Note: This guide synthesizes the provided city materials and supplements them with Washington State requirements where city-specific STR rules were not found. Use it as a framework to verify the most current details with the City and State before launching.

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed?

• Bottom line: The provided Clarkston Municipal Code (Zoning Ordinance) does not contain a city chapter that expressly prohibits, authorizes, or regulates “short‑term rentals” (STRs) as a distinct land use. The code explicitly defines and allows lodging uses such as “bed and breakfast inn” and “boardinghouse/roominghouse,” and defines “hotel” and “motel” for zoning purposes. No city-specific STR ordinance or permit program was located in the provided content.
• Status of STRs in practice: In July 2021, the Clarkston Planning Commission discussed a proposed STR ordinance that would have limited STRs to a designated commercial corridor and required rooms above storefronts; however, the commission postponed action and no final ordinance adoption was evident in the provided content. There is no proof a regulation was enacted.
• Therefore: Based on the materials supplied, STRs are not explicitly regulated by city code and thus are governed by general zoning (and by Washington State’s lodging rules). Operators must ensure their STR use aligns with the zoning district and principal use definitions. You should confirm with the City whether any newer ordinances or policies have been adopted since the 2021 discussion.

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

Use this step-by-step sequence to reduce risk and ensure compliance.

1. Confirm zoning and land use compatibility

   • Verify that your property is in a zoning district where transient lodging or boarding uses are a permitted or conditional use, or that an STR use can be treated as a similar use. The City’s zoning definitions of lodging-related uses (“bed and breakfast inn,” “boardinghouse/roominghouse,” “hotel,” “motel”) are your baseline; if your STR does not clearly fit, seek a zoning interpretation from the Building & Planning Department.
   • Check setbacks, lot coverage, parking, and any residential-use constraints. Parking, signage, and occupancy standards can influence the viability of an STR in residential zones.

2. Obtain required business licensing and tax registrations

   • City business license: Clarkston requires a business license for all businesses, including home-based businesses and rental property owners. As of the provided content, the City administers licenses through the Washington State Department of Revenue Business Licensing Service (BLS). Create a BLS account and apply/renew, then add the City of Clarkston endorsement. For questions on whether you are “engaging in business” within city limits, call the City Clerk at (509) 758‑5541 before applying.
   • State tax registration: Register with the Washington Department of Revenue for state business taxes. Transient lodging is generally taxable; you must collect and remit sales and use taxes and any applicable lodging taxes depending on your location and the lodging type.
   • Sales tax local nexus: Coordinate with the City and Department of Revenue if any local sales tax rate applies to your STR transactions.

3. Health and safety compliance (as applicable)

   • If operating as a “bed and breakfast inn,” expect additional requirements. The City’s Code defines a B&B as a house or portion thereof where short-term lodging and meals are provided, with the operator living on-site or on adjacent premises.
   • Verify whether Asotin County health permits or inspections apply to any in-home lodging, meal service, or water/sewer systems. The County Health District is the primary authority for environmental health oversight.

4. Building, fire, and life-safety requirements

   • Depending on the structure and number of rooms, you may need a building permit or inspection (e.g., for changes that affect egress, fire separations, smoke detectors, or sleeping room configurations).
   • Comply with life-safety standards appropriate to the use and occupancy type. The Building & Planning Department can confirm if an inspection or permit is required for your property.

5. Insurance and liability protection

   • Carry appropriate liability coverage and consider a comprehensive policy that covers short-term tenant occupancy. For special events using City facilities, the City requires proof of liability insurance through GatherGard Event Insurance; while not specific to STRs, this underscores that event-related operations often require evidence of coverage.

6. Ongoing compliance and administration

   • Renew your City business license annually via the BLS process.
   • File applicable state tax returns and lodging-related reports.
   • Keep records of guest stays, lodging taxes collected, and any local taxes due.
   • Monitor City communications for any changes to zoning or licensing policy.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Based on the provided materials, investors should be prepared to provide or obtain:

• City of Clarkston business license (via Washington State Department of Revenue BLS)
  • Registration or renewal through BLS; add the City of Clarkston endorsement.
  • Contact City Clerk at (509) 758‑5541 before applying if you are unsure whether your activities qualify as “engaging in business” in city limits.
• Washington Department of Revenue tax registration
  • Required for businesses collecting/remitting state taxes and lodging-related taxes.
• Zoning compatibility confirmation (if needed)
  • Engage Building & Planning Department to confirm STR or lodging-related uses are allowed in the property’s zoning district. Permits or approvals may be needed if the use is treated as a conditional use.
• Health permits (if applicable)
  • Consult Asotin County Health District for B&B or lodging operations that involve food service, shared facilities, or well/septic systems.
• Building permits/inspections (as applicable)
  • Use the City’s Building Permit Application if any alterations affect life safety or occupancy. Contact Building & Planning at (509) 758‑1662 for guidance.
• Business forms and checklists (as needed)
  • SEPA Checklist for development actions (as applicable).
  • Planned Unit Development or variance applications if your project requires land use approvals.
  • Short Plat or boundary adjustments if parcel configuration affects STR operation (unlikely for most STR setups).
• Insurance documentation (as required)
  • Liability coverage appropriate to transient lodging.
• Guest operation policies
  • Establish occupancy limits, parking rules, quiet hours, safety instructions, and house rules to mitigate complaints and align with zoning stability objectives.

City, County, and State Regulations

The following summarizes regulatory layers that govern STRs based on the provided materials.

• City of Clarkston (no STR-specific ordinance found)

  • Zoning Ordinance framework allows lodging uses like “bed and breakfast inn” and “boardinghouse/roominghouse,” and defines “hotel” and “motel.” STRs that clearly fit these definitions can likely operate without a separate STR permit, but you must confirm zoning compliance.
  • Business licensing is mandatory, administered through Washington’s Department of Revenue BLS. The City’s Building & Planning Department reviews business license applications for zoning compatibility (per the City’s business license process description).
  • City Council meeting minutes (not provided) would be the place to verify whether any subsequent STR ordinance was adopted. As of the 2021 Planning Commission discussion, no enforceable STR ordinance was identified in the provided content.

• Asotin County

  • The County Health District may regulate environmental health aspects (e.g., food service, water/wastewater) for lodging operations such as a bed and breakfast. Specific county rules were not included in the materials.

• Washington State

  • Business and tax obligations are governed by state statutes and Department of Revenue rules. Transient lodging providers are generally required to register, collect and remit state sales/use taxes, and comply with any applicable lodging taxes.
  • The State’s framework, including its administrative code for lodging, governs statewide lodging operations. Because state rules evolve, confirm requirements with the Washington Department of Revenue and local tax authorities.

• Uncertainty from 2021 discussion

  • The Planning Commission considered an STR ordinance limiting STRs to a commercial corridor; it was postponed. Without enacted legislation, the current status remains “no STR-specific ordinance” in the provided materials. Verify with City Hall for updates.

Contacts and Authorities (with Phone and Office)

Use these direct contacts to confirm zoning, licensing, and health requirements.

• City of Clarkston (Municipal Code/Administration)

  • Address: 829 5th Street, Clarkston, WA 99403
  • Phone: (509) 758‑5541
  • City website: clarkston-wa.com
  • City Clerk (Business License Questions): (509) 758‑5541
  • Building & Planning (Zoning/Permits/Code): (509) 758‑1662
  • Building & Planning Page: clarkston-wa.com/departments/building-and-planning/
  • Forms and Business License Resources: clarkston-wa.com/departments/city-clerk/forms/

• Asotin County Health District (Environmental Health)

  • Phone: (509) 243‑4000 (verify the current number; the provided materials did not list a dedicated phone for the Health District)

• Washington State Department of Revenue

  • Website: dor.wa.gov
  • Business Licensing Service (BLS): Apply/manage City of Clarkston business license through the DOR BLS portal (as noted by the City Clerk’s Office).

• Lodging Tax / Special Events (if applicable)

  • Lodging Tax Application Packet (City): Available via the Forms page referenced above.
  • GatherGard Event Insurance (for special events using City facilities): wciapool.org/170/Tenant-User-Liability-Insurance-Policy

Source Pages and Key References

City ordinances and forms:

• Zoning Ordinance — General Provisions (Chapter 17.01): www.codepublishing.com/WA/Clarkston/html/Clarkston17/Clarkston1701.html
• City Clerk Forms and Business License Information: clarkston-wa.com/departments/city-clerk/forms/
• City of Clarkston — Building & Planning Department: clarkston-wa.com/departments/building-and-planning/
• City Business License Process (via State BLS): dor.wa.gov/ (and see City Clerk Forms page above)

News article (context; confirms 2021 Planning Commission discussion; no enacted ordinance identified in provided content):

• “Planning Commission holds off on short-term rental recommendation” (July 20, 2021): www.theoaklandpress.com/2021/07/20/planning-commission-holds-off-on-short-term-rental-recommendation/

Note on updates and gaps:

• City-specific STR ordinance status after July 2021 is not documented in the provided materials.
• Exact state lodging tax rates, reporting procedures, and any STR-specific reporting requirements may change; confirm current details with the Washington Department of Revenue and the City.

How to read and interpret the zoning definitions:

• Bed and Breakfast Inn: “means a house, or portion thereof, where short‑term lodging, rooms and meals are provided. The operator of the inn shall live on the premises or in adjacent premises.” Use this definition to determine whether your STR qualifies as a B&B and what on‑site presence is required.
• Boardinghouse/Roominghouse: “means an establishment with lodging for less than 10 persons where meals are regularly prepared and served for compensation and where food is placed upon the table family‑style, without service or ordering of individual portions from a menu.” This may be relevant to longer‑stay lodging that provides meals.
• Hotel/Motel: Defined for zoning purposes; if your STR resembles a small hotel or motel configuration (e.g., multiple sleeping units with shared access), you should evaluate whether those zoning categories apply and the attendant parking/life‑safety implications.

Final recommendation for investors:

• Treat STRs as lodging uses subject to zoning compatibility and state tax/health rules. Prior to listing, obtain a zoning interpretation from Building & Planning, complete the City business license via BLS, and verify any health permits with the County. Monitor City agendas and minutes for any new STR regulations. If you intend to operate in a manner akin to a bed and breakfast, plan for an on-site resident operator and food service oversight as described in the Municipal Code.