Cheney, Washington Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

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

Short-term rentals are allowed in Cheney, Washington, but are classified as "Commercial Lodging" under the city's zoning regulations. Specifically, short-term rentals fall under the commercial use type category of "Commercial Lodging," which includes "residential facilities such as hotels, motels, rooming houses and bed-and-breakfast establishments where tenancy is typically less than one month."

Important Note for Investors: Cheney's current regulations do not appear to have a dedicated short-term rental licensing or permit system similar to what exists in nearby Spokane. Short-term rental operations in Cheney would be subject to general commercial zoning requirements and standard business licensing procedures.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Cheney?

Cheney hosts earn a median $23,169/year with $172 ADR and 55% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $36,554+ per year.

See the full Cheney market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Cheney

Step 1: Zoning Compliance Verification

Before proceeding, investors must verify that short-term rental operations are permitted in the specific zoning district where the property is located. Based on Cheney's zoning code, commercial lodging uses are evaluated differently across various zones.

Step 2: Business License Requirements

All short-term rental operations in Cheney require standard business licensing through:

Washington State Department of Revenue business registration
City of Cheney business license (where applicable)

Step 3: Property Preparation

Ensure the property meets all applicable building codes, safety requirements, and zoning standards for commercial lodging operations.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Business Licensing Requirements:

Washington State Business License
- Register through the Department of Revenue website (bls.dor.wa.gov)
- Required for all business operations in Washington state
City Business License
- Cheney Municipal Code requires business license compliance
- Refer to CMC Title 5 Business Regulations

Zoning and Development Permits:

Conditional Use Permits may be required depending on the zoning district
Building Permits for any structural modifications
Fire Safety Compliance verification
Parking Plan demonstrating adequate parking for commercial lodging use

Safety and Compliance Documentation:

Liability Insurance for commercial lodging operations
Fire Safety Plan showing emergency egress routes
Emergency Contact Information posted visibly
Maximum Occupancy documentation

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City-Level Regulations (Cheney Municipal Code)

Commercial Lodging Classification:

Short-term rentals are defined as "residential facilities such as hotels, motels, rooming houses and bed-and-breakfast establishments where tenancy is typically less than one month"
This falls under Commercial Use Types in CMC 21.12.030(C)(1)

Zoning District Considerations:

Permitted status varies by zoning district
Operators must verify specific zoning requirements for their property location
Some districts may require conditional use permits for commercial lodging

Development Standards:

All commercial lodging operations must comply with underlying zoning district development standards
Setback requirements vary by district and adjacent land uses
Parking requirements apply based on the commercial nature of the use

County-Level Regulations (Spokane County)

No specific Spokane County short-term rental regulations were identified in the provided sources that would apply to Cheney operations.

State-Level Regulations (Washington State)

Washington State business registration requirements
Compliance with Washington State fire safety and building codes
State lodging tax collection requirements (13.5% combined state and local rates)
No statewide short-term rental licensing requirements

Washington State Lodging Tax Obligations: Short-term rental operators must collect and remit:

Washington State lodging tax (approximately 6.5%)
Local lodging taxes (varies by jurisdiction)
Total effective rate typically ranges from 13.5% to 15%

Operational Considerations

Noise and Nuisance Compliance:

Must comply with Cheney Municipal Code 9A.10 (Nuisances)
Noise standards apply to all commercial lodging operations
Neighbor notification recommended for property management

Parking Requirements:

Commercial lodging use requires adequate parking per zoning standards
Parking plans may be required as part of permit review
Adequate space for guest parking must be demonstrated

Home Occupation Considerations:

Residential properties with STR operations must ensure compliance with home occupation standards if applicable
STR operations should not interfere with primary residential character of neighborhoods

Contact Information for Local Authority

City of Cheney Planning Department

Address: 609 Second Street, Cheney, WA 99004
Phone: 509-498-9200
Website: www.cityofcheney.org
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Mayor Chris Grover

Email: cgrover@cityofcheney.org

Business Licensing Inquiries:

Contact City Hall at 509-498-9200
Review Cheney Municipal Code Title 5 for business regulations

Source References

Investment Recommendations

Given the current regulatory landscape in Cheney, investors should:

Conduct thorough zoning verification before purchasing properties for STR use
Engage directly with Cheney planning officials to clarify specific requirements for proposed STR operations
Monitor for future STR-specific regulations as surrounding communities like Spokane have implemented more detailed frameworks
Consider the proximity to Spokane and potential future harmonization of regulations
Factor in the academic community presence (Eastern Washington University) when assessing market demand and potential regulatory responses

Important Disclaimer: This analysis is based on available municipal code information as of the provided sources. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Cheney officials and conduct additional due diligence, as regulations may have been updated since this analysis was prepared.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Cheney

Cheney is a small college town in Spokane County, Washington, home to a population of roughly 12,000 residents. Best known as the home of Eastern Washington University, the city has the relaxed, walkable character typical of Pacific Northwest college towns, with tree-lined streets, locally owned coffee shops and diners, and a steady rhythm shaped by the academic calendar. It sits on the eastern edge of the Columbia Plateau, about fifteen miles southwest of Spokane, the nearest major city, and roughly 280 miles east of Seattle. Travelers often pass through Cheney on their way toward the rolling farmland of the Palouse to the south or use it as an affordable, quieter alternative base while exploring the broader Inland Northwest.

Just minutes from the center of town, the campus of Eastern Washington University anchors the community and gives visitors a reason to visit in their own right. The EWU campus hosts the university's art galleries, a public sculpture walk, and seasonal athletic events, including football games at Roos Field that draw alumni and visiting fans from across the region. It is a defining feature of the city, and visitors strolling through the tree-shaded grounds can quickly sense the small-town collegiate atmosphere that defines Cheney.

A short drive south of town, Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge offers a different kind of Inland Northwest experience, with more than 18,000 acres of wetlands, ponderosa pine forest, and bunchgrass prairie threaded with nearly five miles of auto tour and an extensive trail system. The refuge is a major stopover for migrating waterfowl and sandhill cranes, and visitors come for birding, wildlife photography, and quiet walks along boardwalks that cross open marshes. It sits roughly fifteen minutes south of Cheney and is one of the closest natural areas of its size to the Spokane metro.

To the north, Spokane is an easy twenty-minute drive and adds a much larger set of urban attractions to any Cheney stay, including Riverfront Park along the Spokane River, the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, and a growing craft brewery and restaurant scene. Cheney visitors can pair a day on the prairie or the EWU campus with an evening downtown in Spokane, or a weekend exploring the surrounding region, from the wineries of the Spokane Valley to the scenic drives through the Channeled Scablands to the west.

For short-term rental owners and guests alike, Cheney offers a compelling mix of small-town affordability and access. Its location places visitors within easy reach of a major regional airport and a full-service city, while keeping them close to some of eastern Washington's most distinctive landscapes, from the wetlands of Turnbull to the rolling hills of the Palouse. That combination of a walkable college-town base, year-round university events, and proximity to outdoor recreation makes the city a quietly versatile spot to stay while exploring the Inland Northwest.