Please read the disclaimers on the Property Rules and Regulations page before using the information in this page.
In Bellevue, Airbnb and other short-term rentals (stays of less than 30 days) are strictly regulated based on whether the property is owner-occupied. The rules below apply to our neighborhood’s SR-2 and SR-4 residential zones.
Key Restrictions for Residential Zones
- Entire Single-Family Home Rentals: PROHIBITED. You cannot rent out an entire single-family home or a home with an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) for short-term stays.
- Individual Room Rentals: ALLOWED (Owner-Occupied only). You may rent up to two individual rooms on a short-term basis if you live in the home full-time.
- Occupancy Limits: For room rentals, the maximum occupancy is two adults per room.
- ADU Restriction: Short-term rentals (stays under 30 days) in an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) are prohibited. The minimum rental period for an ADU is 30 days.
Required Permits and Compliance
To legally operate a room rental (short-term) in these zones, you must:
- Obtain a Home Occupation Permit: Required for owner-occupied rentals (Boarding House/Bed & Breakfast).
- Get a City Business License: All operators must hold a valid Bellevue business license.
- Provide Off-Street Parking: You are required to provide at least one parking stall for each room being rented.
- Pay Applicable Taxes: Hosts must collect and remit applicable taxes, including state sales tax and local lodging taxes.
Exception: Multifamily Units (Condos/Apartments)
If your property in an SR zone is part of a Planned Unit Development (PUD) or a multifamily building, you may rent entire units if you file a Short-Term Stay Use Registration Notice with the City of Bellevue. However, these are capped at 5 units per building and no more than 20% of the units in the entire development.