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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Carson, WA. As an unincorporated community within Skamania County, Carson operates under Skamania County's short-term vacation rental (STVR) regulations. STVRs are defined as lodging facilities offering accommodations for fewer than 30 consecutive nights in dwelling units, accessory dwelling units, or specified residential structures. The county has established a comprehensive licensing and regulatory framework that permits these operations while ensuring they maintain residential character and minimize community impacts.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Carson

Step 1: Determine Eligibility and Structure Type

Before applying, verify your property qualifies under Skamania County Code. Eligible structures include:

• Dwelling Units: Whole-house rentals or individual bedroom rentals within a primary residence
• Accessory Dwelling Units: Separate dwelling units with their own kitchen that comply with county ADU regulations
• Residential Accessory Buildings: Guest houses or sheds without full kitchens (wet bars/kitchenettes without ovens/ranges are permitted)
• Park Model RVs: Licensed units by Washington Department of Labor & Industries (max 2 per property, 14-day maximum stay, 120-day annual limit)

Step 2: Choose Your License Tier

Select the appropriate licensing tier based on your operation:

• Tier 1 ($200): Owner/operator present on-site during rentals
• Tier 2 ($300): Owner/operator not present on-site
• Tier 3 ($500): Occupancy of 15+ persons OR three+ unique rentals on individual property

Step 3: Complete the Application Process

Online Application: Use the CloudPermit system at us.cloudpermit.com/skamaniacounty/login (requires account creation)

• Select: Washington → Skamania County → Licensing
• Complete application and payment process
• Download and print license upon approval

Alternative Application: Submit by mail or in-person

• Application form: Available at Skamania County Courthouse Annex, 170 NW Vancouver Ave, Stevenson, WA
• Mail to: PO Box 1009, Stevenson, WA 98648
• Payment: Check payable to "Skamania County Treasurer" (avoid 2.75% online processing fee)

Step 4: Complete Required Notifications

Notify all property owners and occupants within 300 feet of your STVR using the county-provided template. Use MapSifter (skamaniawa-mapsifter.publicaccessnow.com/) to identify affected properties.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary License Requirements

• Annual STVR License (required before any rental activity)
• Completed application (online or paper)
• License fee payment (tier-based)
• Proof of $1 million primary liability insurance or platform-provided coverage
• Evidence of tax compliance (local, state, federal)

Safety and Compliance Documentation

• Smoke detector certification (International Residential Code compliance)
• Carbon monoxide detector certification
• Fire extinguisher installation documentation
• Address visibility compliance (visible from road)
• Parking plan (dedicated on-site spaces for all guests)

Operational Documentation

• Neighboring property notification (300-foot radius)
• Emergency contact information for guests
• Local emergency services numbers
• Noise and disturbance prevention protocols

Structural Compliance

• Building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical code compliance
• Fire safety standards adherence
• Health department standards (water/septic)
• Zoning compliance verification

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State Level

Carson/Skamania County Unincorporated Regulations

Licensing Structure:

• Annual license required, expires December 31st
• Tier-based fee system ($200-$500)
• License must be posted conspicuously in rental unit

Operational Restrictions:

• Maximum occupancy limits based on property size and infrastructure
• No commercial events unless approved commercial event center
• Noise restrictions typical of residential neighborhoods
• Parking limitations (no excess vehicles in streets)
• Trash/debris management requirements
• Pet behavior restrictions (barking dogs prohibited)

Safety Requirements:

• Functioning carbon monoxide and smoke detectors
• At least one fire extinguisher installed
• Address numbers clearly visible from roadway
• Dedicated on-site parking for all guests

Consequences:

• License revocation possible for violations
• County can impose operational conditions
• Violations subject to code enforcement

Washington State Requirements

Insurance Mandate (RCW 64.37.050):

• Maintain primary liability insurance minimum $1 million aggregate
• OR conduct transactions through platform providing equal/greater coverage

Tax Obligations (RCW 64.37.020):

• Remit all applicable local, state, and federal taxes
• Platform may handle tax collection on operator's behalf

Definitions:

• STVR: Lodging for fewer than 30 consecutive nights
• Not classified as hotels, motels, or bed & breakfasts
• Must be associated with residential use zones

National Scenic Area (NSA) Considerations

Special Requirements: Properties within the NSA require additional approval from Community Development before license purchase. Contact Skamania County Community Development for NSA-specific requirements.

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contact: Skamania County Community Development

Physical Address: Skamania County Courthouse Annex 170 NW Vancouver Ave Stevenson, WA 98648

Mailing Address: PO Box 1009 Stevenson, WA 98648

Online Portal: CloudPermit Application System us.cloudpermit.com/skamaniacounty/login

Payment Portal Information:

• Online payments: 2.75% processing fee applies
• Mail-in payments: Checks to "Skamania County Treasurer" (no fee)
• In-person payments: County Courthouse Annex location

Hours: Business hours for license pickup and questions (specific hours not provided in source materials)

Key Departments:

• Planning Division: Primary STVR licensing and zoning compliance
• Building Division: Safety code compliance and inspections
• Environmental Health: Water/septic system requirements
• Code Enforcement: Violation reporting and compliance monitoring

Source Links

Primary Regulatory Sources

• Skamania County STVR License Application Portal
• Skamania County Code - STVR Regulations (SCC 21.70.190)
• Skamania County Planning Division - STVR Main Page
• STVR Fees and Requirements Page

Supporting Resources

• MapSifter Property Notification Tool
• Vacation Rental Application Form (PDF)
• Neighboring Property Notification Template
• Skamania County STVR Background Information

Reference Codes

• Skamania County Code Repository
• Washington State STVR Insurance Requirements (RCW 64.37.050)
• Washington State STVR Tax Requirements (RCW 64.37.020)

Important Note: Carson operates under Skamania County regulations as an unincorporated community. No separate city-level licensing or regulations apply to Carson specifically. Investors should focus primarily on Skamania County's STVR framework and ensure compliance with all stated requirements before commencing operations.