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.

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:

1. City of Spokane Business License - Combined city/state license through Department of Revenue
2. Completed Short-Term Rental Permit Application - Available in PDF format
3. Completed and Notarized Annual Life Safety Compliance Form - Updated April 11, 2025
4. Liability Insurance Copy - Must cover the rental property
5. Site Plans - Including parking layout and fire safety egress routes
6. Floor Plans - With room labels clearly marked
7. Fire Safety Plan - Showing means of ingress and egress
8. Notification Letter - For residential zone applications only
9. 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:

1. Single-Family/Accessory Dwelling/Attached Single-Family: One STR allowed per structure
2. Duplexes: One STR allowed in one of the units
3. 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:

1. Contact Information: Provide operator contact to guests during stay
2. Carbon Monoxide Compliance: Meet RCW 19.27.530 requirements
3. 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

1. City of Spokane STR Project Page
2. Spokane Municipal Code 17C.316.040
3. Spokane STR Ordinance 2023
4. RCW 64.37 Short-Term Rentals
5. Washington State Department of Revenue
6. Airbnb Spokane Regulations Guide
7. Avalara STR Tax Compliance Guide

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.