Executive Overview: STR Status in Quincy, WA

Short-term rentals ARE ALLOWED in Quincy, WA through a municipal permit system established under Chapter 20.62 of the Quincy Municipal Code. The city explicitly permits STR operations for dwelling units rented for fewer than 90 consecutive days, recognizing them as legitimate commercial tourist accommodations. However, all STR operations require advance approval and annual permit renewal, with strict compliance requirements and enforcement mechanisms in place.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Quincy, WA

Step 1: Pre-Application Planning

• Determine your permit type: Choose between Type 1 (owner/resident present) or Type 2 (owner/resident not present during rentals)
• Verify zoning compliance: Confirm your property is in an approved zone (R-1, R-M, or B-D)
• Assess property capacity: Calculate maximum occupancy (2 persons per bedroom plus 2)
• Identify designated caretaker: Secure a responsible party within 45-minute drive of property

Step 2: Application Process

• Submit STR permit application through City of Quincy Community Development
• Complete required documentation (see application requirements below)
• Pay application fees: $383 initial application, $109 annual renewal
• Submit notarized caretaker signature form
• File application anytime during year (permits expire January 31st annually)

Step 3: Inspection Phase

• Home inspection required before permit approval
• City Building Inspector conducts comprehensive safety and code compliance review
• Address any inspection conditions within 10 business days
• Ensure all safety features are accessible and functional

Step 4: Final Approval

• Land Use Code Administrator reviews complete application
• Permit approval without public notice required
• Begin rental operations only after final permit granted

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Mandatory Permits

• Short-Term Rental Permit (Type 1 or Type 2)
• Building permits if any structural modifications required
• Business license (if applicable under state requirements)

Required Documentation

1. Owner/applicant information and contact details
2. Residency status confirmation (owner present vs. absent)
3. Designated caretaker information with 45-minute proximity verification
4. Permit type selection (Type 1 or Type 2)
5. Property description including current use and rental plans
6. Property details: parcel number, zoning, surrounding properties
7. Space specifications: bedrooms, bathrooms, available parking
8. Listing information: beds, occupancy limits, expected rental frequency

Mandatory Safety Features (Must be on-site and accessible)

• Smoke detectors compliant with building codes
• Fire extinguishers compliant with building codes
• Egress windows compliant with building codes
• Emergency exits compliant with building codes
• Potable water access
• Functional bathroom facilities
• Emergency contact information (including caretaker details)

Additional Compliance Requirements

• Designated caretaker within 45-minute drive with notarized consent
• Off-street parking meeting city requirements (see parking section)
• Zoning compliance for approved districts
• Annual renewal by January 31st

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State Level

City of Quincy Regulations

Permitting Structure

• Two permit types:
  • Type 1: Owner/resident occupies primary residence during rentals
  • Type 2: Owner/resident does not occupy during rental periods
• One permit per dwelling unit - each unit requires separate permit
• No subleasing or subletting permitted

Occupancy Limits

• Maximum occupancy: 2 persons per bedroom + 2 additional persons
• Studio/zero bedroom units: 2 persons per 1,000 square feet

Zoning Restrictions

• Allowed zones: R-1 (Single-Family Residential), R-M (Multiple-Family Residential), B-D (Business District)
• Prohibited zones: Industrial zones (all industrial classifications)
• Proximity requirements:
  • R-1 zones: Minimum 300 feet separation between STR properties
  • R-M and B-D zones: No proximity restrictions

Parking Requirements

• Standard requirement: 1 off-street parking space per 2 bedrooms
• Studio/1-bedroom: No additional parking required
• Odd bedroom calculations: Round up to next even number for parking requirements
• Type 1 calculations: Exclude bedrooms occupied by permanent residents
• Type 2 calculations: Include all bedrooms in the unit
• Exemptions: Land Use Code Administrator may approve case-by-case exemptions

Operational Requirements

• Designated caretaker: Must reside within 45-minute drive, can be owner, property manager, or responsible party
• Emergency contact: Must provide caretaker information to city with notarized signature
• No food service: STRs must retain dwelling unit form and function

Permit Limitations

• Maximum citywide: 1% of total housing units (determined annually by September 30th)
• Waiting list: New applications placed on waiting list when maximum reached
• Renewal priority: Renewals submitted by January 2nd have priority over new applications

Enforcement and Penalties

• Operating without permit: 5-day notice to cease, then $100/day fine
• Nuisance enforcement:
  • 1st complaint: Written warning
  • 2nd complaint: Second warning + up to $250 fine or mandatory meeting
  • 3rd complaint: Immediate permit revocation + $500 fine if public health/safety impacted
• Revoked permits: Cannot reapply for same property for minimum 1 year

Renewal Requirements

• Annual expiration: All permits expire January 31st
• Renewal window: Submit November 1st - January 2nd for guaranteed processing
• Late renewals: Submitted after January 2nd not guaranteed processed before expiration
• Lapsed permits: 30+ days past expiration requires new application with full fees

County Level (Grant County)

• No additional county-level STR regulations identified in provided materials
• County operations likely limited to tax collection and general business oversight

State Level (Washington)

• Definition: STR defined as renting single-family dwelling for less than 90 consecutive days
• Excludes: Month-to-month tenancies following 90+ day leases
• State business licensing: May require Washington State business license for STR operations
• Tax obligations: State lodging taxes may apply (contact Washington Department of Revenue for specifics)

Contact Information for Local Authority

City of Quincy Community Development

• Primary Contact: Land Use Code Administrator
• Building Inspector: For inspections and safety compliance
• Department: Community Development
• Physical Address: City Hall, 908 4th Avenue SW, Quincy, WA 98848
• Mailing Address: PO Box 338, Quincy, WA 98848
• Phone: (509) 787-3523
• Fax: (509) 787-3624
• Email: Contact through city website at quincywashington.us
• Website: www.quincywashington.us
• Office Hours: Typically Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (verify current hours)

Key Personnel

• Community Development Director: Oversees planning and zoning
• Building Inspector: Conducts home inspections for STR permits
• Land Use Code Administrator: Reviews and approves permit applications

Links to Source Pages

1. City of Quincy Municipal Code Chapter 20.62: https://www.codepublishing.com/WA/Quincy/html/Quincy20/Quincy2062.html

2. Columbia Basin Herald Article on STR Fees: https://columbiabasinherald.com/news/2025/feb/21/fees-set-for-quincy-short-term-rental-permits/

3. City of Quincy Website: https://www.quincywashington.us

4. Quincy Municipal Code Amendment (Planning Context): https://www.quincywashington.us/DocumentCenter/View/967/PD-Code-Amendment-PC-Staff-Report-and-Exhibits_combined-final-PDF

Strategic Considerations for STR Investors

Market Capacity

• Limited market: City caps STRs at 1% of total housing units
• Current inventory: 4-6 known STRs as of February 2025
• Supply constraint: Hard cap creates scarcity premium for approved permits

Operational Challenges

• Annual renewal: Must reapply each year with no guarantee of approval
• Proximity limits: R-1 zone restrictions limit clustering opportunities
• Active enforcement: Three-strike nuisance policy with immediate revocation capability
• Caregiver requirement: Must maintain designated caretaker within 45-minute drive

Investment Opportunities

• Business district advantage: B-D zone properties have no proximity restrictions
• Higher density potential: R-M zone properties can accommodate multiple units
• Existing infrastructure: Properties with parking and safety features reduce setup costs

This regulatory framework creates a controlled, compliant STR environment that prioritizes community integration while allowing legitimate business operations within strict parameters.