Navigating STR Laws in Snohomish County & City of Snohomish
Guest stays for fewer than 30 consecutive nights are a growing source of income for homeowners. But in Washington State, especially in Snohomish County and the City of Snohomish, operating legally means navigating state law, county codes, and city ordinances. You’ll need to know licensing, zoning, safety, taxes, and more. Get it wrong, and penalties or legal issues may arise. This post covers what every host should know to stay compliant.
Washington State Laws That Apply Everywhere
RCW 64.37 governs STRs statewide. Every host in Snohomish County must comply with these rules:
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Definition: An STR is a dwelling unit (or portion of one) rented for fewer than 30 consecutive nights.
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Safety: Working smoke & CO alarms, floor plans with escape routes, emergency contacts, and posted address & occupancy limits are required.
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Insurance: Minimum $1 million liability insurance or equivalent platform coverage.
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Taxes: State/local sales tax, lodging, and transient taxes must be collected and remitted (platforms like Airbnb/VRBO often handle this).
👉 See RCW 64.37 here
What the Unincorporated Snohomish County Rules Say (and Don’t Say)
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If your property lies outside city limits:
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No specific STR ordinance (yet): As of 2025, county code doesn’t regulate STRs as a distinct land use.
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Zoning still matters: Land use is governed by the Unified Development Code (Title 30 SCC). Whether you can host depends on your zone (residential, rural, etc.).
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State law applies: Safety, insurance, and tax obligations remain binding.
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Future changes likely: Planning reports and hearings have flagged STRs for possible regulation in the future.
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City of Snohomish Rules - What Hosts Must Do
If your property is inside City of Snohomish limits, there is a clear regulatory framework, especially since Ordinance 2446 (passed August 2022) which amended the residential land use code (SMC 14.207.070).
Here are the key rules:
| Rule | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Land use / zoning | STRs are allowed in zones where dwelling units are permitted - single-family, multi-family, commercial zones (housing units within), Historic Business, Business Park, Midtown. Not allowed in commercial spaces as non-housing, nor in zones like Industry, Airport Industry, or Parks/Open Space & Public. (snohomishwa.gov) |
| Definition & what counts | Includes whole dwelling units, rooms within dwellings, or accessory dwelling units rented daily or weekly. (snohomishwa.gov) |
| Business licensing | Must have a Washington State business license and a City of Snohomish General Business license/endorsement. STRs are not “home occupation” businesses under City definitions. (snohomishwa.gov) |
| Use of space | Only entire structures or self-contained living spaces may be rented. In detached single-family residences, only one self-contained living space rented at a time. Cannot use commercial spaces as STR. (snohomishwa.gov) |
| Duration & occupancy | No more than 30 consecutive days per booking with same party. Only one party at a time. (snohomishwa.gov) |
| Services | No lodging services beyond housekeeping between visits. (snohomishwa.gov) |
| Taxes | Must collect and pay state sales & use tax, local sales & use tax, plus a special hotel/motel (transient) lodging tax. Total tax rate for STRs in City of Snohomish is approximately 11.3% (6.5% state + 2.8% local + 2% lodging tax) as of recent rules. (snohomishwa.gov) |
Side-by-Side Comparison: City vs Unincorporated County
| Aspect | City of Snohomish | Unincorporated County |
|---|---|---|
| Specific STR ordinance | Yes - Ordinance 2446, SMC 14.207.070 explicitly regulates STRs. (snohomishwa.gov) | No specific STR ordinance yet; STRs are not regulated as a distinct use under current county code. (snohomishcountywa.gov) |
| Business License required | Yes - State + City General Business license; not home occupation. (snohomishwa.gov) | State license required; county does not have separate city-level licensing unless property falls under city jurisdiction. |
| Zoning restrictions | Allowed in many residential & some mixed zones; disallowed in non-residential/commercial spaces or public/open zones. (snohomishwa.gov) | Governed by county UDC; permitted uses depend on zone; likely fewer explicit restrictions for STRs but zoning still matters. |
| Duration / stay limit | Max 30 consecutive nights per party; must rent entire structure or self-contained space. (snohomishwa.gov) | State law limit applies (<30 nights); county doesn’t appear to impose additional duration rules beyond what state requires. |
| Taxes | Full suite: state, local, lodging/hotel-motel (transient) tax. Platforms collect taxes for many listings. (snohomishwa.gov) | State/local taxes still due; platform remittance depends; need to check county or local tax district. |
| Safety / insurance / state requirements | Must comply with RCW 64.37 (insurance, safety, emergency contacts, occupancy, etc.). (Washington State Legislative Website) | Same state law applies; in practice you’ll need to follow those rules even if county doesn’t inspect regularly. |
Checklist to Be Compliant
Here’s what you should do before listing your property in Snohomish County or the City of Snohomish:
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Check if your property is inside city limits or in unincorporated county. (Mailing address isn’t always enough.)
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Obtain Washington State business license (Unified Business Identifier) through Department of Revenue.
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If in the City of Snohomish, get the City General Business license; ensure it’s correctly endorsed.
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Check zoning: Confirm your parcel’s zoning designation via city or county GIS / assessor maps. Make sure your zone allows STRs under City code or that county zoning doesn’t prohibit your use.
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Ensure your listing meets state safety requirements: smoke & CO alarms, emergency information, maximum occupancy, street address, and contact info.
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Provide only allowable services (housekeeping between visits, etc.), no extra lodging services.
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Do not rent to the same party more than 30 consecutive nights. Only rent to one party at a time. If your property is detached single-family, only one self-contained unit at a time.
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Collect and remit all relevant taxes: state sales & use; local sales & lodging/transient taxes. If you use platforms like Airbnb/VRBO, check if they collect/remit for you.
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Maintain liability insurance minimums (or ensure platform’s coverage meets state standard).
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Keep good neighbor practices: parking, noise, occupancy, etc., to avoid complaints or enforcement.
What’s New / Coming Changes
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There has been public discussion (e.g. the 2020 Planning Commission report) about adding more formal county regulation for STRs (bed & breakfasts / guesthouses, thresholds, density impacts). But as of now, unincorporated Snohomish County does not regulate STRs explicitly under a code like the city does.
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The City of Snohomish recently updated/amended Section 14.207.070 (Residential Uses) including through Ordinances like Ord. 2507, 2492, etc. as of late 2023–2024, expanding/completing some City definitions and zoning parameters.
Conclusion
If you’re hosting or planning an Airbnb / STR in Snohomish County, here are the bottom-line takeaways:
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If your property is within City of Snohomish, you have clear rules: licensing, zoning, tax, service limitations, duration/occupancy, etc. Follow them closely.
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If you’re in unincorporated county, state law still binds you (safety, insurance, taxes), but many of the more specific rules from the city do not apply yet. However, zoning can still restrict what you can do.
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Always double-check your property’s zone, ensure your business & tax licenses are current, and that your safety and insurance cover your exposure.
Staying ahead of code changes will save you from headaches. When in doubt, contact city/county planning or code enforcement departments. Having legal, safe, and tax-compliant operations not only protects you, but also supports good relationships in the community and helps ensure your STR venture is sustainable.
