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

Short-term rentals are allowed in Cheney, Washington, but are classified as "Commercial Lodging" under the city's zoning regulations. Specifically, short-term rentals fall under the commercial use type category of "Commercial Lodging," which includes "residential facilities such as hotels, motels, rooming houses and bed-and-breakfast establishments where tenancy is typically less than one month."

Important Note for Investors: Cheney's current regulations do not appear to have a dedicated short-term rental licensing or permit system similar to what exists in nearby Spokane. Short-term rental operations in Cheney would be subject to general commercial zoning requirements and standard business licensing procedures.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Cheney

Step 1: Zoning Compliance Verification

Before proceeding, investors must verify that short-term rental operations are permitted in the specific zoning district where the property is located. Based on Cheney's zoning code, commercial lodging uses are evaluated differently across various zones.

Step 2: Business License Requirements

All short-term rental operations in Cheney require standard business licensing through:

• Washington State Department of Revenue business registration
• City of Cheney business license (where applicable)

Step 3: Property Preparation

Ensure the property meets all applicable building codes, safety requirements, and zoning standards for commercial lodging operations.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Business Licensing Requirements:

1. Washington State Business License

   • Register through the Department of Revenue website (bls.dor.wa.gov)
   • Required for all business operations in Washington state

2. City Business License

   • Cheney Municipal Code requires business license compliance
   • Refer to CMC Title 5 Business Regulations

Zoning and Development Permits:

• Conditional Use Permits may be required depending on the zoning district
• Building Permits for any structural modifications
• Fire Safety Compliance verification
• Parking Plan demonstrating adequate parking for commercial lodging use

Safety and Compliance Documentation:

• Liability Insurance for commercial lodging operations
• Fire Safety Plan showing emergency egress routes
• Emergency Contact Information posted visibly
• Maximum Occupancy documentation

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City-Level Regulations (Cheney Municipal Code)

Commercial Lodging Classification:

• Short-term rentals are defined as "residential facilities such as hotels, motels, rooming houses and bed-and-breakfast establishments where tenancy is typically less than one month"
• This falls under Commercial Use Types in CMC 21.12.030(C)(1)

Zoning District Considerations:

• Permitted status varies by zoning district
• Operators must verify specific zoning requirements for their property location
• Some districts may require conditional use permits for commercial lodging

Development Standards:

• All commercial lodging operations must comply with underlying zoning district development standards
• Setback requirements vary by district and adjacent land uses
• Parking requirements apply based on the commercial nature of the use

County-Level Regulations (Spokane County)

No specific Spokane County short-term rental regulations were identified in the provided sources that would apply to Cheney operations.

State-Level Regulations (Washington State)

• Washington State business registration requirements
• Compliance with Washington State fire safety and building codes
• State lodging tax collection requirements (13.5% combined state and local rates)
• No statewide short-term rental licensing requirements

Washington State Lodging Tax Obligations: Short-term rental operators must collect and remit:

• Washington State lodging tax (approximately 6.5%)
• Local lodging taxes (varies by jurisdiction)
• Total effective rate typically ranges from 13.5% to 15%

Operational Considerations

Noise and Nuisance Compliance:

• Must comply with Cheney Municipal Code 9A.10 (Nuisances)
• Noise standards apply to all commercial lodging operations
• Neighbor notification recommended for property management

Parking Requirements:

• Commercial lodging use requires adequate parking per zoning standards
• Parking plans may be required as part of permit review
• Adequate space for guest parking must be demonstrated

Home Occupation Considerations:

• Residential properties with STR operations must ensure compliance with home occupation standards if applicable
• STR operations should not interfere with primary residential character of neighborhoods

Contact Information for Local Authority

City of Cheney Planning Department

• Address: 609 Second Street, Cheney, WA 99004
• Phone: 509-498-9200
• Website: www.cityofcheney.org
• Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Mayor Chris Grover

• Email: cgrover@cityofcheney.org

Business Licensing Inquiries:

• Contact City Hall at 509-498-9200
• Review Cheney Municipal Code Title 5 for business regulations

Source References

1. City of Cheney - Ordinance Y-9 (Design Standards & Zoning)
2. City of Cheney - Ordinances Directory
3. Cheney Municipal Code - Business License Requirements

Investment Recommendations

Given the current regulatory landscape in Cheney, investors should:

1. Conduct thorough zoning verification before purchasing properties for STR use
2. Engage directly with Cheney planning officials to clarify specific requirements for proposed STR operations
3. Monitor for future STR-specific regulations as surrounding communities like Spokane have implemented more detailed frameworks
4. Consider the proximity to Spokane and potential future harmonization of regulations
5. Factor in the academic community presence (Eastern Washington University) when assessing market demand and potential regulatory responses

Important Disclaimer: This analysis is based on available municipal code information as of the provided sources. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Cheney officials and conduct additional due diligence, as regulations may have been updated since this analysis was prepared.