Spokane, Washington Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Spokane, WA. Spokane permits short-term rentals of residential dwelling units for periods of fewer than 30 nights, with a regulatory framework that became effective on June 17, 2015, and was significantly amended effective September 1, 2023. The city has established a structured permitting system that allows eligible permanent residents (both owners and tenants) to operate legitimate short-term rental businesses.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Spokane?

Spokane hosts earn a median $27,094/year with $142 ADR and 66% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $39,651+ per year.

See the full Spokane market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Spokane

Step 1: Business License Registration

Before applying for a short-term rental permit, you must obtain a City of Spokane Business License, which is combined with Washington State business licensing through the Department of Revenue website (bls.dor.wa.gov).

Step 2: Short-Term Rental Permit Application

Submit applications through the Accela Citizen Access online permitting platform under the planning tab. Applications require comprehensive preparation and documentation.

Step 3: Compliance Verification

Ensure your property meets all safety, zoning, and building code requirements before submitting your application.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Documentation Checklist:

City of Spokane Business License - Combined city/state license through Department of Revenue
Completed Short-Term Rental Permit Application - Available in PDF format
Completed and Notarized Annual Life Safety Compliance Form - Updated April 11, 2025
Liability Insurance Copy - Must cover the rental property
Site Plans - Including parking layout and fire safety egress routes
Floor Plans - With room labels clearly marked
Fire Safety Plan - Showing means of ingress and egress
Notification Letter - For residential zone applications only
Notification Recipient List - Names and addresses of all notified property owners and organizations

Permit Types and Fees:

Residential Zones: $200 Application fee, $100 Annual renewal
Other Zones: $300 Application fee, $150 Annual renewal
Multiple Units: Each unit requires separate application and receives individual permit number

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Spokane Regulations (SMC 17C.316)

Permitted Structure Types:

Conforming residential structures
Residential dwelling units within mixed-use buildings
Administrative permit required for all STR operations

Maximum STR Units by Structure:

Single-Family/Accessory Dwelling/Attached Single-Family: One STR allowed per structure
Duplexes: One STR allowed in one of the units
Multifamily/Mixed-Use Buildings:
- Fire sprinklered buildings: Maximum 20% of total residential units as STRs
- Non-sprinklered buildings: Must comply with current building and fire codes
- Calculations rounded up to nearest full unit

Occupancy and Safety Standards:

Must comply with consumer safety and liability insurance requirements (RCW 64.37)
Building Official must verify each bedroom meets current building and fire code requirements
Common areas (living rooms, lofts, closets) cannot qualify as sleeping accommodations
Total residents and guests cannot exceed lawful limits per building/fire code
Parking must comply with Spokane Municipal Code Chapter 17C.230
All advertisements must list STR permit number

Neighbor Notification Requirements:

Prepare notification letter describing operation and bedroom count
Include owner/operator contact information for emergencies
Mail or deliver to all recognized organizations and abutting property owners
Must be completed upon STR permit issuance

Permit Revocation Conditions:

One warning for violations (nuisances, littering, public disturbance)
Non-compliance or repeat violations within 12 months result in revocation
New permits prohibited at same site for 2 years following revocation

Washington State Requirements (RCW 64.37)

Consumer Safety Obligations:

Contact Information: Provide operator contact to guests during stay
Carbon Monoxide Compliance: Meet RCW 19.27.530 requirements
Required Posted Information:
- STR street address
- Emergency contact information
- Floor plan with fire exits and escape routes
- Maximum occupancy limits
- Operator contact information

Insurance Requirements:

Maintain primary liability insurance minimum $1 million aggregate
Or conduct transactions through platform providing equal/greater coverage
Personal homeowner insurance typically excludes commercial STR activities

Platform Obligations:

Platforms must register with Department of Revenue
Must inform operators of tax responsibilities
Must provide safety requirement summaries
Must notify operators about personal insurance policy limitations

Tax Compliance Requirements

State and Local Taxes:

Washington Combined Sales Tax applies
Special Host/Motel Tax (typically 1-5% of listing price including cleaning fees)
Convention and Trade Center Tax
Regional Transit Authority Tax
Tourism Promotion Area Charges
Business & Occupation (B&O) Tax at 1.5% of gross rental income

Registration and Filing:

Register with Washington Department of Revenue if platform doesn't collect taxes
File monthly or quarterly lodging tax returns
Maintain detailed records of nightly rates, cleaning fees, and occupancy
Revenue threshold requiring registration: $2,000 annually

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Primary Contacts:

Spokane Development Services Center

Phone: 509.625.6300
Address: 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd., Spokane, WA 99201-3329
Responsible for: STR permit applications, zoning compliance, life safety inspections

Spokane Planning & Development Services

Phone: 509.625.6188
Responsible for: Planning questions, zoning verification

Spokane Taxes and Licenses Department

Phone: 509-625-6070
Responsible for: Business licensing, tax registration

Washington State Department of Revenue

Website: dor.wa.gov
Responsible for: State tax registration, B&O tax filing

Online Resources:

Permit Applications: aca.spokanepermits.org/CitizenAccess/Default.aspx
Business Licensing: bls.dor.wa.gov
Municipal Code: my.spokanecity.org/smc/
Zoning Information: Available through Development Services Center

Important Regulatory Notes

Grandfathering Provisions:

Existing approved STR permits active before July 1, 2023, remain grandfathered
Must maintain active status and cannot expand beyond original approval
Failure to renew eliminates grandfathered status

Enforcement Timeline:

City began STR monitoring in January 2024
Non-compliant operators receive 30-day grace periods to obtain permits
Active monitoring through contracted software provider

Legal Compliance Warnings:

STR permits do not override lease agreements, HOA bylaws, or CC&Rs
Verify all contractual restrictions before investing
Zoning compliance essential for legal operation

Source Links

This guide provides comprehensive information for investors considering short-term rental operations in Spokane, WA. Always verify current regulations before making investment decisions, as local ordinances may be updated.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Spokane

Spokane, the second-largest city in Washington, sits in Spokane County in the eastern part of the state, a region often called the Inland Northwest. With a city population of roughly 230,000 and a metro area approaching 600,000, it functions as the principal urban hub for eastern Washington, northern Idaho, and parts of western Montana. The city carries a relaxed, outdoorsy character, pairing a walkable, revitalized downtown with quick access to mountains, lakes, and river canyons. It is best known as a regional center and a gateway to the surrounding natural landscapes, and it lies about 280 miles east of Seattle, the nearest major West Coast city, and roughly 18 miles west of the Idaho border.

At the heart of downtown, Riverfront Park was built on the site of the 1974 World's Fair and stretches along both banks of the Spokane River. Its centerpiece is the Spokane Falls, a series of cascades that thunder through the city center and are illuminated after dark. The park also includes walking and cycling paths, an old-fashioned carousel, and the U.S. Pavilion observation tower, making it a natural starting point for visitors exploring the city on foot.

About 30 miles northeast of downtown, Mount Spokane State Park covers more than 13,000 acres of forested ridges, alpine meadows, and small lakes, with a summit just over 5,800 feet. The drive takes roughly 45 minutes. In summer, the park offers hiking, mountain biking, and wildflower meadows, while in winter it becomes a ski and snowshoe destination with both downhill runs and a Nordic trail system. The scenic drive up to the top is a draw in every season.

Roughly 30 miles east of Spokane, across the state line, sits the resort town of Coeur d'Alene on the shore of its strikingly blue namesake lake, a drive of about 40 minutes. The lake is famous for boating, swimming, and a memorable floating green at the local resort golf course, and the surrounding town offers boutiques, restaurants, and a lively waterfront. It is a popular day trip and weekend escape for Spokane visitors and residents alike.

Spokane's combination of an affordable, walkable urban core and immediate access to mountains, lakes, and small Idaho towns makes it a natural base for short-term rentals. Travelers can spend mornings at Spokane Falls, afternoons hiking on Mount Spokane, and evenings dining along the lake in Coeur d'Alene, all within an hour of the city. With four distinct seasons, a growing food and arts scene, and a central location within the Inland Northwest, Spokane offers year-round appeal and steady demand for hosts welcoming visitors to the region.