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

Direct Answer: Short-term rentals are ALLOWED in Brewster, WA, but with significant restrictions. Short-term rentals are permitted only in commercial zones (C-1 and C-2) and are explicitly prohibited in all residential zones (R-1 and R-2) of the city.

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

Step 1: Verify Zoning Compliance

Before proceeding, ensure your property is located in an approved zone:

• Allowed Zones: C-1 (Central Commercial) and C-2 (Mixed Commercial/Light Industrial)
• Prohibited Zones: R-1 (Single-Family Residential) and R-2 (Two-Family Residential)

Step 2: Obtain Required Business License

All short-term rental operators must obtain a business license as specified in Chapter 5.04 of the Brewster Municipal Code.

Step 3: Designate Property Representative

Your business license must identify a property representative with:

• Physical address
• Telephone number
• Email address
• This representative must be available to respond to complaints and emergencies

Step 4: Ensure Parking Compliance

Provide one off-street parking space for each bedroom in your short-term rental unit.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Business License Requirements

• Primary Requirement: Business license per Brewster Municipal Code Chapter 5.04
• License Contents Must Include:
  • Property representative contact information (address, phone, email)
  • Proof of availability for complaint/emergency response

Parking Requirements

• Minimum: One off-street parking space per bedroom
• Compliance: Must be maintained continuously while operating as STR

Ongoing Operational Standards

• Maintain contact information for property representative
• Ensure representative availability for emergency response
• Ensure continuous compliance with parking requirements

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State Level

Brewster City Regulations (Municipal Code Chapter 17.10)

Zoning Restrictions

• Residential Zones (R-1, R-2): STRs explicitly prohibited
• Commercial Zones (C-1, C-2): STRs allowed with proper licensing

Operational Requirements

• Business License: Required under Chapter 5.04
• Property Representative: Mandatory designation with contact information
• Parking: One space per bedroom minimum
• Availability: Representative must be available for complaints and emergencies

Okanogan County Regulations (Ancillary Information)

Important Note: Based on community reports, Okanogan County has implemented additional STR regulations including:

• Permit Fee: $355 annually
• Inspection Requirements: Annual safety inspections
• Criminal Penalties: Up to 90 days jail time for violations
• Extensive Standards: Detailed requirements covering safety, health, and operational aspects

Disclaimer: County regulations are subject to change. Verify current requirements with county authorities.

Washington State Regulations

General State Requirements (Standard across Washington):

• State Lodging Taxes: Collection and remittance required
• Business Registration: State business license may be required
• Sales Tax: Collection and remittance applicable
• Insurance: Liability coverage recommended/required

Specific State STR Legislation: Washington State has been developing comprehensive STR regulations. Operators should verify current state requirements for:

• Platform compliance obligations
• Tax collection requirements
• Safety and inspection standards
• Registration/permitting requirements

Contact Information for Local Authorities

City of Brewster (Primary Authority)

• Planning/Building Department: Contact for zoning compliance and business licensing
• City Hall: For business license applications and municipal code questions
• Website: www.brewsterwa.org (verify current information)

Okanogan County (Secondary Authority)

• Okanogan County Health Department: For health and safety inspections
• County Planning Department: For zoning and permit questions
• Website: www.okanogancounty.org (verify current information)

Washington State (Tertiary Authority)

• Department of Revenue: For tax questions and business registration
• State Business Portal: Online business registration and tax information
• Website: dor.wa.gov

Links to Source Pages

Primary Sources

• Brewster Municipal Code Chapter 17.10: www.codepublishing.com/WA/Brewster/html/Brewster17/Brewster1710.html

Additional Resources

• Okanogan County STR Regulations: www.okanogancounty.org/ochd/docs/2018OTA%20Regulation%20relolution-01%202-13-18.pdf (referenced in community discussions)

Investment Considerations and Recommendations

Critical Factors for Investors

1. Zoning Due Diligence: Always verify property zoning before purchase
2. Commercial Property Costs: Commercial zones typically have higher property values/taxes
3. Parking Constraints: Ensure adequate parking availability for bedroom count
4. Regulatory Compliance: Monitor both city and county regulation changes
5. Insurance Requirements: Secure comprehensive liability coverage

Risk Mitigation Strategies

• Legal Consultation: Engage local attorney familiar with Brewster and Okanogan County regulations
• Regulatory Monitoring: Stay informed about changes in municipal and county codes
• Compliance Systems: Develop robust systems to maintain ongoing compliance
• Community Relations: Maintain positive relationships with neighbors and local authorities

Financial Projections

Consider these cost factors in your investment analysis:

• Business license fees
• County permit fees (if applicable)
• Increased commercial property taxes
• Parking requirements (land/construction costs)
• Insurance premiums (typically higher for commercial STR operations)
• Compliance and inspection costs

This guide provides the essential regulatory framework for short-term rental investments in Brewster, WA. Given the complexity of overlapping city and county regulations, investors should conduct thorough due diligence and maintain ongoing compliance monitoring.