Pasco, WA Short-Term Rental (STR) Regulations Guide

Overview

Short-term rentals are explicitly prohibited in the City of Pasco. The city FAQ states: "The City of Pasco does not allow short-term rentals under 30 days." While long-term rentals (30+ days) require a license, STR operations are not permitted within city limits. This position is further reinforced by zoning regulations for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), which explicitly forbid transient occupancy.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Pasco

You cannot legally start a short-term rental business in Pasco city limits. Operating an STR (rentals under 30 days) is prohibited. However, the city council discussed potential future regulation in a 2025 workshop, suggesting a formal permitting process might emerge after a regional study by Visit Tri-Cities. For now, focus on legal alternatives like long-term rentals or properties outside city limits.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses & Guidelines

| Type | Requirement | Details | |------|-------------|---------| | STR Ban | Prohibited | No permits/licenses available for STRs under 30 days | | Long-Term Rentals | Rental License | Required for rentals ≥30 days. Application and inspection info on city website | | State Taxes | Remittance | All applicable taxes must be paid per RCW 64.37.020 | | Safety | Compliance | Must follow RCW 64.37.030 (CO alarms, emergency info posting) | | Insurance | Liability Coverage | $1M minimum required per RCW 64.37.050 | | ADUs | No STR Use | Zoning code 25.161.040 bans transient occupancy in ADUs |

Specific Regulations

City of Pasco:

• STR Prohibition: Explicitly banned under 30 days (FAQ source).
• Zoning Compliance: ADUs cannot be used for STRs (PMC 25.161.040).
• Long-Term Rentals: Must obtain a city rental license and pass inspections.

Franklin County:

• County-level STR regulations not provided in sources. Contact county enforcement at 509-545-3521 for unincorporated areas.

State of Washington (RCW 64.37):

• Definitions: STRs = lodging <30 consecutive nights (excludes hotels/B&Bs).
• Taxes: Operators/platforms must collect/remit sales, lodging, and occupancy taxes.
• Safety: Must provide emergency contacts, exits, occupancy limits, and CO alarms.
• Insurance: $1M liability coverage required (operator or platform-provided).

Contact Information

| Department | Contact Details | |------------|-----------------| | Pasco Code Division | Phone: 509-543-5743<br>Email: Via online form<br>Website: Pasco Code Division | | Pasco City Hall | Phone: 509-544-3080<br>Address: 525 N 3rd Ave, Pasco, WA 99301 | | Franklin County (Unincorporated) | Phone: 509-545-3521 | | Long-Term Rental Licensing | Phone: 509-543-5743<br>Website: Rental License Application |

Key Source Links

1. City STR Prohibition & Rental Licensing: Pasco FAQ - STR Ban
2. ADU Zoning Restrictions: Pasco Municipal Code 25.161.040
3. State STR Framework: RCW 64.37 - Short-Term Rentals
4. Council STR Discussion: Pasco Workshop Overview
5. Rental License Info: Pasco Residential Rental Licenses

Critical Notes for Investors

• Operate Legally: STRs are banned – violations may result in enforcement action.
• Alternative Strategies: Consider long-term rentals in Pasco or unincorporated Franklin County (verify county rules).
• Future Outlook: Monitor city council actions post-Visit Tri-Cities study (timeline: 2–3 years).
• State Compliance: If operating STRs elsewhere in WA, adhere to RCW 64.37 tax, safety, and insurance requirements.

This guide synthesizes current city ordinances, state statutes, and recent council discussions to provide actionable clarity for investors. Always verify county-level rules for properties outside Pasco city limits.