Overview: Are STRs allowed in Chewelah, WA?

Short-term rentals (rentals of fewer than 30 days) are allowed in Chewelah. Chewelah does not have city-specific short‑term rental ordinances; instead, operators must follow standard city business licensing, state lodging tax, and general health and safety rules. If the property sits in a homeowners association, those rules also apply. Confirm any HOA restrictions before proceeding. Source: www.gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/chewelah-washington

How to start a short‑term rental in this market

• Obtain a Chewelah business license. Confirm the application method with the City Clerk (in‑person, mail, or online) and the required ID/business details. Source: www.gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/chewelah-washington
• Register with the Washington Department of Revenue (DOR) for state lodging/excise tax. Collect lodging tax from guests on bookings under 30 days and remit per DOR filing cadence. Source: www.gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/chewelah-washington
• Verify HOA approvals (if applicable) and any deed restrictions before listing or hosting. Source: www.gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/chewelah-washington
• Align the property with health and safety standards (e.g., smoke alarms, basic life safety) and ensure appropriate insurance coverage. Source: www.gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/chewelah-washington
• List and operate, then file and remit lodging taxes per DOR reporting requirements. Source: www.gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/chewelah-washington

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

• City of Chewelah business license (local business registration). Source: www.gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/chewelah-washington
• Washington Department of Revenue lodging/excise tax account registration (for collecting/remitting lodging taxes). Source: www.gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/chewelah-washington
• Compliance with general health and safety standards for rental housing (local/state building, health, and fire requirements may apply to the property). Source: www.gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/chewelah-washington
• Evidence of HOA approval or compliance with covenants/deed restrictions (if applicable). Source: www.gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/chewelah-washington

Note: Washington’s HB 1337 allows cities and counties to restrict STR use in accessory dwelling units (ADUs). In urban growth areas, two ADUs per lot are allowed, but local governments may limit or prohibit STR use of ADUs. Consult Stevens County zoning for ADU specifics and any STR limitations if your STR is an ADU. Source: mrsc.org/getmedia/54c058a5-4d57-4192-a214-15f2fa5ac123/Accessory-Dwelling-Units.pdf?ext=.pdf

City, county, and state regulations governing STRs

• City of Chewelah: No STR‑specific ordinances. Standard city business license and local health/safety rules apply. Source: www.gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/chewelah-washington
• Stevens County: No countywide STR registry or permit was identified in the provided sources. County planning/zoning can still affect ADUs and other land use; verify with county planning for ADU/STR limits if applicable. Source: mrsc.org/getmedia/54c058a5-4d57-4192-a214-15f2fa5ac123/Accessory-Dwelling-Units.pdf?ext=.pdf
• State of Washington: Operators must collect and remit state lodging/excise tax on rentals under 30 days via DOR; general safety and building requirements apply. Local municipalities may collect additional lodging taxes. Source: www.gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/chewelah-washington

Local authority contacts

• City of Chewelah (City Hall/Clerk)
  • Address: 701 1st St, Chewelah, WA 99109
  • Phone: 509‑935‑8585
  • Website: cityofchewelah.us/
• Washington Department of Revenue (Lodging/Excise Tax Registration & Filing)
  • Website: dor.wa.gov/
  • Phone: 360‑902‑8700 (general)
  • Phone (Tax_help): 360‑902‑9725 (lodging tax questions)
• Stevens County (land use/planning)
  • Website: www.stevenscountywa.gov/ (consult departments/commissioners for current contact details)

Links to source pages

• Chewelah Airbnb/STR management overview and regulation notes: www.gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/chewelah-washington
• Washington State ADU guidance (HB 1337) – includes local authority to regulate STRs in ADUs: mrsc.org/getmedia/54c058a5-4d57-4192-a214-15f2fa5ac123/Accessory-Dwelling-Units.pdf?ext=.pdf

This investor guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Confirm requirements with the City of Chewelah, Stevens County, and the Washington Department of Revenue before operating.