| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Status | Restricted — rules apply |
| Permit / License Required | Yes — City Business License & Permit |
| Tax Rate | Subject to state sales tax and local lodging taxes |
| Permit Fee | City business license and processing fees |
| Penalties | Fines and immediate shutdown for illegal residential STR operations |
| Primary Residence Required | Yes (for residential zones as B&Bs only; no standard STRs) |
| Occupancy Limit | Based on building safety approvals |
Short-term rentals in Leavenworth, Washington are allowed but subject to significant restrictions under local regulations as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes — City Business License & Permit. The associated permit fees are City business license and processing fees.
Short-term rental operators in Leavenworth should be aware of these tax obligations: Subject to state sales tax and local lodging taxes.
Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Leavenworth include: Primary residence requirement: Yes (for residential zones as B&Bs only; no standard STRs). Occupancy limit: Based on building safety approvals.
Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Leavenworth: Banned in all residential zones (RL6, RL10, RL12). Allowed only in commercial districts subject to R-1 commercial hotel building conversion standards.. Density rules: Strict caps in unincorporated Chelan County (Leavenworth area has no new permits available). Insurance: Yes.
Hosts who fail to comply with Leavenworth's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Fines and immediate shutdown for illegal residential STR operations.
Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.
Official Source ↗Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Leavenworth but subject to restrictions. Hosts must comply with local permit requirements and zoning rules. Within city limits, residential listings are banned unless operated as an owner-occupied B&B. Unincorporated Chelan County permits are non-transferable to new buyers after September 26, 2026.
Yes. Leavenworth requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes — City Business License & Permit.
Short-term rental hosts in Leavenworth are subject to the following tax obligations: Subject to state sales tax and local lodging taxes.
Hosts who operate without proper permits in Leavenworth may face enforcement. Fines and immediate shutdown for illegal residential STR operations.
Banned in residential zones; allowed in commercial zones; county permits non-transferable after Sept 2026.
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