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

Yes, short-term rentals appear to be allowed in DuPont, Washington. The City of DuPont requires a Rental Housing Business License for any residential property leased or rented to residential tenants, which would include short-term rental operations. However, it's important to note that this license requirement applies to all rental housing, not specifically short-term rentals, and there don't appear to be city-specific short-term rental regulations beyond the general rental housing licensing requirement.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in DuPont

1. Obtain a Rental Housing Business License

The City of DuPont requires owners of any residential property located in DuPont that is leased or rented to obtain a City of DuPont Rental Housing Business License. This requirement is established under City of DuPont Ordinance Number 12-944 and codified in the DuPont Municipal Code, Chapter 5.04.170.

2. License Application Process

• Online Application: Applications must be submitted through the city's online portal at ci-dupont-wa.smartgovcommunity.com/Public/Home
• Step-by-Step Instructions: Detailed instructions are available in the city's "How-to-Apply-for-a-Rental-Housing-Business-License" document

3. License Fee Structure

The annual license fee is determined by the number of rental units you own in DuPont:

• 1 Unit: $75.00 per year
• 2 to 4 Units: $100.00 per year
• 5 to 24 Units: $200.00 per year
• 25 or More Units: $1,000 per year

4. Renewal Requirements

Licenses must be renewed annually through the same online process.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City of DuPont Requirements:

1. Rental Housing Business License (required annually)
2. Compliance with DuPont Municipal Code Chapter 5.04.170
3. Payment of applicable license fees

Additional Considerations:

Based on the comprehensive planning documents, DuPont has various housing-related goals and policies, including provisions for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and middle housing. While not specifically addressing short-term rentals, these policies may impact your ability to operate certain types of rental properties.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

DuPont Municipal Regulations:

• License Requirement: All rental properties, including short-term rentals, must obtain a Rental Housing Business License
• Fee Structure: Based on total number of rental units owned in the city
• Annual Renewal: License must be renewed yearly

State-Level Considerations:

While the provided content doesn't detail Washington state-specific short-term rental regulations, operators should be aware that Washington state may have additional requirements that apply across all municipalities, including tax obligations and safety standards. These would be in addition to local DuPont requirements.

Zoning and Land Use:

From the comprehensive planning documents, DuPont has various housing design standards and zoning requirements that property owners must comply with, though these appear to be general development standards rather than specific short-term rental restrictions.

Contact Information for Local Authority

City of DuPont - Primary Contact:

• Phone: (253) 964-8121
• Fax: (253) 964-3554
• Email: PermitTech@dupontwa.gov
• Address: 1700 Civic Drive, DuPont, WA 98327

Office Hours:

• Monday - Thursday: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
• Fridays: By appointment only

Online Resources:

• Online Portal: ci-dupont-wa.smartgovcommunity.com/Public/Home
• City Website: www.dupontwa.gov
• Municipal Code: codepublishing.com/WA/DuPont/

Important Considerations for STR Investors

1. Limited STR-Specific Regulations: Unlike some other jurisdictions, DuPont doesn't appear to have comprehensive short-term rental-specific regulations beyond the general rental housing license requirement.

2. Annual Licensing Costs: Factor the annual license fee into your operating costs, with fees ranging from $75 to $1,000 depending on portfolio size.

3. Compliance Monitoring: Ensure compliance with all applicable municipal codes and state regulations, as enforcement may be stricter than past practices.

4. Future Regulatory Changes: Stay informed about potential future regulations, as short-term rental laws across Washington continue to evolve.

Source Pages

• City of DuPont Rental Housing Business License
• DuPont Municipal Code Chapter 5.04.170
• City of DuPont Ordinance 12-944
• Online License Application Portal
• DuPont Comprehensive Plan Update - Planning Commission Meeting

Disclaimer: This guide is based on the provided content and focuses specifically on DuPont, Washington regulations. Investors should verify current requirements with local authorities and consider consulting with legal professionals familiar with Washington state short-term rental laws for comprehensive compliance.