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Lake Stevens, Washington

Airbnb Management
in Lake Stevens, WA.

Local, full-service Airbnb, VRBO, and short-term rental management for homeowners in Lake Stevens — including the city's capped, permitted license program, and how to secure your spot in it.

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The market
A lake town
that's growing fast.

Lake Stevens is exactly what the name promises: the lake is the draw. Kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and a year-round public swimming beach anchor summer demand, and the city backs it with 190+ acres of trails and parks — Lundeen Park, North Cove Park, and views of the Cascades from spots like Wyatt Park.

It's also one of the fastest-growing suburbs in Snohomish County, close enough to Boeing's Everett facility to pick up business and family travel beyond pure lake tourism, with the Lake Stevens Brewing Company and a small-town Main Street giving visitors somewhere to go after the water.

Lake Stevens, Washington and the Cascade Mountains viewed from Wyatt Park
Photo: Ron Clausen / CC BY-SA 4.0
Why guests book here
Demand, all four seasons.
The lake itself
Kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and a public swimming beach drive the whole summer season.
190+ acres of parks
Lundeen Park, North Cove Park, and miles of trails within a short walk or drive of most homes.
Cascade views
Wyatt Park and lakeside spots offer mountain views that photograph well for listings.
Lake Stevens Brewing Co.
A local gathering spot that gives evening visitors somewhere to go besides the lake.
Boeing Everett proximity
Close enough to draw business and family travel independent of lake-season tourism.
Historical Museum
The Grimm House and local heritage sites add a cultural draw beyond recreation.
Fast-growing suburb
One of Snohomish County's fastest-growing cities means steady visiting-family demand too.
Close to Everett & Seattle
Central enough for day-trippers, far enough to feel like a lake getaway.
The rules
Can you legally run an
Airbnb in Lake Stevens?

Yes — through a permitted, capped license program. The cap is the single most important thing to know before you plan around this city.

Only 50 licenses exist, citywide.

Under Ordinance 1139 (LSMC 14.44.064), Lake Stevens caps active short-term rental licenses at 50 citywide. Once that cap is reached, no new licenses are issued until one becomes available. We check current availability with the city as part of onboarding — the earlier you apply, the better your odds if the program is near capacity.

Permit cost
$500 application fee, plus a $100 annual renewal. A Type I permit application is required.
Residency
You must live on the property, or your primary residence must be in the Lake Stevens Urban Growth Area — more flexible than Everett, but a real requirement.
Unit & spacing limits
One STR unit per property (primary home, ADU, or duplex), and each must be at least 500 feet from any other STR parcel.
Parking & inspections
One off-street parking stall per two bedrooms. The city can inspect in response to health or safety complaints.

Last reviewed July 2026. Short-term rental rules change — this is a summary, not legal advice, and we keep current on your behalf. Primary sources: Lake Stevens Ordinance 1139 and the City of Lake Stevens STR FAQ. We confirm current license availability and handle the permit application as part of onboarding.

What can it earn?
$4,000–$6,000/mo

That's what King & Snohomish County owners typically earn — roughly 1.5–2× a long-term lease. Lake and view properties can earn meaningfully more in summer. We won't invent a figure for you — get a free report with real comparable listings for your exact address.

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Or play with the numbers yourself in our calculator →
We handle the license, too
One less form standing
between you and booked.

We check license availability, prepare and file the Type I permit application, and handle the $500 setup plus $100 annual renewal — then run dynamic pricing, guest messaging, cleaner scheduling, and maintenance once you're live.

Because licenses are capped, we'll always tell you plainly and quickly where things stand — not string you along if the program is full.

See exactly what's included →
Common questions
Lake Stevens STR, answered.
Is there a limit on how many Airbnbs can operate in Lake Stevens?+
Yes — a hard citywide cap of 50 active short-term rental licenses under Ordinance 1139 (LSMC 14.44.064). Once the cap is reached, no new licenses are issued until one becomes available. We check current availability with the city as part of onboarding, and the sooner an owner applies, the better their odds.
Do I have to live in my Lake Stevens property to rent it short-term?+
You must either live on the property or maintain your primary residence within the Lake Stevens Urban Growth Area. It's more flexible than Everett's rule (which requires living at the specific property) but it is a real requirement — pure out-of-area absentee ownership doesn't qualify.
What does a Lake Stevens short-term rental permit cost?+
A $500 application fee for the initial permit, plus a $100 annual renewal fee. Only one STR unit is allowed per property — the primary structure, an ADU, or a duplex — and it must be at least 500 feet from any other short-term rental parcel.
Is Lake Stevens a good short-term rental market?+
Yes. The lake itself drives it — kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, a public swimming beach, and 190+ acres of parks and trails — with Cascade Mountain views from spots like Wyatt Park. It's a fast-growing Seattle-adjacent suburb near Boeing's Everett facility, which adds steady demand beyond pure lake tourism.
How much can a Lake Stevens short-term rental earn?+
Owners across King & Snohomish County typically earn $4,000–$6,000/month — roughly 1.5–2× a long-term lease. Lake and view properties can earn meaningfully more in summer. We'll pull real comparable listings for your exact address on a free call rather than quote a made-up number.
Can you handle the Lake Stevens permit application and license cap for me?+
Yes. We check current license availability with the city, prepare and file the Type I permit application, and handle the $500 setup and $100 annual renewal as part of onboarding — you don't deal with the city directly.
We also serve nearby
Everett Snohomish Monroe Marysville Mill Creek Granite Falls

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