Important note for investors: Nine‑Mile‑Falls is in Spokane County, Washington. The documents you provided are Chelan County codes that do not apply to Nine‑Mile‑Falls or Spokane County. Because no Spokane County or Nine‑Mile‑Falls–specific STR rules were provided, this guide anchors investors on statewide Washington requirements and flags the absence of local rules at your target location. Always verify with Spokane County and any applicable homeowners’ association (HOA) rules before proceeding.

Overview: Are Short‑Term Rentals Allowed?

• Are STRs allowed in Nine‑Mile‑Falls? This location sits in Spokane County. The provided code is for Chelan County only and therefore does not authorize or prohibit STRs in Nine‑Mile‑Falls. In Washington, STRs are broadly permissible under state law, subject to city/county zoning, health, safety, taxation, and consumer‑safety rules.
• City‑specific regulations: none in the provided materials. If Spokane County has not adopted local STR regulations or a moratorium, STR operations are typically allowed where the underlying residential or commercial zoning permits lodging uses and the operator complies with state law.
• Chelan County illustration: The documents show a robust three‑tier STR regime (owner‑occupied Tier 1; non‑owner‑occupied Tier 2; larger‑occupancy Tier 3), with caps, zone allowances, lot‑size/separation rules, and a detailed permitting/inspection process. This is not applicable to Nine‑Mile‑Falls but illustrates how some counties regulate STRs.

Bottom line: You may operate an STR in Nine‑Mile‑Falls if:

• Your local zoning allows lodging uses.
• You comply with Washington’s STR registration and consumer‑safety statutes.
• You obtain any required county permits (none shown here).
• You collect/remit lodging and sales taxes.
• You satisfy HOA or neighborhood covenants, if any.

How to Start an STR Business in Nine‑Mile‑Falls

1. Confirm zoning and land use

• Verify whether STRs are a permitted, conditional, or prohibited use in your specific zone. For most single‑family residential zones, check “Accessory uses” and “Lodging” categories. If there is a defined STR or vacation‑rental category, follow it. If none exists, confirm that renting fewer than 30 days is consistent with your zoning or that a conditional use permit (CUP) can be obtained.

2. Meet state consumer‑safety and registration requirements

• Register with the Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR) and obtain a lodging tax registration number.
• Post required consumer‑safety information inside the dwelling (fire safety, egress, emergency contacts, address/routing to nearest emergency services).
• Maintain primary liability insurance of at least $1 million (RCW 64.37.050).
• Collect and remit state lodging and sales taxes. Maintain records.
• If selling alcohol on the premises, obtain the appropriate liquor license.

3. Address health, safety, and infrastructure

• Ensure your septic/wastewater capacity matches intended occupancy.
• Install/maintain smoke and carbon‑monoxide detectors per state building/fire standards.
• Confirm compliance with any county fire, noise, solid‑waste, and parking ordinances.
• Provide adequate off‑street parking for guests and avoid spillover into public ROW.

4. Build a compliant operations framework

• Create a Property Management Plan: emergency egress map, qualified local contact, occupancy limits, parking instructions, quiet hours/noise controls, trash rules, trespass restrictions, fire‑safety guidance.
• Designate a “Qualified Person” who can respond on‑site within 60 minutes for any complaint.
• Display an exterior sign with address and your local contact number, and include registration/permit numbers in all listings.
• For hosted events or gatherings beyond normal occupancy, check whether a CUP is required.

5. Licenses, permits, and renewals

• State registration (DOR lodging tax registration).
• Any Spokane County STR or lodging permit (none cited in provided materials).
• Annual renewal if required by county/state.

6. Taxes

• Register with DOR; collect lodging and sales taxes; file returns as required.
• If the property is used more than 14 days per year or 10% of days rented, you may owe federal income tax (IRC Section 280A). Consult a tax professional.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines (State of Washington and County)

State of Washington requirements for STRs (RCW 64.37)

• Registration with DOR.
• Consumer‑safety information posted inside the rental (e.g., egress routes, emergency contacts, fire‑safety guidance, local address for emergency response).
• Liability insurance: minimum $1,000,000 primary coverage.
• Compliance with all applicable local zoning, health, and safety requirements.
• Record‑keeping and tax compliance.

Taxes

• Washington lodging tax and state sales tax registration and filings with DOR.
• Maintain records to substantiate gross rental income and remittances.

Chelan County (illustrative only)

• The documents you provided show a mature STR code with:
  • Tier 1 (owner‑occupied) and Tier 2 (non‑owner‑occupied) and Tier 3 (larger occupancy).
  • County‑wide caps (e.g., 6% in many zip codes; 9% in Manson UGA; 0% in Peshastin UGA for new Tier 2/3).
  • Zone allowances (per district use charts).
  • Lot‑size and 200‑foot separation for Tier 2 in many zones; highway access for Tier 3.
  • Annual permits, inspections, and detailed operational standards (occupancy, parking, noise, fire safety, trespass, etc.).
  • Fees and enforcement provisions.
• None of these Chelan County rules apply to Nine‑Mile‑Falls.

Spokane County (your jurisdiction)

• County short‑term rental or lodging permit: not detailed in the provided materials. Confirm with Spokane County whether a county permit is required and, if so, the application process and fees.
• Health and safety compliance: confirm septic capacity, fire district rules, and any noise/parking ordinances.

Specific Regulations (Chelan County—Not Applicable; Spokane County—Not Provided)

Because you did not provide Spokane County or Nine‑Mile‑Falls–specific rules, the following Chelan County excerpts are provided for contrast only and are not applicable to Nine‑Mile‑Falls.

Chelan County STR essentials (from your documents)

• Types of STRs:
  • Tier 1: Owner‑occupied; typically accessory use in most zones with an administrative land‑use permit.
  • Tier 2: Non‑owner‑occupied; permitted with criteria; capped by zip code/UGA share in many residential zones.
  • Tier 3: Larger occupancy (up to 16 overnight occupants); conditional use permit (CUP) required in select zones; highway access required.
• Caps: New Tier 2/3 limited where STRs are 6% or more of housing stock in most zip codes; Manson UGA 9%; Peshastin UGA 0% for new Tier 2/3.
• Lot‑size and spacing:
  • Minimum lot sizes for new Tier 2/3 (e.g., RR20, RR10, RR5, RR2.5, RRR, RW, RV).
  • 200‑foot separation between new Tier 2 STRs in many residential zones.
  • Direct highway access for new Tier 3 STRs.
• Operational standards:
  • Occupancy (e.g., Tier 1 up to 8 persons; Tier 2 up to 12; Tier 3 up to 16).
  • Parking (e.g., 1 space per bedroom plus 1 space for on‑site manager).
  • Noise control; trespass restrictions; signs; fire safety (extinguishers; restrictions on outdoor burning).
  • Property Management Plan; local qualified contact with 60‑minute response.
• Permits and process:
  • Administrative land‑use permit for Tier 1/2; CUP for Tier 3.
  • Annual permit number displayed in all advertisements.
  • Inspections (fire/life‑safety; wastewater/septic verification).
  • Application windows and waiting lists tied to caps; fees set to recover review/inspection costs.
  • Transfer restrictions (non‑conforming permit transfer limited; typically one transfer within 5 years).
• Enforcement and penalties:
  • Civil penalties; possible revocation for repeat violations, failure to respond, or non‑compliance.
• Reference fees (examples):
  • Tier 1 annual: $500.
  • Tier 2 annual (no inspection): $500.
  • Tier 2 (with inspection or new permit): $900.
  • Tier 3 (includes CUP): $2,270 first permit; $750 annual renewal with CUP.
  • Fire Marshal inspection: $100.

Spokane County/Nine‑Mile‑Falls: Not specified in provided materials. Confirm zoning, any county STR permit, health and septic standards, and local fire/noise/parking rules before investing.

Operational Standards Snapshot (Chelan County—For Reference Only; Not Applicable to Nine‑Mile‑Falls)

• Occupancy limits: Tier 1 up to 8; Tier 2 up to 12; Tier 3 up to 16 (overnight).
• Parking: typically 1 space per bedroom plus 1 for on‑site manager; must be off‑street and not in setbacks; owner/operator responsible for timely abatement of parking complaints.
• Noise: compliance with local noise control ordinances; owner/operator must abate violations within 60 minutes.
• Trespass: written rules in leases; owner/operator must abate trespass complaints within 60 minutes.
• Fire: 2A:10BC extinguisher in common space; fire protection plan; outdoor burning restrictions per fire hazard areas.
• Waste: weekly solid‑waste service and compliant containers; remove cans from public ROW within 24 hours of pickup.
• Signs: clearly display address; display STR registration number and contact phone; sign limits (e.g., max 8 sq ft; indirect illumination; min 4‑inch letters).
• Consumer Safety: post required state consumer‑safety information inside unit.
• Qualified Person: available 24/7; able to respond within 60 minutes.
• Property Management Plan: on file and posted; includes site map, egress route, emergency contacts, parking layout, good‑neighbor rules, max occupancy/vehicles, contact info, etc.
• Advertising: must display county STR permit number in all listings.

Permit & Fee Timeline Overview (Chelan County—Reference Only)

• Application acceptance: annual windows (e.g., June 1–July 31) for new Tier 2/3 in zones below the cap; Tier 1 not capped.
• First‑come, first‑served basis; limited by housing‑stock caps.
• Initial permit: includes self‑certification; full inspections within first or second year.
• Annual renewal: deadline before the permit year; fees non‑refundable and not prorated; expiring on December 31 annually.
• Example fees: Tier 1 $500; Tier 2 $500–$900; Tier 3 $2,270 first permit then $750 annual; Fire inspection $100.

Note: Spokane County deadlines/fees, if any, were not provided.

Enforcement and Penalties (Chelan County—Reference Only)

• Verified violations may trigger civil penalties and permit revocation for repeat or serious non‑compliance (e.g., failure to respond to complaints, denial of inspections).
• Penalties escalate for repeated violations; citations may be issued on‑site.
• State-level consumer‑safety violations: first violation typically a Class 2 civil infraction ($125), with escalating penalties thereafter.

Chelan County STR Resources (Illustrative; Not for Nine‑Mile‑Falls)

• Chelan County Community Development Department: planning and STR permits
• Chelan County Sheriff’s Office
• Chelan County Fire Marshal/District 5
• Chelan‑Douglas Health District
• Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR): lodging tax registration

Washington State Contacts (Applicable to Nine‑Mile‑Falls)

• Washington State Department of Revenue (Lodging/STR Registration and Taxes)
  • Phone: 360‑902‑7117 or 800‑647‑7706
  • Email: MyDOR@dol.wa.gov
  • Website: dor.wa.gov (Search “short‑term rentals” for consumer‑safety posting template and lodging tax registration)

Sources (As Provided)

• Chelan County Short‑Term Rentals Code (Attachment A), BOCC Hearing Draft July 2021: www.co.chelan.wa.us/files/community-development/documents/STR/FINAL_STR_Code_adopted_07272021_Attachment_A.pdf

Action checklist for Nine‑Mile‑Falls investors

• Confirm Spokane County zoning and whether an STR permit is required; obtain it if needed.
• Register with DOR and collect/remit lodging and sales taxes.
• Install/maintain consumer‑safety postings and required protections.
• Build a Property Management Plan with a local qualified contact and 60‑minute response capability.
• Ensure septic capacity, parking, and compliance with fire/noise/trash rules.
• Clarify HOA covenants (common in Nine‑Mile‑Falls) to avoid restrictions on short‑term rentals.
• Display address and contact information on‑site and include any required registration/permit numbers in all listings.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes and is not legal advice. Verify all requirements with Spokane County, the Washington State Department of Revenue, and any relevant HOAs before operating a short‑term rental.