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

YES – Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Eatonville, WA. The Town of Eatonville recognizes the right of property owners within town boundaries to rent their dwelling(s) on a short-term basis. The regulations are driven solely by the Town of Eatonville and are not required by state law or the town's comprehensive plan.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are defined as the rental of a dwelling, or portion thereof, for periods of less than 30 days. The town's primary goals are to mitigate neighborhood disruption, preserve long-term rental supply, and protect surrounding property values.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Eatonville

Starting a legal STR operation in Eatonville requires a systematic approach with multiple approvals and ongoing compliance:

1. Initial Property Assessment

• Verify the property is within Eatonville town limits
• Confirm zoning allows for residential rental use
• Assess property's bedroom count and layout
• Evaluate parking availability (minimum 2 spaces required)

2. Permit Application Process

• Submit annual short-term rental permit application
• Pay required fees (which increase based on STR-to-long-term rental ratio)
• Complete annual safety inspection with building inspector
• Designate local property representative with 24/7 availability

3. Business License Application

• Apply for business license through town (contracted with WA State)
• Pay administrative fees plus handling fees
• License cannot be issued until STR permit is approved

4. Property Preparation

• Install required postings and information packets
• Update insurance to reflect STR use
• Complete safety modifications if needed
• Establish trash collection schedule

5. Operational Setup

• Register for applicable tax collection
• Establish guest communication protocols
• Create emergency response procedures
• Set up feedback collection system

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Core Permits and Licenses

Annual Short-Term Rental Permit

• Issued to property owner (not transferable with property sale)
• Must be renewed annually
• Fees determined by town's ratio analysis (conducted January, implemented February 1st)
• Additional fees for properties owned by LLCs, partnerships, or corporations
• Application requires local property representative designation

Business License

• Effective for one year, expires per master license service schedule
• Not prorated if applied mid-year
• Administrative fee plus handling fee required
• Cannot be obtained until STR permit is issued

Required Documentation and Certifications

Insurance Requirements

• Up-to-date certificate of insurance documenting dwelling is insured as short-term/vacation rental
• Must be maintained on file at town hall

Safety Inspection

• Annual safety inspection certificate required
• Must comply with International Building Code for transient accommodations
• Appropriate certificate of occupancy required
• Inspection report must include number of bedrooms safely available for use
• Building inspector responsible for conducting annual inspection

Required Information Postings

• Property owner contact information
• Local property representative contact information
• Copy of STR permit and business license
• Emergency evacuation routes
• Fire marshal notices regarding fireworks, outdoor burning
• Maximum occupancy information
• Noise and use restrictions
• Parking location details
• Trash collection schedule and storage requirements
• Contact information for local property representative
• Guest responsibility notices

Guest Information Packet

• Maximum occupancy details
• Noise and use restrictions
• Parking location assignments
• Trash storage and collection schedule
• Local property representative contact
• Evacuation routes
• Trespassing, littering, and disturbance prohibitions
• Compliance notification and potential citation/fine information
• Town-provided feedback form with stamped envelope

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Occupancy Limits

• Maximum occupants over age 3: 2 + 2 per bedroom
• All bedrooms must have a bed, closet, and two exits (door/door or door/window)
• Annual inspection report documents available bedrooms
• Property owner responsible for ensuring compliance

Use Restrictions

• STRs may only be used for lodging/sleeping purposes
• Prohibited activities include: weddings, banquets, receptions, bachelor/bachelorette parties, concerts, fundraisers, sponsored events, or similar group activities

Parking Requirements

• One off-street parking space per bedroom
• Minimum two off-street spaces required regardless of bedroom count
• Spaces must be clearly assigned in guest materials

Signage Restrictions

• No outdoor advertising signs allowed on the rental property site

Local Property Representative Requirements

• Must be available 24 hours/day, 7 days/week
• Required to respond to complaints within one hour
• Must take remedial action to resolve complaints
• Contact information must be posted on-site and filed with town
• Available to Eatonville Police Department at all times

Tax Obligations

• Transient occupancy tax
• Sales and use tax
• Business and occupation tax
• All tax provisions apply to STR operations

Enforcement and Penalties

Violation Penalties

• First and second violations: $250 fine payable within 45 days OR permit/license revocation
• Third violation within 12 months: Permanent revocation of all STR permits and licenses
• Operating without permit: $5,000 fine per occurrence
• Non-compliance notice: 60 days to become compliant + double normal fees upon permit application

Enforcement Authority

Enforced by authorized town representatives including:

• Mayor
• Chief of Police
• Building Inspector
• Code Enforcement Official
• Town Administrator
• Designees

Contact Information for Local Authority

Town Hall (Primary Contact)

Address: 201 Center Street West, PO Box 309, Eatonville WA 98328
Phone: 360-832-3361
Fax: 360-832-3977
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (closed 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM for lunch)

Police Department

Business Line: 360-832-6111 (Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM)
Emergency: 911
Non-Emergency Dispatch: (253) 287-4455, option 1

Building Department

Contact: Contact Town Hall at 360-832-3361 for building permit and inspection services

After Hours Emergency Reporting

Water/Electric/Sewer: South Sound 911 (253) 287-4455

Online Resources

Town Website: eatonville-wa.gov/
Business Licenses: eatonville-wa.gov/business-licenses/
Building Department: eatonville-wa.gov/building-dept/
Eatonville Municipal Code: www.codepublishing.com/WA/Eatonville/

Important Regulatory Notes

Term of Validity

• Title 20 regulations expire annually on September 30th
• Public Works Team reviews renewal decision at least two months before expiration
• Consideration includes STR permits issued, complaint data, and stated goals
• Existing licenses continue to renew if requirements are met, property not sold, and annual renewal maintained

Vesting Clause

• If town stops issuing new STR licenses, existing licenses continue renewal as long as requirements are met
• License survives property sale only if new owner applies for and receives new permit

Compliance Requirements

• Must comply with all town codes and ordinances
• Specific attention to Noise Regulations and Nuisance codes
• Annual inspection and permit renewal mandatory

Source Pages and Documentation

1. Town of Eatonville Title 20 - Short-Term Residential Rental Property Regulations
   s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/eatonville-wa.gov/website/202210/14/161646_132/Chapter2010.14.22.pdf

2. Town of Eatonville Guidelines Handbook - Chapter 20
   s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/eatonville-wa.gov/202112/01/152422_888/120621_draftshorttermrentalCommissionerBaublits.pdf

3. Eatonville Municipal Code
   www.codepublishing.com/WA/Eatonville/

4. Town of Eatonville FAQ and Contact Information
   eatonville-wa.gov/faq/

5. Business License Information
   eatonville-wa.gov/business-licenses/

Note: This guide is based on current regulations as of 2022-2024. Regulations are subject to annual review and potential changes. Investors should verify current requirements with Town Hall before proceeding with any STR investment or operation.