager living within 15 miles

Compliance Documentation:

• Proof of primary residence occupancy (245+ days annually)
• Property manager identification and contact information
• Business license fee payment ($230 annually for most short-term rentals)
• Lodging tax registration and payment setup

Special Situations:

• Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) registration
• Multifamily complex compliance verification
• Condo/Homeowners Association rule compliance verification

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Primary Residence Requirements

Owner-Occupied Continuous Living: Properties where the owner or authorized agent lives continuously as primary residence have no day limitations but cannot exceed two short-term rentals at any one time.

245-Day Minimum Occupancy: Properties where owner or authorized agent occupies property for at least 245 days (but not continuously) are limited to 120 days of short-term rentals per year, with mandatory property manager identification during absences.

Non-Qualifying Properties: Properties that don't meet the 245-day occupancy requirement cannot operate as short-term rentals but may operate as long-term rentals (30+ days).

Parking Requirements

Short-term rental properties must provide one parking stall per short-term rental. If permanent residents live in the dwelling unit, two additional parking stalls are required. Parking can be provided in garages, driveways, or as legal on-street parking immediately adjacent to the dwelling unit, following the same requirements as bed and breakfast establishments.

Business License Fees

• Standard Fee: $230 annually ($100 base fee + $130 Regulatory License fee per employee, minimum one employee)
• Low Revenue Option: $50 annually for businesses with gross receipts under $20,000
• New Business Incentive: First-year exemption from the Regulatory License fee

Tax Obligations

State Lodging Tax: Required for all short-term rentals, payable to Washington State Department of Revenue. Some platforms like Airbnb collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts, while others require direct payment by the property owner.

City Business Tax: Kirkland charges no Business and Occupation tax.

Property-Specific Regulations

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Detached ADUs can be rented as short-term rentals after obtaining proper state and city business licenses, subject to the same occupancy requirements as primary structures.

Multifamily Properties: Generally governed by individual complex rules, with city short-term rental requirements typically not applying to condominiums and similar multifamily settings.

Authorized Agents: Must be identified on the city license application and meet the same occupancy requirements as owners when serving in this capacity.

Contact Information for Local Authority

City Hall

• Address: 123 5th Ave, Kirkland, Washington 98033
• Phone: 425-587-3000

Police Department

• Address: 11750 NE 118th Street, Kirkland, Washington 98034
• Phone: 425-587-3400
• Emergency: 9-1-1

Municipal Court

• Address: 11740 NE 118th Street, Kirkland, Washington 98034
• Phone: 425-587-3160

TTY Relay Service: 711

Online Complaint Portal: Available through the city's "Our Kirkland" portal for non-emergency enforcement requests

Links to Source Pages

1. Short-Term Rentals in Kirkland - Official City Page

2. Washington State Department of Revenue Business Registration

3. Short-Term Rental Declaration Form

4. Kirkland Business License Application Portal

5. City of Kirkland Lodging Excise Code Chapter 5.19.050

6. Kirkland Zoning Code Parking Requirements

7. Department of Revenue Lodging Tax Guide

8. Airbnb Host Requirements for Kirkland

9. City of Kirkland Complaint Investigation Request

Important Note: This guide reflects regulations as of the provided content. Short-term rental regulations can change, and investors should verify current requirements with the City of Kirkland before making investment decisions. The city may analyze compliance levels and reach out to unlicensed operators, with potential penalties including license revocation, nuisance actions, or misdemeanor charges for operating without proper licensing.