Short-Term Rental Code Update

What counts as a short-term rental?

Pierce County Code has two definitions that distinguish a short-term vacation rental from other lodging accommodations. The key distinction is that a short-term vacation rental is a single-family dwelling or accessory dwelling unit, where lodging covers commercial uses such as hotels, motels, inns, and multi-family units that are primarily used for short-term rental purposes.

Why are we working on this?

During the Comprehensive Plan Update, Pierce County received comments concerned with existing short-term rental regulations.

What regulations already exist?

Vacation rental regulations are currently under the residential accessory use category, which can be viewed here: Ch. 18A.37 Accessory Development – Residential | Pierce County Code. The regulations require submission of an affidavit with Pierce County Planning and Public Works including intent, contact information, and sites where the rental is advertised.

1. Do you operate a short-term rental property in Pierce County? *This question is required.

How many short-term rentals do you operate within Pierce County? This question requires a valid number format.

Have you filled out an affidavit with Pierce County Development Services for your short-term rental(s)?

Link to Vacation Rental Affidavit

Do you live on the same property as your short-term rental(s)?Yes

4. Where are your short-term rentals located? (You may provide an address, zip code, community plan area, cross street, or other as you feel comfortable).

2. When you travel within Washington State, what form of lodging do you most frequently use? *This question is required.

Please enter an 'other' value for this selection.

3. Rank in order of importance the factors that determine the type of lodging you select when traveling: *This question is required. Order the items from the following list. First select an item with the spacebar to show a menu of possible ranking positions. Next, click a ranking position to order it in the ranked list. Note the menu will display more ordering options as you add items to the ranked list.

Price
Proximity to desired locations
Amenities (food provided, pool or other recreation facilities, laundry facilities, etc.)
Parking
Privacy
Number of guests allowed

4. Should the type of residential dwelling unit affect whether the property can be a short-term rental? *This question is required.

5. Should the zoning of a parcel affect whether the property can have a short-term rental? *This question is required.

6. Should owner-occupancy be a condition of approval for a short-term rental? *This question is required.

7. Please provide any overall comments or input that the County should consider as it develops draft regulations.