Executive Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Belfair, WA?

EXPLICIT ANSWER: Yes, short-term rentals are currently allowed in Belfair, Washington. However, it is crucial to understand the regulatory landscape:

• Current Status: Mason County currently does NOT regulate short-term rentals, but this is changing
• Regulatory Transition: The county is developing new STR regulations (draft code MCC 17.100), but review is currently on hold per the Board of County Commissioners
• State Framework: Washington's RCW 64.37 (effective July 28, 2019) provides the baseline legal framework
• Existing Requirements: STR operators must comply with existing state statutes and collect/remit applicable taxes

Important Note: Commercial websites claiming specific licensing requirements or tax rates may be outdated or inaccurate. Always verify current requirements with official county sources.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Belfair, WA

Phase 1: Market Research and Property Assessment

1. Property Evaluation: Assess your property's suitability, especially if it's shoreline-fronting (where most STRs are concentrated)
2. Competition Analysis: Study local market dynamics - Belfair experiences significant seasonal variation with peak demand in summer months
3. Financial Modeling: Account for seasonal fluctuations and local market conditions

Phase 2: Compliance Preparation

1. Zoning Verification: Ensure your property is in a zone that allows residential use (STR regulations will apply county-wide)
2. Septic/Sewer Assessment: Verify your on-site sewage system capacity can handle increased use
3. Insurance Review: Ensure adequate liability coverage (RCW 64.37.050 requires primary liability insurance)

Phase 3: Business Setup

1. Business Registration: Register your STR business as required by state law
2. Tax Registration: Set up accounts for collecting/remitting state and local lodging taxes
3. Property Preparation: Install required safety equipment (carbon monoxide alarms per RCW 19.27.530)

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Current Requirements (Until New Regulations Adopted)

Mandatory State Requirements:

• RCW 64.37 compliance (tenant rights, operator duties)
• State lodging tax collection and remittance
• Carbon monoxide alarm installation (RCW 19.27.530)
• Primary liability insurance coverage (RCW 64.37.050)

Anticipated Requirements (Draft MCC 17.100)

Permits and Licenses:

• Land Use Permit: Required for all new STRs once regulations are adopted
• Annual Renewal: Permits valid for one calendar year
• Inspection Requirements: Fire, safety, health, and building code compliance

Required Documentation:

• Property Management Plan: Must include:

  • Rules of conduct (noise, quiet hours, trespassing, pet management)
  • Site plan with property boundaries, easements, and beach access
  • Floor plan with fire escapes and escape routes
  • Local emergency numbers
  • Maximum occupancy limits
  • Maximum vehicle limits
  • Waste pickup schedule
  • Owner/operator contact information

• Proof of Weekly Waste Service: Curbside service or letter from Mason County Garbage if service unavailable

• Neighborhood Notification: 300-foot radius notification to neighbors with affidavit

• Occupancy Documentation: Based on Environmental Health Department approval (typically 2 persons per bedroom + 2 additional persons)

Specific Regulations by Government Level

City-Level Regulations

Belfair has no separate city regulations - STRs are governed at the county level.

County-Level Regulations (Mason County)

Current Status: No active STR regulations, but draft MCC 17.100 includes:

Permitted STR Types:

• Type 1: Owner/operator occupied where owner is present during rental or resides on same parcel
• Type 2: Non-owner occupied, owner doesn't reside on parcel
• Type 3: Higher occupancy situations (specific limits to be determined)

Key Standards:

• County-wide applicability (all zoning districts)
• Weekly waste service requirement
• 24-hour operator availability (respond within 1 hour, on-site within 3 hours)
• On-site parking requirements (no blocking shared easements)
• Shellfish harvesting rules for waterfront properties
• Septic system maintenance requirements

Enforcement:

• Complaint-driven enforcement system
• Tiered fine system with permit revocation after multiple violations
• Appeal process through county hearing examiner

State-Level Regulations (Washington State)

RCW 64.37 Requirements:

• Definition: Lodging for fewer than 30 consecutive nights
• Tenant rights and obligations
• Operator duties and responsibilities
• Primary liability insurance requirements
• Lodging tax collection and remittance

Contact Information for Local STR Authorities

Primary Contact

Mason County Community Development Department

• Planning Division Contact: Marissa Watson, Senior Planner
• Phone: (360) 427-9670 ext. 367
• Email: mwatson@masoncountywa.gov
• Address: 615 W. Alder Street, Shelton, WA 98584

Other Relevant Contacts

• Mason County Treasurer: (360) 427-9670
• Mason County Environmental Health: (360) 427-9670
• Mason County Garbage: For waste service verification
• Mason County Sheriff (Non-Emergency): (360) 426-4441

Source Links and References

Official Government Sources

1. Mason County Short-Term Vacation Rentals Project Page: masoncountywa.gov/departments/community_development/planning/short_term_vacation_rentals/index.php
2. Draft STR Regulations (MCC 17.100): cms2.revize.com/revize/masonwa/Documents/Departments/Community%20Development/Planning/Short%20Term%20Vacation%20Rentals/Meeting%20Information/str-packet-06172024.pdf
3. Planning Advisory Commission Agendas: masoncountywa.gov/government/advisory_boards/planning_advisory_commission/agendas_and_minutes.php

News and Community Sources

4. Shelton-Mason County Journal STR Coverage: www.masoncounty.com/story/2024/02/08/news/short-term-rental-rules-are-coming/3699.html

Key Legislation and Codes

5. Washington State RCW 64.37: Short-term rental statutes
6. Mason County Code (various titles): Zoning, health, waste management, building codes

Current Status and Timeline

Critical Update: As of the most recent information, review of short-term rental regulations is on hold. The Mason County Board of Commissioners has paused the regulatory development process. Investors should monitor the official project webpage for updates on when review will resume.

Recommendation for Investors: While STRs are currently allowed without county-specific permits, the regulatory environment is evolving. Consider engaging with the county planning process and preparing for compliance with anticipated regulations while they remain in development.