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Colbert, WA

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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 $27,059/year with $159 ADR and 56% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $41,641+ per year.

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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.

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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.
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Photos of Colbert

Overview of Colbert

Colbert is an unincorporated community in Spokane County, Washington, United States. The town is on U.S. Route 2, north of the city of Spokane. Colbert was originally called Dragoon; the present name is for Harry Colbert, an early postmaster. A post office was established as Dragoon in 1890, and the name was changed to Colbert in 1902. The Spokane Renaissance Faire is held annually in a field in Colbert.

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