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

YES - Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Twisp, Washington under Chapter 18.70 of the Twisp Municipal Code (TMC). The town has established a comprehensive regulatory framework that permits Short-Term Vacation Rentals (STVRs) with specific limitations, requirements, and conditions designed to balance economic opportunities with community character preservation.

Twisp allows up to 15 STVR permits annually across both residential and commercial zoning districts, with residential STVRs required to be owner-occupied and commercial STVRs having fewer owner residency requirements. The town implemented these regulations through Ordinance #817 in 2024, lifting a previous moratorium that had been in place since April 2022.

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

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Determine Eligibility and Timing

• Confirm your property zoning (residential vs. commercial)
• Check the 15-permit annual cap and application timing (January 1-31)
• Verify you can meet owner-occupancy requirements if in residential zone

Step 2: Secure All Required Pre-Permits Before applying for the STVR permit, you must obtain:

• Washington State Unified Business Identifier (UBI)
• Town of Twisp Business License
• Okanogan County Public Health Overnight Transient Accommodations Permit
• Town of Twisp Change of Use Permit

Step 3: Complete the STVR Permit Application

• Submit application to Town of Twisp Planning Department
• Pay established permit fee (set by town council resolution)
• Include required documentation and permits

Step 4: Compliance and Operations

• Display STVR permit prominently at the rental property
• Maintain all required permits and records
• Ensure ongoing compliance with operational conditions

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary STVR Permit Requirements

1. Town of Twisp Short-Term Vacation Rental Permit

• Application through Planning Department on town-provided form
• Personal to owner, not transferable with property sale
• Annual renewal required
• Maximum 2 permits per owner
• Cap: 15 permits total annually (January 1-December 31)

2. Washington State Unified Business Identifier (UBI)

• Required for taxation purposes
• Valid UBI number required at all times
• Supporting information validating registration of specific STVR

3. Town of Twisp Business License

• Current license required prior to STVR permit issuance
• Must be presented to town before STVR permit approval

4. Okanogan County Public Health Overnight Transient Accommodations Permit

• Valid OTA permit required at all times
• Must be presented prior to STVR permit issuance

5. Town of Twisp Change of Use Permit

• Building official inspection report verifying compliance
• Must meet all applicable use and building code requirements

Record Keeping Requirements

Operators must maintain:

• Valid UBI and supporting registration documentation
• Current OTA permit from Okanogan County Public Health District
• Building inspection report from Town of Twisp Building Official
• Current Town of Twisp Business License

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals in Twisp, WA

Residential Zoning District Requirements (R-1, R-2, R-3)

Owner Occupancy Requirement

• Property must be owner-occupied for minimum 9 months per year
• Primary residence evidenced by two of: voter registration, driver's license, car registration, or other approved identification
• Owner can only have one primary residence

Operational Requirements

• Off-street parking: 1 space per bedroom rented + 1 additional space
• No parking on public streets or right-of-way allowed
• Owner or site manager must be available 24/7 and arrive within 1 hour of notification
• Noise limit: 65 decibels at property line
• Guest information collection: names, contact info, vehicle license numbers
• List of general living provisions must be provided to administrator
• Manager contact information posted prominently on property

Advertising and Display Requirements

• Location of all online advertising (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) must be identified on application
• One sign allowed: maximum 2 square feet with indirect downward lighting
• STVR permit must be prominently displayed at property at all times

Zoning Compliance

• STVR permitted in residential zones with owner-occupancy requirement
• Also permitted in some commercial zones without owner-occupancy requirement
• ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) are allowed for STVR use in residential zones

Commercial Zoning District Requirements (C-1, C-2, C-3)

Commercial STVRs have similar requirements to residential except:

• No owner-occupancy requirement
• Same parking, noise, and operational standards
• Same permit and licensing requirements
• Sign and advertising restrictions identical to residential

Application and Permit Management

Annual Application Process

• Applications accepted January 1-31 annually
• Existing permit holders have precedence over new applications if they apply within deadline
• Permits expire December 31 annually
• New application required each year

Transfer Restrictions

• STVR permits are personal to owner and not transferable with property sale
• New property owner must apply for new STVR permit to continue operation
• Maximum 2 permits per owner

Enforcement and Compliance

• Applications processed per TMC 18.50.080
• Cancellation/revocation per TMC 18.50.080
• Appeals governed by TMC 18.50.110, 18.50.120, and 18.50.130
• Violations can result in permit loss

Contact Information for Local Authority in Charge of STRs

Town of Twisp Planning Department

• Address: 118 S Glover Street, Twisp, WA 98856
• Phone: 509-997-4081
• Primary Contact: Thom Vetter, Town Planner
  • Email: townplanner@townoftwisp.com
• Secondary Contact: Heather Davis, Deputy Clerk
  • Email: deputyclerk@townoftwisp.com
• Website: www.townoftwisp.com/services/building__planning/index.php
• Hours: By Appointment

Okanogan County Public Health District

• Required for Overnight Transient Accommodations Permit
• Note: As of 2025, Okanogan County Public Health is no longer a county department and does not issue these permits per recent county changes

Town Hall General Contact

• Phone: 509-997-4081
• Address: PO Box 278, 118 S. Glover St, Twisp, WA 98856
• Hours: Mon-Thurs 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Closed Friday

Source Pages and Links

Primary Regulatory Sources:

• Twisp Municipal Code Chapter 18.70 - Short-Term Vacation Rentals
• Ordinance #817 - STVR Implementation

Town Resources:

• Town of Twisp Building & Planning Department
• Twisp Municipal Code
• Town Contact Information

News Coverage:

• Methow Valley News - STVR Regulations Article (August 2024)
• Methow Valley News - Nightly Rentals Article (January 2025)

Additional Municipal Codes:

• Twisp Municipal Code Chapter 18.20 - General Regulations
• Accessory Dwelling Unit Regulations

Investment Considerations

Market Limitations:

• Only 15 permits available annually town-wide
• Highly competitive application process
• Owner-occupancy requirement limits scalability in residential zones

Compliance Burden:

• Multiple simultaneous permits and licenses required
• Annual renewal and reapplication process
• Strict operational requirements including immediate manager availability
• Property transfer requires new permit application

Zoning Opportunities:

• Commercial zones offer non-owner-occupied operation
• ADUs permitted in residential zones with owner-occupancy
• Limited geographic area within town boundaries

This regulatory framework represents a balanced approach that allows short-term rental operations while protecting residential character and ensuring community standards are maintained through rigorous permitting and oversight processes.