Since you specifically asked about Bow, WA, I should note that Bow may be within Chelan County jurisdiction, and the county-level regulations would likely apply. However, without city-specific regulations for Bow, I'll provide the comprehensive Chelan County STR regulations that would govern short-term rentals in that area, along with any relevant Washington state requirements.

Here is the comprehensive guide:

Short-Term Rental Regulations Guide for Bow, WA (Chelan County)

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

YES - Short-term rentals are allowed in Bow, WA, which falls under Chelan County jurisdiction. However, they are subject to significant regulations including tiered permitting systems, occupancy caps, and strict operational standards. Chelan County adopted comprehensive STR regulations on September 27, 2021, following extensive public process and task force recommendations.

Key Summary:

• Short-term rentals are permitted but heavily regulated commercial uses
• Three-tier system: Tier 1 (owner-occupied), Tier 2 (non-owner occupied), Tier 3 (larger occupancy)
• Geographic caps limit new STRs in areas with high concentrations
• Strict operational standards for parking, noise, garbage, safety, and neighbor relations
• Comprehensive permitting and annual renewal requirements

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How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Bow, WA (Chelan County)

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

• Confirm property zoning allows STRs (see zoning section below)
• Check if area has reached STR cap limits
• Verify property meets minimum lot size requirements
• Ensure no existing code violations on property

Step 2: Choose STR Tier

• Tier 1: Owner-occupied (owner present during rentals), up to 8 guests, allowed in most zones
• Tier 2: Non-owner occupied, up to 12 guests, subject to geographic caps and lot requirements
• Tier 3: Larger occupancy (up to 16 guests), requires conditional use permit

Step 3: Permit Application Process

1. Provisional Registration (for existing STRs): Register by December 31, 2021
2. New STR Applications:
   • Tier 1: No cap, can apply anytime
   • Tier 2 & 3: Subject to annual application windows (June 1-July 31), first-come first-served basis
   • Limited to number allowed under geographic cap

Step 4: Meet All Operational Standards

• Property management plan
• Fire safety and emergency preparedness
• Noise and parking compliance
• Qualified person contact requirements

Step 5: Annual Renewal

• Permits expire December 31 annually
• Renewal applications due by October 31
• Must maintain current permit regardless of rental activity

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Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Required Permits:

1. Short-Term Rental Administrative Land Use Permit (all tiers)
2. Conditional Use Permit (Tier 3 and event venues)
3. Fire Safety Inspection (fire district or designated personnel)
4. Wastewater/Permitted Onsite Sewage System verification

Required Documentation:

• Property Management Plan including:
  • Floor plan and site map with escape routes
  • Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number
  • Property owner/operator contact information
  • Qualified person contact details
  • Emergency communications plan
  • Maximum occupancy and vehicle information
  • Good Neighbor Guidelines acknowledgment

Insurance Requirements:

• Primary liability insurance consistent with RCW 64.37.050
• Proof of insurance must be maintained and renewed annually

Safety Equipment:

• 2A:10BC fire extinguisher in common living space (charged, maintained, serviceable)
• Landline or VOIP telephone for emergency response
• Working smoke alarm in each bedroom
• Emergency egress compliance with IRC standards

Tax Registration:

• Sales tax registration with Washington Department of Revenue
• Lodging tax registration and monthly filing requirements
• Business license as required by state law

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Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals in Chelan County (Applies to Bow, WA)

Geographic Zoning Allowances:

• Tier 1 (Owner-Occupied): Permitted as accessory use in most residential zones
• Tier 2 (Non-Owner Occupied): Permitted in most zones with lot size and distance requirements
• Tier 3 (Large Occupancy): Conditional use permit required in selected zones

STR Cap Limits (Maximum % of total housing stock):

• Most Zip Codes: 6% cap
• Manson UGA: 9% cap
• Peshastin UGA: 0% cap (no new STRs allowed)
• Leavenworth subareas: 6% cap each

Minimum Lot Size Requirements:

• RR20: 10 acres (Tier 2 & 3)
• RR10: 10 acres (Tier 2 & 3)
• RR5: 5 acres (Tier 2 & 3)
• RR2.5: 2.5 acres (Tier 2 only, Tier 3 not allowed)
• RRR, RW, RV: 0.275 acres (Tier 2 only, Tier 3 not allowed)

Occupancy Limits:

• Tier 1: Maximum 8 overnight guests, 8 daytime persons
• Tier 2: Maximum 12 overnight guests, 12 daytime persons
• Tier 3: Maximum 16 overnight guests, 16 daytime persons
• 2 persons per bedroom (including children)

Parking Requirements:

• 1 space per bedroom plus space for onsite manager
• Spaces must be off-street, not in setbacks
• Residential parking standards per Chapter 11.90.060
• Exceeding parking requires Conditional Use Permit

Operational Standards:

Noise Control:

• Must comply with Chapter 7.35 Noise Control
• 60-minute response requirement for noise complaints
• Repeat violations subject to permit revocation

Garbage Management:

• Year-round solid waste receptacles and pickup service
• Trash containers must be removed within 24 hours of pickup
• Compliance with CCC Chapter 4.04 Garbage requirements

Signage Requirements:

• Display address clearly visible from street
• 8 square foot maximum sign showing:
  • STR registration number
  • Central contact phone number
  • Letters/numbers minimum 4 inches high
• Indirect illumination only if illuminated

Qualified Person Requirement:

• Contact person within 60-minute response time
• Available 24/7 during rental periods
• Valid telephone number for reliable contact
• Failure to respond results in violations and potential permit revocation

Property Management Plan Requirements:

• Emergency escape routes and procedures
• Local emergency services contact numbers
• Maximum occupancy and vehicle limits
• Fire protection plan (Ready Set Go program equivalent)
• Good Neighbor Guidelines
• Consumer safety compliance (RCW 64.37.030)

Transfer Restrictions:

• Conforming STRs: Permits not transferable even in death/divorce
• Non-conforming STRs: One transfer allowed within 5 years (3 years in Manson UGA)

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Washington State Requirements for Short-Term Rentals

State Tax Obligations:

• Lodging Tax: 6.5% state lodging tax plus local add-ons
• Sales Tax: 6.5% state sales tax plus local rates
• Transient Rental Income Tax: 37% of gross rental income for STRs in some jurisdictions
• Monthly filing with Washington Department of Revenue required

Consumer Safety Requirements (RCW 64.37.030):

• Maintain residential property standards
• Provide emergency contact information
• Post occupancy limits and house rules
• Provide local contact person information
• Maintain liability insurance

Liability Insurance Requirements (RCW 64.37.050):

• Primary liability insurance required
• Minimum coverage as specified in statute
• Proof of insurance must be available for inspection

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Contact Information for Local Authority

Chelan County Community Development Department

• Address: 411 Washington Street, Wenatchee, WA 98801
• Phone: (509) 667-6210
• Email: commdev@co.chelan.wa.us
• Website: www.co.chelan.wa.us/community-development
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Chelan County Code Enforcement

• Phone: (509) 667-6220
• For STR Violations: Contact for complaint reporting

Chelan County Sheriff's Office

• Non-Emergency: (509) 667-6853
• Emergency: 911

Chelan-Douglas Health District

• Phone: (509) 886-6400
• Website: www.cdhd.wa.gov
• For: Onsite sewage system and health compliance

Washington Department of Revenue

• Phone: (360) 705-6705
• Website: dor.wa.gov
• For: Tax registration and reporting requirements

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Important Deadlines and Timeline

Current Status (as of 2024):

• All existing STRs should have completed provisional registration by December 31, 2021
• New application windows: June 1 - July 31 annually
• Annual permit renewals due: October 31 annually
• Permits expire: December 31 annually

Critical Dates:

• September 27, 2021: Effective date of Chelan County STR regulations
• June 30, 2022: Director deadline for provisional approvals
• December 31, 2022: End of provisional permit period, final deadline for existing STR compliance

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Source Pages

Primary Regulation Document:

• Chelan County Short-Term Rental Code - Final Adopted

Additional Resources:

• Chelan County Community Development
• RCW 64.37 - Short-Term Rental Regulations
• Washington Department of Revenue - Short-Term Rentals

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Note: This guide reflects Chelan County regulations as of the adoption date of September 27, 2021. Investors should verify current regulations and requirements with Chelan County Community Development before making investment decisions, as regulations may have been updated or amended since this analysis.