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Suquamish, WA

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STR Regulations for Suquamish, Washington

Overview: Are STRs Allowed in Suquamish, WA?

Yes, short-term rentals (STRs) are currently allowed in Suquamish, WA. Suquamish is located within unincorporated Kitsap County. STRs are permitted under specific zoning conditions, but operate under a unique regulatory environment:

  1. County Zoning Classification: Under Kitsap County Code (KCC 17.410.040), "Bed and breakfast house or vacation rental" is listed as an allowed use. Its status varies by zoning district:
    • Rural Residential (RR), Rural Protection (RP), Rural Wooded (RW), Urban Restricted (UR), Greenbelt (GB), Urban Low Residential (UL), Urban Cluster Residential (UCR): Permitted as an Administrative Conditional Use (ACUP) or Hearing Examiner Conditional Use (CUP). (See zoning code footnote 34 for specific zones).
    • Urban Medium Residential (UM): Permitted as an Administrative Conditional Use (ACUP).
    • Urban High Residential (UH): Permitted as a Permitted Use (P).
    • Suquamish Village Zones (SVC, SVLR, SVR): Listed under the LAMIRD section. Bed & Breakfast/Vacation Rental is generally treated similarly to residential zones (ACUP/CUP). (Specific designation requires confirmation with the code for these specific zones).
  2. Current Enforcement Status (Critical): While zoning rules technically permit STRs with conditions, Kitsap County deferred enforcement of its STR code (adopted in 2016) in early 2019 due to the regulations being deemed overly broad and burdensome. Enforcement is deferred except for health and safety issues. The County is actively developing new, more targeted STR regulations (see "Regulations" section), but no new permits are currently being issued under the old or new framework.
  3. Tax Obligation (Immediate Requirement): Regardless of permit status, ALL STR operators in Kitsap County are REQUIRED to collect and remit Lodging Taxes: 2% Washington State Lodging Tax + 2% Kitsap County Special Excise Tax = 4% Total Lodging Tax.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Suquamish

  1. Assess Zoning Compliance: Verify your property's zoning district using the Kitsap County Zoning Map or online parcel viewer. Confirm that "Bed and breakfast house or vacation rental" is an allowed use in your specific zone (see overview).
  2. Understand Current Requirements:
    • No Active Permitting: Since enforcement is deferred, you do not need a county STR permit to operate at this time. Monitor county updates for when new rules take effect.
    • Register for Lodging Taxes (MANDATORY): Contact the Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR) to register as a lodging business. This is required regardless of permit status. Apply online via MyDOR or call 1-800-647-7706. You'll need an EIN/SSN, business details, property address, rental dates, and tax information. Failure to register and remit lodging taxes is a violation.
    • Prepare for Future Regulations: Be aware the County is developing new rules. Stay informed (see "Getting Involved" below).
  3. Property Preparation: Ensure your property meets basic health and safety standards. While active permitting is deferred, the County can still act on health/safety complaints. Be prepared for potential future requirements (e.g., smoke detectors, egress, parking).
  4. Set Up Business Operations: Create listings (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.), establish pricing, cleaning protocols, guest communication, and insurance.
  5. Remit Lodging Taxes: Collect the 4% lodging tax (2% state + 2% county) from guests and remit it monthly to the Washington DOR using your MyDOR account. Keep meticulous records.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses & Guidelines

  • Current Requirements (As of now):
    • Washington State Lodging Tax Registration: Mandatory registration with WA DOR as a lodging business. (Register Online, Tax Info).
    • Business License (Local City): Suquamish is an unincorporated area of Kitsap County. There is no separate Suquamish city business license required for STRs specifically. Check if any general county business registration applies.
    • Compliance with Health & Safety Laws: Adhere to state and county health, safety, and building codes.
  • Future Requirements (Anticipated - Subject to New Regulations):
    • Kitsap County STR Permit: Once new regulations are enacted, a permit will likely be required (likely an ACUP). Applications will likely be submitted through the Kitsap County Department of Community Development (DCD). Process details, fees, and requirements are currently under development.
    • Zoning Compliance Documentation: Proof that your property is in a zone where STRs are an allowed use.
    • Site Plan: Details on parking, access, setbacks, etc., as required by permit conditions.
    • Notification/Neighboring Property Owner Information: May be required as part of the permit process.
    • Liability Insurance: Likely to be a permit requirement.
    • Compliance with State Requirements (HB 1798): See "Regulations" section below.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals (City, County, State)

  • City of Suquamish: Suquamish is primarily governed by Kitsap County regulations as it is an unincorporated area. No separate, city-specific STR ordinances were identified in the provided content.
  • Kitsap County (Current):
    • Deferral: Enforcement of existing STR zoning rules (KCC 17.410, etc.) is deferred except for health/safety issues.
    • New Policy Development: The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) directed staff to develop new STR regulations based on public input, best practices, and state law (HB 1798). This process is ongoing. No final regulations are in effect yet.
    • Public Outreach: Extensive public engagement (surveys, meetings, focus groups) was conducted in 2019. Input consistently called for scalable regulations focusing on host management, neighbor relations, safety, and effective enforcement.
    • Lodging Tax: 4% total lodging tax (2% state + 2% county) is mandatory.
  • Kitsap County (Future - Under Development):
    • Regulatory Concepts: Potential elements discussed include registration/licensing, permit requirements (scalable by STR type), host management responsibilities, occupancy limits, parking restrictions, noise controls, trash management, safety standards, and complaint/enforcement mechanisms. Specific details are pending final BOCC action.
  • Washington State:
    • House Bill 1798 (2019): This state law preempted local regulation in several key areas while establishing minimum requirements. Key implications for STRs include:
      • Preemption: Prevents local governments from banning STRs or imposing overly restrictive regulations that conflict with state rules (except for those in effect before Jan 1, 2020).
      • Health & Safety Standards: Requires compliance with state health and safety laws. Established standards for smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and emergency information (e.g., evacuation routes, local contact).
      • Lodging Taxes: Established the framework for the state lodging tax (currently 2%) collected by operators.
      • Platform Responsibility: Requires platforms like Airbnb to collect and remit lodging taxes on behalf of operators (though operators remain ultimately responsible).
      • Local Authority: Retained some local authority for zoning, safety, and specific conduct issues.
    • RCW 19.27.060: Washington law states that Building Code compliance is required for STRs if they are offered as transient lodging.

Contact Information

Getting Involved & Monitoring Updates

Links to Source Pages

  1. Kitsap County Board of Commissioners - STR Policy Development & Public Outreach: https://www.kitsap.gov/BOC_p/Pages/STR.aspx
  2. Kitsap County - STR Outreach Survey Summary (June 2019): https://www.kitsap.gov/BOC_p/Policy%20Documents/2STR%20Outreach-Survey%20Summary%20June19.pdf
  3. Kitsap County Code - Chapter 17.410 - Allowed Uses: https://dcd.kitsapgov.com/ordnances/2017-06-02-WA-KitsapCounty/Kitsap17/Kitsap17410.html
  4. Washington State Department of Revenue - Special Hotel/Motel (Lodging) Tax: https://dor.wa.gov/find-taxes-rates/other-taxes/special-hotelmotel-tax
  5. Washington State Legislature - House Bill 1798 (2019) - STR Regulations: http://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2019-20/Pdf/Bills/House%20Passed%20Legislation/1798-S.PL.pdf
  6. Kitsap County Zoning Map (PDF): https://www.kitsap.gov/dcd/Documents/Zoning%20Maps/Kitsap_County_Zoning_Map.pdf
  7. Kitsap County - Online Permits: https://www.kitsap.gov/dcd/Pages/Permits.aspx

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Suquamish?

Suquamish hosts earn a median $47,582/year with $325 ADR and 66% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $92,421+ per year.

See the full Suquamish market breakdown

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Suquamish

Market Saturation Score

036912
Low Saturation
1/ 12
months with declining YoY revenue
0–1 declining months: minimal saturation pressure — revenue trends are stable.
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Photos of Suquamish

Overview of Suquamish

Suquamish is a small unincorporated community and census-designated place on the northern tip of the Kitsap Peninsula in Kitsap County, Washington, with a population of roughly 4,000 residents. The community sits along the shores of Agate Passage and the Puget Sound, with views across the water toward Seattle, the Olympic Mountains, and, on clear days, Mount Rainier. Best known as the historic home of the Suquamish Tribe and the people of Chief Seattle, Suquamish has a quiet, small-town feel that contrasts with the busier Seattle metro area just across the water. The community lies about 20 minutes north of Bainbridge Island and is roughly 90 minutes from downtown Seattle by car and Washington State Ferry.

The cultural heart of the area is the Suquamish Museum, which presents the history, art, and living traditions of the Suquamish people through rotating exhibits and a permanent collection. The museum sits adjacent to the gravesite of Chief Seattle, the Suquamish and Duwamish leader for whom the nearby major city is named, drawing visitors interested in the deeper history of the Pacific Northwest. Just minutes from the museum, Old Man House Park preserves the archaeological footprint of one of the largest Native longhouses ever recorded on the Salish Sea, a striking stop for those curious about the region's pre-contact past.

A short drive south of Suquamish brings visitors to Poulsbo, a waterfront town of around 10,000 residents long nicknamed "Little Norway" for its Scandinavian heritage, bakeries, and small shops. Its walkable downtown and marina make it a popular afternoon outing. Slightly farther southeast, Bainbridge Island is home to the Bloedel Reserve, a 150-acre public garden and forest preserve, and serves as the gateway for the scenic ferry crossing into Seattle.

Outdoor recreation is the other big draw. Olympic National Park lies a few hours to the west across the Hood Canal Bridge, offering glaciated peaks, temperate rainforests, and a wild Pacific coastline. Closer at hand, the surrounding waters of the Puget Sound invite kayaking, sailing, and beachcombing, while the forests of the Kitsap Peninsula provide trails and state parks within easy reach.

Suquamish's blend of tribal heritage, waterfront scenery, and proximity to both Seattle and Olympic National Park makes it an appealing base for short-term rentals. Guests can enjoy a quiet, nature-oriented setting while remaining within easy striking distance of the Pacific Northwest's most celebrated destinations, a balance that suits travelers looking to slow down without straying far from the region's marquee experiences.

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