Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Cle Elum, WA?

YES, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Cle Elum, Washington. The City of Cle Elum established comprehensive regulations for short-term rental housing in 2021 with the passage of CEMC 17.160 (Ordinance 1601). These regulations permit unlimited short-term rentals in commercial zones and a limited number of permits in residential zones based on specific spacing requirements.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Cle Elum

Eligibility Requirements

• Property Ownership: You must be the property owner or have written permission from the property owner to operate a short-term rental
• Ownership Limits: Each owner/host is limited to owning and operating a maximum of three short-term rentals
• Property Type: Short-term rentals are only permitted in legal conforming and legal nonconforming residential dwelling units
• Prohibited Locations: Short-term rentals are not permitted in apartment buildings at any time in any zone

Location and Zoning Requirements

• Commercial Zones: No spacing limitations - unlimited short-term rentals permitted
• Residential Zones: Must maintain at least 250 feet separation between parcel boundaries (confirmed using Kittitas County assessor's mapping portal data)
• Eligibility Check: Use the Cle Elum public map portal to determine property eligibility

Application Process

1. Initial Application: Submit a separate application package for each proposed short-term rental
2. Planning Department Review: The planning department reviews and issues all short-term rental applications
3. Building Department Inspection: All short-term rentals must pass building and fire safety inspections before permit issuance
4. Type 2 Review: Required if the applicant does not reside within the dwelling (includes Notice of Application to all property owners within 300 feet)

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Documents

• Short-Term Rental Application (PDF)
• Building permit application form (required during review process)
• Building Department Short-Term Rental Inspection Checklist
• Annual Renewal Form (PDF)

Required Permits and Licenses

• Short-Term Rental Permit: Primary permit required for operation
• City Business License: Required for all short-term rental operations
• Building Permit: Required for safety compliance verification

Fees Structure

• Initial Permit Fee: $1,000.00 ($880 permit + $120 licensing/processing)
• Annual Renewal: Required by December 15 each calendar year
• Non-Prorated Fees: Permit fees are not prorated regardless of application timing
• Business License Fee: Additional fee as established by the City's Fee Schedule

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Operating Standards

Local Contact Person Requirements

• Must designate a local contact person responsible for:
  • Ensuring code compliance
  • Immediately addressing emergency situations
  • Reporting lodging tax
  • Maintaining current business license
  • Property maintenance (including snow/ice removal)

Occupancy Regulations

• Maximum Occupancy: Determined by Cle Elum Fire Department safety guidelines at time of initial licensing
• Dual Use: Property may alternate between short-term rental and full-time residence
• Exclusive Use: During short-term rental tenancies, no other uses permitted without additional permits

Parking Requirements

• Minimum: Two designated off-street parking spaces on the property
• Surface Requirements: Must be on hard surfaces (concrete or compact gravel driveways)
• Prohibited Surfaces: Grass and landscaping areas cannot serve as parking
• Location: All parking spaces must be entirely within property boundaries

Noise and Conduct Standards

• Quiet Hours: 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM daily
• Noise Activities: Limited to 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
• Police Investigation: Any noise complaint subject to city police investigation
• Animal Noise: Excessive animal noise prohibited at all hours

Property Maintenance Standards

• Residential Character: Must maintain residential appearance in residential zones
• Prohibited Changes: No alterations to colors, materials, signage, lighting, or accessory structures that change residential character
• Emissions: No unusual noise, glare, flashing lights, vibrations, or odors

Waste Management

• Mandatory Service: City garbage service required
• Appropriate Sizing: Must maintain adequate garbage collection to prevent overflow
• Enforcement: Mayor may require larger garbage cart after two complaints or overage charges

Pet Policies

• Local Laws: All local animal laws must be followed
• Leash Law: City leash law compliance required
• Waste Cleanup: Animal waste on city right-of-way or neighboring properties must be promptly removed
• Prohibited: No exotic animals or exotic pets permitted

Special Events and Activities

• Prohibited Camping: No camping, RVs, campers, or tent accommodations permitted under STR permit
• Special Events: Weddings, corporate events, commercial functions, and large parties require city event approval from the city events committee
• Additional Permits: Other activities require appropriate additional permits or written city permission

Annual Renewal Process

• Renewal Deadline: December 15 annually
• Calendar Year Basis: January through December permit term
• Late Applications: Must submit new application with full fees if renewal missed
• Processing Order: Applications processed in order received
• Termination Notifications: Submit on annual renewal form with highlighted changes

Contact Information for Local STR Authority

City of Cle Elum Planning Department

• Email: planning@cleelum.gov
• Phone: (509) 674-2262 x110
• Main City Phone: (509) 674-2262

Additional Resources:

• City Website: cleelum.gov
• STR-Specific Page: cleelum.gov/city-services/planning/short-term-rentals/
• Business License Information: cleelum.gov/city-services/business-licenses/

Important Source Links

• Primary STR Regulations Page: https://cleelum.gov/city-services/planning/short-term-rentals/
• Municipal Code CEMC 17.160: https://cleelum.municipal.codes/CEMC/17.160
• Operating Standards (CEMC 17.160.050): https://cleelum.municipal.codes/CEMC/17.160.050
• Short-Term Rental Ordinance 1601 (PDF): https://cleelum.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/ORD-1601-Short-Term-Rentals.pdf
• Cle Elum Public Map Portal: https://cleelum.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=064974857be64da883c65213c3ec8ff4
• Map Instructions (PDF): https://cleelum.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Cle-Elum-Short-term-Rental-Location-Eligibilty-Guide-Public.pdf

This comprehensive regulatory framework demonstrates that Cle Elum has created a structured, investor-friendly environment for short-term rentals while maintaining community standards and safety requirements. The clear application process, defined operating standards, and reasonable fees make this market accessible for serious STR investors willing to comply with local regulations.