Bremerton, Washington Short-Term Rental Market Overview
Visitor Profile
Bremerton, Washington attracts a diverse array of visitors, ranging from history enthusiasts and naval admirers to outdoor adventurers and cultural explorers. Many visitors are drawn to the city’s rich maritime heritage, exemplified by iconic attractions like the USS Missouri Memorial, offering interactive historical exhibits and significant naval history learnings. Tourists often seek scenic experiences as well, exploring the breathtaking views of Puget Sound, participating in boat tours, and hiking nearby mountain trails. Families, solo travelers, and couples looking for a relaxing yet engaging escape find Bremerton appealing for its blend of outdoor recreation, maritime museums, and charming downtown districts.
For those interested in immersing themselves in Bremerton’s unique character, the Visit Bremerton website serves as an excellent resource for discovering top-rated attractions, local events, and hidden gems. Whether seeking cultural enrichment or outdoor adventure, these visitors value authentic experiences and scenic beauty, making Bremerton’s short-term rentals an ideal base for exploring the Pacific Northwest’s maritime spirit and natural splendor.
Top Attractions
Nestled along the scenic Puget Sound, Bremerton, Washington, is a vibrant city known for its rich naval history and maritime heritage. A visit to the Puget Sound Naval Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s naval significance, making it a top attraction for history enthusiasts. The waterfront area is a magnet for visitors, featuring parks like Harborside Fountain Park where families can relax, enjoy fountains, and experience the lively local atmosphere. The city also boasts attractions such as Evergreen Rotary Park, with its memorials and accessible playgrounds, along with the Gold Mountain Golf Course providing a mix of outdoor recreation amidst beautiful surroundings.
Beyond its historical and natural attractions, Bremerton is a hub for cultural exploration and outdoor adventures. Tourists can explore the USS Turner Joy, a decommissioned naval vessel turned museum, or indulge in the local dining scene, which includes waterfront restaurants offering stunning views. The city’s blend of natural beauty, military history, and thriving arts scene makes it an enticing destination for diverse interests. Whether you’re looking to explore museums, soak in waterfront scenery, or enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and cycling in the surrounding regions, Bremerton promises an engaging and memorable experience.
Regulations
Bremerton, Washington has established a formal regulatory framework for short-term rentals (STRs) that aims to balance the interests of property owners hosting visitors and the broader community’s quality of life. Hosts can expect clear licensing requirements, zoning restrictions, and operational standards designed to ensure safe and responsible renting practices. Navigating Bremerton’s STR landscape involves understanding specific permit application procedures, residence criteria, and compliance with city codes, shaping a structured but manageable environment for responsible hosting.
Key Regulatory Considerations:
– Licensing and Permits: Bremerton requires short-term rental hosts to obtain a business license from the city. This includes completing a registration application specific to STR operations and paying associated fees. Licenses must be renewed periodically, typically annually, and ensure the property meets city-defined standards.
– Primary Residence Requirements: The city often mandates that the short-term rental be the host’s primary residence. This means the property must be the host’s main living location for a specified amount of time each year, helping prevent the conversion of entire portfolios into transient rentals.
– Zoning and Location: Short-term rentals are regulated under specific zoning codes which may restrict where such rentals can operate, commonly limiting them in certain residential zones to protect neighborhood character.
– Occupancy, Health & Safety: Bremerton enforces limits on the number of occupants allowed per rental based on property size and bedroom count. Hosts must comply with health and safety mandates such as installing smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and providing fire extinguishers, ensuring guest safety.
– Tax Obligations: Hosts are responsible for remitting applicable taxes, including transient occupancy taxes (TOT) and potentially sales taxes, to relevant authorities, with reporting obligations clearly outlined by the city.
– Operational Standards & Enforcement: Rules cover advertising accuracy, noise control, guest conduct, and waste management. Non-compliance may result in fines, license revocation, or other penalties to enforce community standards.
For the most current and legally binding information, property owners should consult the City of Bremerton’s Official Business Licensing and Short-Term Rental Regulations page. This resource provides comprehensive details on application processes, compliance requirements, fees, and local ordinances governing short-term rentals in Bremerton.
Bremerton, Washington Market Performance Trends
Bremerton, Washington Rental Market Insights
10-Year Market Growth
Booking Activity
- 1-3 Months:57.6% Booked
- 4-6 Months:55.6% Booked
- 7-9 Months:50% Booked
- 10-12 Months:18.1% Booked
Cancellation Policies
- Flexible:37%
- Moderate:44.4%
- Strict:16.1%
- Super Strict:1.9%
- N/A:0.6%
Minimum Stay
- 1 Day:57
- 2 Days:70
- 3 Days:38
- 4-6 Days:17
- 7-29 Days:14
- 30+ Days:7
