Understanding the STR laws in Glacier, Birch Bay, Sudden Valley & Lake Whatcom
Navigating the World of STRs
Welcome to Whatcom County! From Mt. Baker’s ski slopes to the beaches of Birch Bay and the wooded retreats of Sudden Valley, this part of the Pacific Northwest is a magnet for visitors — and a great place for property owners to host short-term rentals.
Until recently, rules were vague. That changed on July 25, 2023, when the County Council adopted new ordinances that formally recognized vacation rentals (STRs) in the zoning code. Now, hosts finally have a clear legal pathway.
Your Statewide To-Do List
No matter where you are in Washington, a few baseline rules apply to every STR:
Business License
You must obtain a Washington State business license (UBI) and register with the Department of Revenue.
Tax Obligations
Sales tax and local lodging tax must be collected and remitted. Even if a platform (like Airbnb or VRBO) collects them for you, you are still responsible for reporting.
Liability & Safety
Carry at least $1M in liability insurance (either your own policy or coverage offered by a platform).
Every STR must have working smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers, and clearly marked exits.
Deep Dive: Whatcom County’s STR Rules (Adopted 2023)
Accessory Use in Most Zones
In residential, rural, and agricultural zones, STRs are now a recognized “vacation rental unit” and permitted as an accessory use.
Lake Whatcom Watershed = Conditional Use
Due to environmental sensitivity, STRs in the Lake Whatcom Watershed Overlay District require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP).
Registration System Coming Soon
The county is developing a STR registration program with performance standards (covering parking, occupancy, signage, and safety). These are not yet active but expected in the near future.
Current Key Standards (in effect now):
Parking: Must provide 1 off-street space per sleeping unit.
Zoning: Confirm your property is in a zone where STRs are permitted.
CUP: Required if located in the Lake Whatcom Watershed.
Local Flavor: Where the Rules Apply
Glacier & Mt. Baker: Cabins and ski rentals are covered by county accessory use rules.
Birch Bay: Beach houses must follow county STR rules.
Sudden Valley / Lake Whatcom: Rentals here require a CUP due to watershed protection.
The Final Takeaway
Whatcom County has moved from an unregulated “gray area” into a clearer framework for STRs. As of 2023, you can legally operate an STR as long as you follow zoning, CUP requirements, and parking/safety standards. More detailed registration and performance standards are coming soon, so hosts should stay alert for updates.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For the most current guidance, consult Whatcom County Planning & Development Services.
