Kennewick, Washington Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Kennewick, Washington. The city has a relatively permissive regulatory environment for short-term rental operators, with minimal city-specific regulations. While Kennewick does not have comprehensive short-term rental licensing at the municipal level, short-term rentals are permitted under existing zoning regulations and state requirements. The city is considered "Airbnb friendly" and "STR friendly" with hosts reporting minimal regulatory hurdles and positive operating experiences.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Kennewick?

Kennewick hosts earn a median $29,624/year with $171 ADR and 66% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $45,486+ per year.

See the full Kennewick market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Kennewick

Step 1: Zoning Compliance Verification

Before establishing your short-term rental, verify that your property is located in an appropriate zoning district:

Residential Zones (RS, RL, RM, RH): Bed and breakfast inns with 5 guest rooms or less are permitted (Staff Review Process I)
Commercial Zones (CN, CO, CBD, CC, CR, CG, CM): Transient accommodations including hotels and motels are permitted (Staff Review Process I or Conditional Use Permit II)
Urban Mixed Use (UMU): Mixed-use developments that may include short-term accommodations

Step 2: Business Licensing and Registration

Obtain a Washington State business license through the state's Business Licensing Service
Register with the Washington Department of Revenue
Display your business license number prominently in all advertisements

Step 3: Tax Registration and Collection

Register for state and local tax collection
Collect and remit Washington state lodging tax (1%)
Collect and remit local lodging tax (2% in Tri-Cities region, totaling 3%)
Collect and remit state and local sales taxes

Step 4: Safety and Insurance Compliance

Install and maintain smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
Obtain primary liability insurance coverage of at least $1 million
Provide emergency contact information and maximum occupancy limits
Create floor plans showing fire exits and escape routes

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Documentation:

Washington State Business License (through Business Licensing Service)
Tax Registration Number (WA Department of Revenue)
Business License Display (must appear in all advertisements)
Zoning Compliance Verification (confirm permitted use in your zone)
Liability Insurance Certificate ($1 million minimum coverage)
Emergency Contact Information (for guest display)
Property Floor Plans (with fire exits and escape routes marked)
Maximum Occupancy Documentation

Safety Requirements:

Smoke detectors in all sleeping areas and common areas
Carbon monoxide detectors where fuel-burning appliances are present
Fire extinguishers readily accessible
Posted emergency evacuation routes
Guest contact information prominently displayed

Operational Guidelines:

Quiet hours enforcement (recommended 10 PM - 7 AM)
Maximum occupancy limits strictly enforced
Parking restrictions communicated to guests
House rules clearly posted and communicated

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State Level

City of Kennewick Regulations:

Zoning Compliance: STRs must conform to local zoning ordinances
Bed & Breakfast Exception: In residential zones, bed and breakfast inns with 5 or fewer guest rooms are permitted
Transient Accommodations: Hotels and motels permitted in commercial zones
Building Standards: Must comply with International Building Code standards
Parking Requirements: Must meet off-street parking requirements per zoning

County Level (Benton County):

Temporary dwelling permits cannot be used for paid short-term rentals
Caretaker dwellings cannot charge rent or other remuneration
Temporary structures must comply with setback requirements
One temporary dwelling maximum per parcel

State of Washington Regulations:

Business Licensing: Mandatory registration through state Business Licensing Service
Tax Collection: State lodging tax (1%) plus local options
Safety Standards: Compliance with Washington State Building Code Council rules
Consumer Protection: Contact information must be provided to guests
Insurance Requirements: $1 million minimum liability coverage
ADU Restrictions: Accessory Dwelling Units cannot be used as STRs unless owner-occupied

Key Restrictions and Limitations

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs):

Owner-Occupancy Required: ADUs cannot be operated as short-term rentals unless the primary residence is owner-occupied
Zoning Restrictions: ADU use must comply with underlying zoning requirements

Zoning Limitations:

Residential zones primarily allow bed and breakfast operations (max 5 guest rooms)
Commercial zones allow larger transient accommodation operations
Industrial and specialized zones may have restrictions

Safety and Occupancy:

Maximum occupancy limits must be clearly posted and enforced
Emergency egress routes must be clearly marked
Fire safety equipment must be maintained and inspected

Contact Information for Local Authorities

City of Kennewick - Planning Department:

Phone: (509) 585-4295
Email: planning@ci.kennewick.wa.us
Address: 210 W 6th Ave, Kennewick, WA 99336
Website: www.go2kennewick.com

Benton County - Planning Division:

Phone: (509) 786-5612
Email: Planning.Department@co.benton.wa.us
Address: 102206 E Wiser Parkway, Kennewick, WA 99338

Washington State - Department of Revenue:

Phone: (360) 902-9500
Website: dor.wa.gov

Washington State - Business Licensing Service:

Phone: (360) 725-0370
Website: bls.dor.wa.gov

Benton-Franklin Health District:

Phone: (460) 4205
Address: 7102 W. Okanogan Place, Kennewick, WA 99336

Source Links

Important Notes

Regulatory Note: There is a discrepancy between sources regarding local lodging tax rates. RedAwning reports a total of 3% (1% state + 2% local), while Summer reports 8.2%. Investors should verify current rates with the Washington Department of Revenue and local tax authorities.

Enforcement: Kennewick is described as having a "relaxed enforcement approach" with hosts reporting minimal regulatory hurdles, though compliance with state requirements remains mandatory.

Market Performance: The Kennewick market shows strong performance with 88 active short-term rentals and diverse pricing ranging from $23-$239 per night, indicating robust demand across different property types and price points.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Kennewick

Kennewick is the largest of the three cities that make up Washington's Tri-Cities metropolitan area in Benton County, in the southeastern part of the state. With a population of approximately 84,000 residents, it serves as the commercial and retail center of the Tri-Cities region and sits where the Snake and Columbia Rivers meet. The city is best known as a gateway to the surrounding wine country and the historic Hanford Site, and it lies about 220 miles southeast of Seattle, roughly a three-and-a-half-hour drive away.

The Columbia River is central to life in Kennewick, and the city's expansive Columbia Park stretches along its banks, offering walking trails, playgrounds, sports fields, and riverfront access for boating and fishing. It is one of the largest public parks in the region and connects to the broader Sacagawea Heritage Trail that loops through all three Tri-Cities. The river itself is a year-round draw, with waterskiing, paddleboarding, and salmon fishing all popular in the warmer months.

Just south of Kennewick, the Red Mountain American Viticultural Area has earned a reputation as one of Washington's most acclaimed wine sub-regions, with dozens of tasting rooms clustered within a short drive of the city. The broader Tri-Cities wine country, encompassing more than 100 wineries, hosts events throughout the year and draws visitors from across the Pacific Northwest. Many of these wineries feature on-site tasting rooms, restaurants, and picnic spaces that lend themselves to day-tripping from a centrally located Kennewick base.

To the north, the Hanford Reach National Monument preserves one of the last free-flowing stretches of the Columbia River in the United States, along with a sweeping high-desert landscape shaped by Ice Age floods. Within its boundaries is the historic B Reactor, the world's first full-scale nuclear reactor to produce plutonium, now part of the Manhattan Project National Historical Park. About a 45-minute drive from Kennewick, the monument offers hiking, wildlife viewing, and ranger-led tours.

A short drive east of Kennewick, Sacajawea State Park sits at the confluence of the Snake and Columbia Rivers near Pasco, with riverside camping, interpretive trails, and a small museum telling the story of the Lemhi Shoshone woman who traveled with the Lewis and Clark expedition. It is a popular stop for families and history enthusiasts exploring the regional trail of the Corps of Discovery.

With its central location, riverfront setting, and proximity to wine country, atomic heritage sites, and outdoor recreation, Kennewick offers short-term rental owners a steady mix of leisure and history-driven visitors. The city's convention facilities, sports tournaments, and seasonal wine events all help generate year-round demand, while its access to major Pacific Northwest hubs keeps it well connected to broader regional travel.