Understanding the short-term rental (STR) rules in unincorporated Kitsap County and cities like Bainbridge Island.
Navigating the World of STRs in Kitsap County
Thinking about running a short-term rental in Kitsap County? Washington State sets the baseline, but each county and city adds its own twist. Kitsap’s rules are a bit in flux - some areas are still developing ordinances, while cities like Bainbridge Island already have clear frameworks. Here’s what you need to know.
First Things First: Statewide Requirements
Before we dive into Kitsap specifics, remember these state laws (RCW 64.37) apply to every STR in Washington:
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$1M Liability Insurance (or provided by the booking platform)
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Maximum Stay: < 30 Days
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Washington State Business License (UBI): Required
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Guest Safety Notices - contact info, fire exit plans, occupancy, and CO alarms must be posted
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Taxes - sales, lodging, and occupancy taxes must be collected/remitted unless your platform does it
📖 Read RCW 64.37 on the WA Legislature site
Quick Look: Kitsap County vs. Cities
Kitsap County has been working on an STR ordinance but has not finalized it yet. Cities within the county (like Bainbridge Island, Bremerton, Poulsbo, and Port Orchard) may have their own business licensing or STR-specific rules.
| Area | Current Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unincorporated Kitsap County | STR ordinance proposed but not finalized | Conditional use permitting may come later; watch for updates from the County Commissioners |
| Bainbridge Island | Certificate required | Must register annually, maintain $1M insurance, pay lodging & B&O taxes |
| Other Cities (Bremerton, Poulsbo, Port Orchard) | General business license rules | No specific STR code yet, but must comply with zoning and local tax rules |
🔗 Kitsap County STR Information Page
Deep Dive: Unincorporated Kitsap County
Rules Coming Soon?
Kitsap County drafted a conditional use permit (CUP)-based ordinance for STRs, but it has been put on hold after feedback that it was too broad.
What this means for hosts:
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Currently, STRs operate under general zoning rules (not an STR-specific law).
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Some zones may still require conditional or administrative use permits, especially in rural areas.
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The County continues public outreach to revise the ordinance, so stricter requirements may be coming (occupancy limits, parking, inspections).
📑 Kitsap County STR Factsheet (PDF)
Deep Dive: Bainbridge Island (Example Inside Kitsap)
Bainbridge Island has one of the most defined STR frameworks in Kitsap:
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Certificate required under BIMC 5.38
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Must maintain $1M liability insurance
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Must post guest notices (contact, safety, occupancy)
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Lodging tax (4%) + B&O tax apply
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City Business License also required
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Annual renewal needed
🔗 Bainbridge Island STR Program
Taxes & Compliance
Even without a finalized county STR ordinance, hosts in Kitsap must:
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Register with Washington State DOR (Business License Service)
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Collect & remit sales and lodging taxes (or confirm if Airbnb/VRBO handles this)
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Keep accurate records of income, expenses, and occupancy
If operating inside a city (like Bainbridge or Bremerton), confirm whether a city business license and lodging tax apply.
What’s Coming & Tips for Hosts
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Stay tuned: Kitsap County’s ordinance is still pending. Rules may tighten soon.
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Do zoning checks before buying or converting property - don’t assume an STR is automatically allowed.
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Talk to neighbors: many complaints in Kitsap center on noise, parking, and trash.
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Plan conservatively: STR revenue can shift quickly if new ordinances impose stricter limits.
Useful Links
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Kitsap County STR Info & Updates → Kitsap STR Page
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Kitsap STR Factsheet → Kitsap PDF
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Washington State STR Law (RCW 64.37) → RCW site
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Bainbridge Island STR Program → bainbridgewa.gov
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Kitsap County Code → CodePublishing.com
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Rules can change. Always confirm directly with Kitsap County Department of Community Development (DCD) or your city’s planning office before operating an STR.
