Park City vs Seattle
Utah Legal with Permit | Washington Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Park City, Utah | Seattle, Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $149 administrative fee + $28.74/bedroom (annual) | $75/year short-term rental operator license |
| Tax Rate | ~8.6% combined (state + local sales + 1% municipal TRT + 0.32% state TRT) | 15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | Daily fines per violation; license revocation for repeat offenses | $500/day for operating without a license |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
Park City, Utah
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $149 administrative fee + $28.74/bedroom (annual)
Tax Rate ~8.6% combined (state + local sales + 1% municipal TRT + 0.32% state TRT)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Daily fines per violation; license revocation for repeat offenses
Seattle, Washington
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $75/year short-term rental operator license
Tax Rate 15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500/day for operating without a license
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
Park City Overview
Nightly Rental License required; only certain zones allow STRs (e.g., Old Town, Canyons Village). Areas like Prospector and Meadows Estates prohibit nightly rentals. Must pass building inspection and designate 24/7 local contact.
Full Park City guide →Seattle Overview
Both owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied units may be licensed. Operators may list up to 2 units. A platform license is also required for listing sites. Must collect and remit all applicable lodging taxes.
Full Seattle guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Park City or Seattle?
Park City is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Seattle is "Legal with Permit." Park City's permit fee is $149 administrative fee + $28.74/bedroom (annual) compared to $75/year short-term rental operator license in Seattle.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Park City or Seattle?
Park City charges ~8.6% combined (state + local sales + 1% municipal TRT + 0.32% state TRT), while Seattle charges 15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Park City: Daily fines per violation; license revocation for repeat offenses. Seattle: $500/day for operating without a license.