Pierce County STR Laws Explained: Stay Compliant and Maximize Returns

Thinking about operating a short-term rental (STR) in Pierce County? Whether you’re house-hacking, converting a property, or buying for STR use, you’ll want to understand both the statewide requirements and the local rules in unincorporated Pierce County. This guide lays out what you must do, what to watch for, and how to position your operation to stay compliant and profitable.

What counts as a “Short-Term Rental” in Pierce County

• Under the county code (PCC 18A.37.040) a “Vacation Rental (VR)” is defined as a short-term rental accommodation within a legally established single-family dwelling or accessory dwelling/unit, where compensation is paid, and stays are less than 30 days. pierce.county.codes+1

• Important: Longer-term rentals exceeding 30 days are not regulated under that particular section. pierce.county.codes+1

• Note: If your property lies within a city (rather than unincorporated Pierce County), you must check the city’s STR rules as well — many incorporated cities have additional licensing or permit requirements.

Key Requirements in Un-incorporated Pierce County

Here are the major compliance items you’ll want to make sure you satisfy:

a) Affidavit Filing

• You must file a Vacation Rental Affidavit with the county’s Planning & Public Works department using the form. piercecountywa.gov+1

• The affidavit must include:

  • Property address and parcel number. piercecountywa.gov+1

  • Owner contact info; representative/management contact if applicable. piercecountywa.gov

  • The websites/platforms where the VR is advertised. BNB Calc+1

  • Acknowledgement that neighbouring property owners directly adjacent to the VR have been notified. pierce.county.codes+1

  • Acknowledgement that the “Good Neighbor” brochure will be provided to each renter. piercecountywa.gov+1

• The code makes clear: Failure to meet these standards may result in a “cease and desist” of the VR operation. piercecountywa.gov+1

b) Guest Rooms / Occupancy Limits

• Up to 5 guest rooms may be provided. pierce.county.codes+1

• Up to 2 guests per bedroom, and no more than 10 guests total may be lodged at any time. pierce.county.codes+1

• The lodging must be within a legally established single-family dwelling or an accessory structure. pierce.county.codes

c) Guest Parking & Neighbour Notification

• Guests must be provided with information about the location of guest parking spaces. pierce.county.codes

• The owner/representative must notify all neighbouring property owners directly adjacent to the VR property that the use will occur. pierce.county.codes

d) Good Neighbor Brochure

• Each guest must receive a copy of the county’s “Good Neighbor” brochure, which covers the occupancy limit, noise and parking expectations. piercecountywa.gov

e) Zoning / Use Compliance

• The relevant code is under Chapter 18A.37 Accessory Development — specifically section 18A.37.040. pierce.county.codes+1

• It applies to unincorporated areas; properties in incorporated cities may be subject to additional or different zoning/use rules.

f) Upcoming/Proposed Rule Changes

• The county is reviewing a proposed amendment (Amendment 7) which would:

  • Require a license or permit for STRs throughout the county. piercecountywa.gov+1

  • Limit the number of STR units in certain community plan areas (e.g., Gig Harbor Peninsula, Key Peninsula, Anderson/Ketron Islands). piercecountywa.gov+1

  • Limit guest numbers in units connected to on-site septic systems to the capacity of that system. piercecountywa.gov

• Takeaway: Build your business with flexibility for these changes.

Taxes, Licensing & Other Compliance Obligations

• At the state level, hosts must obtain a Washington State business license (UBI) from the Washington State Department of Revenue. BNB Calc+1

• STR income is subject to state and local taxes: sales tax, lodging tax (if applicable), business & occupation (B&O) tax. BNB Calc

• Although the county doesn’t list a separate county STR fee in all cases, you should check whether your city (if within one) requires a permit or fee. BNB Calc

• Insurance & safety (while not always spelled out in detail in the county code) are critical best practices — e.g., maintaining liability insurance, smoke / CO alarms.

Best Practices for Compliance & Maximising Profitability

• Submit the affidavit early and keep proof of neighbour notification.

• Respect occupancy limits: especially keeping guest numbers under max, ensuring room definitions are clear.

• Designate and communicate guest parking clearly in your listing and welcome package.

• Provide the Good Neighbor brochure (either in print or digitally) and include a summary of parking, noise, guest limits in your house rules.

• Stay aware of septic and infrastructure constraints if your property is on septic, proposed rules may limit guest numbers tied to system capacity.

• Check for city/local rules if operating inside city limits (some cities have stricter rules/licensing).

• Budget for compliance overhead: licensing, tax collection/remittance, housekeeping, insurance factor into profitability.

• Monitor regulatory changes: because further limitations or licensing requirements may come.

• Maintain good neighbour relationships: proactively managing noise/parking issues helps reduce risk of complaints and enforcement.

Enforcement Risks & What Happens If You Don’t Comply

• Non-compliance (e.g., not filing the affidavit, exceeding occupancy limits, failing neighbour notification) can lead to a cease-and-desist order from the county. piercecountywa.gov+1

• Future regulatory amendments may impose stricter caps or licensing being caught in mid-transition may increase risk.

• Complaints from neighbours (parking, noise) can trigger enforcement show you have done your due diligence.

Summary Table: Quick Reference

Action Steps for You as an Investor or Host

1. Confirm whether the property is in unincorporated Pierce County or within a city (and check city rules if applicable).

2. Review zoning: ensure your dwelling is legally a single-family unit (or accessory structure) and is allowed for the use under section 18A.37.040.

3. Complete the Short-Term Vacation Rental Affidavit: include owner/rep contact, advertising websites, neighbour notification proof, etc.

4. Build your guest welcome package to include: guest parking map/locations, Good Neighbor brochure, occupancy limits/house rules.

5. Register business/licensing: state business license (UBI), check any city/county fee or permit.

6. Maintain records: proof of notification, affidavit copy, guest logs, cleaning/maintenance logs, tax filings, insurance.

7. Stay informed: monitor the county’s Planning & Public Works updates, especially regarding future rule changes for STRs.

Final Thoughts

Operating a short-term rental in Pierce County offers real opportunity especially for investors who know how to structure space, manage turnover, and control costs. But compliance is crucial. The difference between a well-running STR and one that gets shut down or fined often comes down to diligence: the filings, the parking plan, the guest limits, the neighbour communication.

As you evaluate your next property (or convert one you already own), integrate both your operational strategy (guests, turnover, housekeeping) and your regulatory strategy (affidavit, local rules, neighbour relations) from day one. That alignment helps minimise risk and sets you up for smoother, more profitable STR outcomes.