Pacific, Washington Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Note: The following guide relies solely on the provided content. No additional online lookup was performed.

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

Short‑term rentals are permitted in Pacific County under county “vacation rental” policy. The document explicitly defines Short‑Term Vacation Rentals as a single‑family dwelling unit or accessory residential dwelling unit used for transient occupancy for 30 days or less, and outlines a comprehensive policy framework for licensing and operation. Whether you are in the City of Pacific or elsewhere in the county, the county policies apply; no separate city‑specific ordinance is provided in the content.

Bottom line: STRs are allowed in Pacific County, including the City of Pacific, subject to the rules summarized below.

Reference source: Pacific County “Short Term Vacation Rental Policies” (Draft) — www.co.pacific.wa.us/dcd/images/PC/2020.03.05%20Draft%20Vac%20Rental%20Policy.pdf

How to Start a Short-Term Rental in Pacific County (WA)

Confirm Zoning and Eligibility

STRs must align with the county’s “vacation rental” policies, which classify vacation rentals as Residential Group R occupancy under the International Building Code. Within residential zoning districts (R‑1, R‑2, R‑R), minimum separation and density rules apply (see Specific Regulations below).
Important: Only one vacation rental can be located on an individual parcel, either an accessory dwelling or the primary residence, not both.

Secure Required Approvals and Inspections

Fire & Life Safety Inspection: Required prior to initial permit issuance and again prior to each annual license renewal (initial and bi‑annual).
Floor Plan: Submit an accurate floor plan at application that identifies bed locations in sleeping areas to facilitate proper egress. Changes require resubmittal and may trigger an inspection. Post the approved plan visibly inside the vacation rental.

Establish Local Point of Contact

Designate a local point of contact who can respond immediately (24/7) to complaints (garbage, disturbances, etc.) and remediate non‑compliance. This contact must reside within one hour travel time from the property.

Apply for Licensing and Post Public Notice

Public notice for new licenses involves:
- Posting a 2’ x 2’ sign in three locations on the perimeter of the subject property.
- Written notice to all property owners within a radius of 300 feet of the property lines.

Prepare Road and Access

Ensure road access meets Pacific County Road Standards (Resolution No. 99‑089). Minimum 20‑foot side‑to‑side clearance (horizontal) is required on private lanes and driveways.

Compliance During Operation

Enforce occupancy limits, adhere to advertising restrictions (do not market above permitted occupancy), maintain septic capacity (see occupancy standards), and facilitate inspections as required.

Reference source: www.co.pacific.wa.us/dcd/images/PC/2020.03.05%20Draft%20Vac%20Rental%20Policy.pdf

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Licensing

Vacation Rental License issued by Pacific County (initial and annual renewals).

Inspections

Fire & Life Safety Inspection (initial and bi‑annual), performed by the Pacific County Building Division.

Floor Plan and Posting

Accurate to‑scale floor plan identifying bed locations, submitted with application and approved before permit issuance. Approved plan must be posted inside the unit.

Public Notice

On‑site posting: 2’ x 2’ sign in three locations.
Radius notice: Written notice to all property owners within 300 feet of the property lines.

Documentation

Proof that septic capacity meets occupancy (based on design flows tied to two persons per bedroom).
Road/Access compliance (Resolution No. 99‑089).

Definitions and Clarifications

STR defined as a dwelling or accessory dwelling used for stays of 30 days or less.
Local point of contact: must be available 24/7 and live within one hour of the site.

References

Pacific County Zoning Ordinance No. 184 (authority).
Pacific County Building Construction and Fire Prevention/Protection Ordinance No. 151 (building/fire code authority).
Pacific County Board of Health Ordinance No. 3E (septic).
IBC/IRC classification as Group R (R‑1 or R‑3) occupancy for vacation rentals.

Source: www.co.pacific.wa.us/dcd/images/PC/2020.03.05%20Draft%20Vac%20Rental%20Policy.pdf

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals (Pacific County, WA)

Occupancy

Cap: No more than two overnight occupants per bedroom, plus two additional overnight occupants.
Absolute cap: Maximum 10 total occupants (includes all guests over age 2).
Occupancy standard linked to septic design flows: two persons per bedroom (Ordinance 3E, Section 13.2.4).
Advertising: Do not market above the permitted occupancy.

Density

Within R‑1, R‑2, and R‑R zoning districts: a vacation rental must be at least 500 feet from any other dwelling/residence operating as a vacation rental (distance measured building‑to‑building).

Parcel Limitation

Only one vacation rental per parcel; either the primary residence or an accessory dwelling may be licensed, not both.

Access and Road Standards

Minimum 20‑foot horizontal clearance between obstructions along private lanes/driveways.
Road access must meet Pacific County Road Standards (Resolution No. 99‑089).

Floor Plan and Egress

Accurate floor plan required identifying bed locations; must be approved prior to permit issuance and posted in the unit. Changes require resubmittal/approval and may require re‑inspection.

Fire & Life Safety

Initial and bi‑annual Fire & Life Safety inspection by the Pacific County Building Division (IRC/IBC compliance).

Public Notice

Perimeter signage: 2’ x 2’ sign at three locations on the property perimeter.
Radius notice: Written notice to all property owners within 300 feet of all property lines.

Local Point of Contact

Contact must respond immediately to complaints regardless of time of day and remediate issues; reside within one hour of the site.

Source: www.co.pacific.wa.us/dcd/images/PC/2020.03.05%20Draft%20Vac%20Rental%20Policy.pdf

Washington State-Level Requirements (General STR Rules)

Because no city‑specific ordinance for Pacific is provided in the content, the following statewide fundamentals apply to all Washington STR operators:

Registration and Licensing
- Washington does not issue a statewide short‑term rental license; licensing/permitting is local. You must obtain any required local license (Pacific County’s license applies here).
- Register with the Washington Department of Revenue to collect and remit applicable taxes.
- Consider forming a legal business entity (e.g., LLC) through the Washington Secretary of State.
Taxes
- Sales tax and local lodging (transient lodging) taxes are required. If your booking platform does not collect them, you must register, collect, and remit to the Department of Revenue (often monthly or quarterly).
- Washington does not have a single statewide rate; local add‑ons drive the total. Hosts are responsible for accurate collection and filing even when platforms assist.
Insurance
- Maintain at least $1,000,000 in liability coverage or use platform coverage that meets this threshold. Standard homeowner’s policies typically do not cover STR exposures.
Safety
- Install working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms.
- Provide fire extinguishers and clearly marked exits; develop and post an emergency plan.
- Display emergency contact information and local regulations inside the unit.
Business License and Compliance
- Obtain a Washington State business license (UBI).
- Adhere to local noise and parking ordinances; respect HOA rules if applicable.
- Keep thorough records for tax reporting and inspections.

Reference sources:

Contact Information: Pacific County Departments

Pacific County Department of Planning & Development / Building Division

Locations and general contacts
- 1216 W. Robert Bush Dr., PO Box 68, South Bend, WA 98586
  - Phone: 360‑875‑9356
  - Fax: 360‑875‑9304
- 7013 Sandridge Rd., Long Beach, WA 98631
  - Phone: 360‑642‑9382
  - Fax: 360‑642‑9387

Note: The policy document indicates inspections are performed by the Pacific County Building Division and references County Board of Health Ordinance No. 3E for septic systems. For septic matters, coordinate with the Board of Health/Environmental Health using the same office contacts where appropriate.

Source: www.co.pacific.wa.us/dcd/images/PC/2020.03.05%20Draft%20Vac%20Rental%20Policy.pdf

Links to Source Pages

Pacific County “Short Term Vacation Rental Policies” (Draft) — www.co.pacific.wa.us/dcd/images/PC/2020.03.05%20Draft%20Vac%20Rental%20Policy.pdf
Washington Short‑Term Rental Laws (2025 Update) — www.redawning.com/pm/post/washington-short-term-rental-laws
Washington State Regulations Every Vacation Rental Owner Should Know — recreationstays.com/blog/washington-state-regulations-every-vacation-rental-owner-should-know/
Airbnb & Short‑Term Rental Laws in Washington State — www.steadily.com/blog/airbnb-short-term-rental-laws-and-regulations-in-washington-state
Washington State Hidden Rental Rules & Prime Seasons (contextual) — monthlyvacationer.com/owner-resources/unveiling-washington-states-hidden-rental-rules-and-prime-seasons-for-a-visit/

Practical Compliance Checklist (Ready-to-Use)

Confirm zoning allows STRs and that the 500‑foot separation rule is satisfied (R‑1, R‑2, R‑R).
Ensure only one STR per parcel (primary or accessory dwelling, not both).
Submit accurate floor plan with bed locations; post approved plan in unit.
Complete initial Fire & Life Safety inspection; schedule bi‑annual inspections thereafter.
Designate a local point of contact who lives within one hour of the property and is 24/7 responsive.
Post public notices (perimeter signage; 300‑foot radius notice).
Verify road access meets Resolution No. 99‑089 and 20‑foot clearance standard.
Enforce occupancy limits (10 max; 2 per bedroom + 2; do not advertise beyond permitted limits).
Align septic capacity with occupancy (2 persons per bedroom standard).
Obtain Pacific County vacation rental license; renew annually.
Register with WA Department of Revenue; set up tax collection/remittance (sales and lodging taxes).
Maintain $1M liability insurance; consider platform coverage options.
Install/maintain smoke/CO detectors, extinguishers, and clearly marked exits; post emergency plan and contact information.
Check HOA rules; comply with local noise/parking ordinances.

This guide reflects the county’s vacation rental policy framework and state‑level requirements based strictly on the provided content. Investors should verify any recent updates or city‑specific rules directly with Pacific County authorities.

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