Morton, Washington Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Overview: STR Status in Morton, WA

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Morton, WA. The city has established a comprehensive regulatory framework in Chapter 5.20 of the Morton Municipal Code that specifically recognizes and regulates short-term rentals. The city defines a "short-term or vacation rental" as "the rental of a dwelling or portion thereof used for the purpose of providing lodging for periods of less than thirty (30) days."

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Morton?

Morton hosts earn a median $16,600/year with $186 ADR and 35% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $18,270+ per year.

See the full Morton market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Morton

Step 1: Property Assessment and Zoning

Verify your property is located within Morton city limits
Confirm the property is a legal residential structure
Check zoning compatibility (Morton has zoning classifications that may affect STR operations)
Ensure adequate infrastructure (sewer/water connections)

Step 2: Washington State Business Registration

Obtain a Washington State Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number
Register with the Washington State Department of Revenue

Step 3: Morton City Business License Application

Apply through the Washington State Department of Revenue portal for Morton city endorsements
Use the City's official business license application process

Step 4: Short-Term Rental Business Endorsement

Submit the Short-Term Rentals Business Application Endorsement form
This is the specific document provided by the city for STR operations

Step 5: Health and Safety Compliance

Schedule and pass annual safety inspection
Obtain certificate of inspection documenting compliance with International Building Code for transient accommodations
Obtain appropriate certificate of occupancy

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City-Level Requirements

Business Licenses:

Washington State business license
Morton city business license (processed through DOR)
Short-Term Rentals Business Application Endorsement

Insurance Requirements:

Up-to-date certificate of insurance documenting that the dwelling is insured as a short-term or vacation rental
Must be maintained on file at the city

Inspection Requirements:

Annual fire safety inspection by fire marshal
Certificate of inspection documenting compliance with International Building Code for transient accommodations
Certificate of occupancy

Operational Requirements:

Solid waste collection service (weekly during all months the rental is available)
Operating land line telephone in the unit for emergency purposes
Designation of a local property representative (24/7 availability)

County-Level Requirements (Lewis County)

Proposed Permits:

Lewis County short-term rental permit (if implemented)
UBI number
State-required proof of insurance
Capacity documentation

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Morton City Regulations

Property Representative Requirements:

Must designate a local property representative available 24/7
Representative must respond within one hour to complaints
Must take remedial action to resolve complaints
Contact information must be kept current with the city

Occupancy Limits:

Maximum occupancy based on International Building Code standards
Property owner responsible for ensuring rental unit conforms to maximum occupancy

Use Restrictions:

Renters may not use rental for purposes not incidental to lodging or sleeping
Must comply with nuisance regulations (Chapter 8.16)
Must comply with public peace and decency regulations (Chapter 9.08)

Parking and Traffic:

No demand for parking beyond normal residential area standards
No unusual or excessive traffic to/from premises

Signage:

No outdoor advertising signs related to the rental allowed on the site

Informational Requirements: Must provide and post in common area an information packet containing:

Copy of property owner's business license
Documentation of annual fire safety inspection
Information on maximum occupancy
Applicable noise and use restrictions
Location of off-street parking
Trash storage and collection schedule requirements
Water conservation best practices
Contact information for local property representative
Renter responsibility not to trespass or create disturbances
Notice that renters must comply with city chapter and may be cited or fined

Tax Compliance:

Must comply with Washington state sales, transient lodging, and business and occupation taxes

Lewis County Regulations (Proposed/Implementing)

County Definition:

Lodging for fewer than 30 consecutive nights and no more than 180 days per calendar year

Required Permits:

County short-term rental permit
State UBI number
Proof of insurance meeting state requirements

Safety Requirements:

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Fire extinguisher
Functioning and inspected septic system or sewer hook-up
Water source meeting minimum quality standards

Operational Limits:

Occupancy limit: 2 persons per bedroom, plus 3 additional people
One on-site parking spot per bedroom
Solid waste service required

Proposed Zoning Limits:

25% cap on existing dwelling units per neighborhood that can be used as STRs
Capacity limits based on dwelling unit count

Exemptions:

Owner-occupied dwellings with 3 or fewer rooms rented
Month-by-month rentals with full month leases
Properties operated by registered charitable organizations for trauma/medical treatment housing

Contact Information for Local Authority

Morton City Hall

Physical Address: 192 Adams Ave Morton, WA 98356

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1089 Morton, WA 98356

Phone: (360) 496-6881 Fax: (360) 496-6899

Key Contacts:

LuAnn Ward, City Clerk: cclerk@visitmorton.com
Donna Royle, Deputy Clerk: dclerk@visitmorton.com
Gwen Reed, Treasurer: treasurer@visitmorton.com

Mayor: Rick Mead - mayor@visitmorton.com

Business Licensing: Processed through Washington State Department of Revenue portal

Lewis County Community Development

Contact for County STR Permits: Mindy Brooks, Community Development Director Email: mindy.brooks@lewiscountywa.gov

Physical Address: 351 NW North Street Chehalis, WA 98532

Planning Commission Public Hearings:

Held at 125 NW Chehalis Ave (also available via Zoom)
Written comments can be submitted to: mindy.brooks@lewiscountywa.gov

Links to Source Pages

Official Documents

Washington State Department of Revenue

Business License Portal

Lewis County Planning Documents

News and Updates

Important Notes for Investors:

Both city and county regulations apply to properties in Morton
County regulations are currently being implemented, so requirements may change
Annual inspections and license renewals are mandatory
Compliance with both health/safety codes and business regulations is required
The 25% neighborhood cap in Lewis County regulations may limit future STR operations in certain areas

For the most current information and specific questions about your property, contact Morton City Hall directly or work with local legal counsel familiar with both city and county regulations.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Morton

Morton sits in the Cowlitz River Valley of Lewis County, Washington, a small mountain community of roughly 1,100 residents that has long billed itself as the "Gateway to Mount Rainier." With a relaxed, rural atmosphere shaped by forestry and outdoor recreation, the town offers a quiet stopover for travelers heading into the southern Cascades. It lies approximately 80 miles southeast of Seattle and about an hour's drive east of Olympia, the state capital, placing it within easy reach of the Puget Sound region while feeling a world away from it.

Mount Rainier National Park is the marquee draw, with the park's Nisqually entrance reachable in roughly an hour's drive north of Morton via State Route 7. The park encompasses glaciers, old-growth forests, and subalpine wildflower meadows, and travelers who approach from the south and east encounter a quieter, less-trafficked side of the mountain. Mount Rainier National Park anchors any stay in the area, drawing hikers, climbers, and casual sightseers from across the country and around the world.

Just beyond the park's southern boundary, White Pass and the surrounding White Pass Ski Area offer year-round recreation, about forty-five minutes to an hour east of Morton along US-12. In winter the slopes attract skiers and snowboarders seeking smaller crowds than the larger Cascade resorts, while summer brings hiking, mountain biking, and wildflower viewing along the crest. The drive between Morton and White Pass also winds through the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, providing additional opportunities for camping, fishing, and backcountry exploration.

The town itself is small but functional, with a handful of locally owned restaurants, a historic main street, and direct access to the surrounding forest. Riffe Lake, formed by Mossyrock Dam on the Cowlitz River, lies a short drive to the west and offers boating, fishing, and shoreline picnicking against a backdrop of evergreen-covered hills. Together, these nearby assets give the area a year-round appeal that few other small Washington communities can match.

Morton's appeal as a short-term rental market rests on its position at the crossroads of several of the state's most visited outdoor destinations. Visitors who stay here enjoy small-town character, generally lower lodging costs than the gateway communities inside the national park, and quick access to Mount Rainier, White Pass, and the broader Gifford Pinchot backcountry. For travelers seeking a quieter, more affordable alternative to the busier resort towns, Morton offers an authentic slice of Cascade country.