Short-Term Rentals Within City Limits

A short-term rental is defined in the Port Angeles Municipal Code as lodging or guest rooms used, rented, or occupied for guest sleeping purposes for 30 days or less and that contain kitchen facilities, including but not limited to, refrigerators, stoves, and ovens. This definition includes dwelling units used, rented, or hired out for vacation homes or short-term rentals that allow guests to stay for 30 days or less. 

Dwelling units used, rented, or hired out for longer than 30 days are considered long-term rentals. 

A moratorium is a legally authorized, temporary restriction of activity. 

The limited moratorium does not ban all short-term rentals within city limits. Instead, it prohibits establishing any new short-term rentals located in Residential Medium-Density and Residential High-Density zones after June 16, 2023. 

The limited moratorium does not impact: 

• Existing short-term rentals that are compliant with current zoning requirements.
• New short-term rentals located in commercial zones.
• The rental of rooms within a house where the owner resides. 
• Owners renting out their homes while they are away on vacation, or
• Where the entire housing unit is rented out for 30 days or less during the calendar year. 

The moratorium will sunset on December 16, 2023, unless it is extended or shortened by the City Council through the adoption of an ordinance before that date.

Existing short-term rentals (those active before June 16, 2023) are permitted as a primary use in the following zones:

• RMD – Residential, Medium Density
• RHD – Residential High Density
• CN – Commercial, Neighborhood
• CSD – Community Shopping District
• CBD – Central Business District
• CA – Commercial, Arterial

As of June 16, 2023, new short-term rentals are permitted as a primary use in the following zones:

• CN – Commercial, Neighborhood
• CSD – Community Shopping District
• CBD – Central Business District
• CA – Commercial, Arterial

Both new and existing short-term rentals are allowed in the following zoning district with a Conditional Use Permit. If you are interested in operating a short-term rental within this zone,  please get in touch with City Staff to learn how  to obtain the proper permits.

• CO – Commercial, Office 

Short-term rentals (existing or new) are not allowed in the following zones:

• R7 - Residential Mixed Density
• R9 - Low Density Residential 
• R11 - Low Density Residential
• IL - Industrial Light
• IH - Industrial Heavy
• PBP - Public Buildings and Parks

Click here to access the ArcGIS Multi-Use Map to identify the zone in which your property is located. You will be prompted to check a box on the lower left side of your screen, agreeing to terms and conditions. Then click “Ok.” 

For further instructions on how to use the ArcGIS Map, please click here.

Please contact the Department of Community & Economic Development for guidance. Staff can be reached by phone at (360) 417-4570 or email at ced@cityofpa.us.

Resident s can report potential violations to the Code Enforcement Division of the Port Angeles Police Department. 

How to Contact Code Enforcement:

• Submit a Public Nuisance Form Online.
• Email codeenforcement@cityofpa.us.
• Report a violation by phone – Dial (360) 452-4545 and ask to speak with an officer. 

The City Council has approved the consultant GovOS to assist in the inventory, status, and alternatives for regulation of short-term rentals within city limits. After receiving that information, Council will engage in a robust public engagement process.  From that, Council will develop policies to guide short-terms rentals in the future.  Based on those policies, City staff will draft amendments to City code update specific to short-term rental regulations.  Those amendments are expected to be adopted in the first months in 2024. 

For more information, please visit the City’s Short-Term Rental webpage at www.cityofpa.us/shorttermrentals, or subscribe to receive City news and announcements.