On March 6, 2024, Port Angeles City Council voted to adopt a Short-Term Lodging Ordinance. The approval establishes new regulations and fees for short-term rental and bed-and-breakfast operations, scheduled to take effect July 1, 2024.
The Port Angeles Municipal Code (Ordinance 3577) currently prohibits short-term rentals in the R7, R9, and R11 zones. Effective July 1st, short-term rental owners and operators must obtain a City of Port Angeles business license and inspection. However, there will be no location-based restrictions.
For Type II Short-Term Rentals (defined as a dwelling unit that is not the owner’s or designated lessee’s principal residence) there will be a citywide cap of 200 short-term rentals or 2% of the city’s total single household dwelling/duplex unit housing stock, whichever is higher.
Implementation and Next Steps
The approved ordinance will go into effect on July 1, 2024. It is important to note that the ordinance includes a phased transition period, allowing short-term lodging operators time to become licensed and inspected.
As a next step, City staff will develop a comprehensive online portal for individuals to apply for, manage and renew licenses related to short-term lodging. The portal will be available to applicants beginning July 1, 2024. Enforcement activities will not begin until November 1, 2024.
As part of the licensing process, all applicants will be required to obtain a fire life-safety inspection. An inspection can be scheduled after July 1, 2024, and after the application submittal is determined to be complete, and will be based on the number of short-term rental licenses available at that time.
More Information
A list of “Frequently Asked Questions” has been updated to provide guidance on the new regulations and compliance. This information can be found on the City’s Short-Term Lodging webpage: www.cityofpa.us/ShortTermLodging
More information about the licensing portal will be announced at a later date.
For additional questions or specific inquiries about the licensing process, please contact the Department of Community & Economic Development. Staff can be reached at (360) 417-4750 or ced@cityofpa.us.