Regulations >
Washington >
Colbert

Want to see how Colbert compares to other top cities in Washington?  Explore all city regulations in Washington. →

C

Colbert, WA

Challenging To Investors

Local STR Agent

Local STR Agent

Colbert STR Expert
Colbert, Washington skyline

STR Regulations for Colbert, Washington

Short-Term Rentals in Colbert, WA: Investor Guide (Spokane County/State WA)

Overview: Are short-term rentals allowed in Colbert, WA?

Yes. Short-term rentals (STRs)—rentals of all or a portion of a residential dwelling for fewer than 30 nights—are allowed in Spokane, which governs Colbert as part of its jurisdictional framework for planning and development services. Colbert itself does not have a separate STR ordinance; STRs are regulated by the City of Spokane under SMC Chapter 17C.316, which became effective June 17, 2015 and was amended September 1, 2023. Investors operating in Colbert must comply with Spokane’s permitting, life-safety, business licensing, and notification requirements.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Colbert?

Colbert hosts earn a median $31,004/year with $161 ADR and 59% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $41,315+ per year.

See the full Colbert market breakdown

How to start a short-term rental business in this market

  • Step 1: Confirm eligibility and zoning. Spokane’s STR rules apply to permanent residents (owners or tenants) who occupy the property as their primary residence at least 6 months of the year. Verify your property’s zoning and whether your HOA/CC&Rs allow short-term rentals; a city permit does not override private restrictions.
  • Step 2: Obtain a business license. Apply for the combined City of Spokane and Washington State business license through the Washington Department of Revenue (state business license portal).
  • Step 3: Prepare documentation for the STR permit application:
    • Completed Short-Term Rental Permit Application
    • Completed and notarized Annual Life Safety Compliance Form
    • Liability insurance for the rental property (COI)
    • Parking plan, floor plan with room labels, fire safety/egress plan, site plan
    • Notification Letter (for residential zones only) to adjacent and across-the-street property owners, plus recognized neighborhood organizations; include owner/property manager contact info for emergencies
  • Step 4: Apply via Accela Citizen Access (Spokane’s online permitting platform) under the Planning tab. Expect plan review, fire/life safety review, and potential site inspection.
  • Step 5: Pay the application fee after approval. Renew annually and maintain current life safety compliance and insurance.
  • Step 6: Operate within the rules. Manage guest occupancy and behavior to remain compliant and preserve neighborhood relations; keep a current emergency contact visible in listings and posted onsite.

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

  • City/State business license: Combined City of Spokane and Washington State business license obtained through the Department of Revenue business license portal.
  • STR permit: Short-Term Rental Permit via Accela Citizen Access (Planning tab), including:
    • Permit application
    • Notarized Annual Life Safety Compliance Form
    • Liability insurance certificate (for the STR property)
    • Plans: parking, floor plan with room labels, fire safety/egress plan, and site plan
    • Residential-zone notification letter sent to abutting and across-the-street properties and recognized organizations at issuance
  • Posting/identification: Display the STR permit number and owner/manager contact info as required.
  • Annual compliance: File the Annual Life Safety Compliance Form each year; maintain insurance and renew the permit.
  • Code references: Spokane Municipal Code Chapter 17C.316; Spokane STR ordinance (updated July 10, 2023).

Specific regulations for STRs (City of Spokane/Spokane County/State WA)

  • Eligibility: STRs are allowed for permanent residents (owner or tenant) of the property; only primary residences qualify.
  • Definition: STR is a rental of all or a portion of a dwelling for fewer than 30 nights.
  • Permitting and fees:
    • Residential zones: $200 application; $100 renewal
    • Other zones: $300 application; $150 renewal
    • Each unit requires its own permit and fee (no multi-unit “bundle” permits).
  • Life-safety and plans: Annual notarized life-safety compliance form; must submit and maintain egress, fire safety, parking, floor, and site plans.
  • Notification: In residential zones, adjacent and across-the-street owners and recognized organizations must receive notification letters at permit issuance, including emergency contact info.
  • Business license: Combined City of Spokane and Washington State business license required through the Department of Revenue.
  • Private restrictions: A city permit does not override lease agreements, HOA bylaws, CC&Rs, or other private covenants that prohibit subletting or short-term rentals.
  • Monitoring/enforcement: The City implemented STR monitoring in January 2024; ensure ongoing compliance to avoid fines or permit suspension.

Contact information (local authority in charge of STRs)

City of Spokane – Planning & Development Services (Development Services Center)

  • Address: 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd., Spokane, WA 99201-3329
  • Phone: 509.625.6300
  • Dial 311 or 509.755.CITY (2489) for general city services
  • Website: my.spokanecity.org/projects/short-term-rentals/
  • Online permitting: Accela Citizen Access portal (Planning tab → Short-Term Rental)

Links to source pages

Notes:

  • Colbert does not have city-specific STR rules; Spokane’s code and processes govern STRs in this area.
  • Spokane is part of Spokane County; state-level STR rules for Washington primarily operate through municipal code, the state business license system, and general landlord-tenant and tax frameworks. Investors should consult the Spokane Municipal Code and ordinances referenced above for jurisdiction-specific requirements.

Next step

Found a property in Colbert?

Paste any address and get estimated revenue, cash-on-cash return, and comparable STR performance in under 5 minutes. 3 free analyses per day.

Ask the AI Advisor about Colbert

Free brief

Get the free Colbert STR Investment Brief

Revenue data, top neighborhoods, seasonal trends, and the key regulations for Colbert, Washington in one email.

Colbert

Market Saturation Score

036912
Moderate Saturation
7/ 12
months with declining YoY revenue
5–7 declining months: moderate saturation risk - market may be nearing capacity.
View Full Colbert Market Analysis

Photos of Colbert

Overview of Colbert

Colbert is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Spokane County, in the northeastern corner of Washington State. With a population of roughly 8,000 to 9,000 residents, it has a quiet, semi-rural character that blends open country, light residential development, and easy access to the larger Spokane metro area. The community sits along the Highway 2 corridor north of Spokane, serving as a peaceful residential base for those who work in the city but prefer a slower pace of life. It functions as a low-key gateway to the outdoor landscapes of the Inland Northwest, with the Spokane River, rolling pine-forested hills, and nearby state parks all within a short drive. Downtown Spokane lies approximately twelve to fifteen miles to the south, a journey that typically takes around twenty to twenty-five minutes by car.

A short drive southwest of Colbert brings visitors to Riverside State Park, one of the largest and most popular outdoor destinations in the Spokane region. The park follows the Spokane River and features the famous Bowl and Pitcher rock formation, along with more than fifty miles of multi-use trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, plus campgrounds and picnic areas. From Colbert, most trailheads are reachable in roughly twenty to thirty minutes, making the park a natural day-trip option for guests looking to enjoy the river without venturing far.

To the northeast, Mount Spokane State Park rises nearly six thousand feet above sea level and offers year-round recreation, including alpine hiking in summer and downhill skiing at Mount Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park in winter. The drive from Colbert to the upper park and ski area generally takes between forty-five minutes and an hour, depending on weather and road conditions, and the road itself is a popular scenic drive during the warmer months. The summit viewpoints and wildflower meadows are among the highlights of the Inland Northwest.

Closer to home, the Spokane River winds its way through the valleys and canyons around Colbert, with several public access points and small parks along its banks. The river draws anglers, kayakers, and casual floaters, and the surrounding foothills provide ample space for trail walking and wildlife viewing. Meanwhile, downtown Spokane, just down the highway, offers the Riverfront Park complex, dining, breweries, performing arts venues, and the Spokane Falls, all of which are easily reachable for a half-day outing.

Colbert's appeal as a short-term rental base lies in this combination of small-town calm and proximity to both nature and city amenities. Guests can return from a day of hiking, skiing, or river activities to a quieter residential setting, with Spokane's restaurants, shops, and events only a short drive away. For travelers who want a taste of the Inland Northwest's outdoor lifestyle without sacrificing urban convenience, the community offers an inviting and well-located home base.

Want to know if a property in Colbert is a good investment?

Enter an address to get instant revenue potential and comps.