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Cusick, WA

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Cusick, Washington skyline

STR Regulations for Cusick, Washington

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Cusick, WA?
Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Cusick, WA, under Pend Oreille County jurisdiction. Chapter XX.70 of the Pend Oreille County Development Regulations governs "Vacation Rental Regulations," confirming that transient lodging rentals (STRs) are a permitted activity within specific zoning districts, subject to County approval and ongoing compliance.

1. How to Start an STR Business

Pend Oreille County requires a Vacation Rental Permit for all STR operations. Follow these steps:

  1. Zoning Verification: Confirm your property is in an approved zoning district (see "Regulations" below).
  2. Pre-Application Consultation: Optional but recommended. Contact the Community Development Department to discuss requirements, zoning compliance, and permitting timelines.
  3. Application Submission: Apply for a Vacation Rental Permit via Class 1 Review (administrative approval). Required documents include:
    • Property deed or ownership verification.
    • Site plan showing the STR location, access, parking, and utilities.
    • Proof of liability insurance.
    • SEPA checklist (if required by the County).
    • Compliance with fire safety, health, and building codes.
  4. Review & Approval: The Community Development Director issues administrative decisions within 60–90 days.
  5. Renewal: Permits require annual renewal (also a Class 1 action).

2. Required Documents, Permits, Licenses

  • Vacation Rental Permit (Primary Requirement): Chapter XX.70.010–XX.70.030.
  • Building Permits: Required for structural alterations; Chapter XX.30.010–XX.30.030.
  • SEPA Compliance: Environmental review per Chapter XX.14.110–XX.14.120.
  • State-Level Licenses:
    • Washington State business registration (Secretary of State).
    • Lodging taxes (transient occupancy tax) – remit quarterly to the Washington State Department of Revenue.
  • Zoning Conformance: Ensure compliance with Chapter XX.26.040 (Table of Permitted Uses).

3. Specific Regulations (County & State)

A. Pend Oreille County Zoning (Chapter XX.26.040):

  • Permitted STR Locations:
    | Zoning District | STR Status |
    |-----------------------|------------|
    | Rural Residential | Permitted (P) |
    | Rural (5/10/20/40) | Permitted (P) |
    | Natural Resource | Permitted (P) |
    | Commercial/Industrial | Prohibited (X) |

  • Rural Overlay (Chapter XX.26.060): Highway 2/20 corridors (including Cusick) may allow additional density but do not supersede base zoning.

  • Airport Overlay (Chapter XX.26.070G): Properties near Ione Airport must comply with intensity limits and disclosure requirements.

B. State of Washington Requirements:

  • Lodging Taxes: 6.5% state transient lodging tax + local taxes.
  • Fair Housing & Safety: Compliance with ADA, fire safety, and health codes.
  • Host Registration: No state-level registry, but County permit renewal is mandatory.

C. Operating Standards:

  • Occupancy: Governed by building/fire codes.
  • Parking: One space per bedroom (County standard).
  • Noise/Utilities: Must adhere to Chapter XX.30.010 (Off-Premise Signs) and XX.30.020 (Outdoor Lighting).

4. Contact Information

5. Links to Source Pages

Critical Notes for Investors:

  • Zoning Pre-Check: Verify zoning with the County before purchasing property.
  • Class 1 Review: Approval is administrative; no public hearings.
  • State Taxes: Non-compliance with lodging tax remittance results in penalties.
  • Cusick-Specific: Cusick lies within the Highway 20 Corridor overlay (Chapter XX.26.060); confirm alignment with local plans.

This guide synthesizes Pend Oreille County regulations applicable to STRs in Cusick, WA. Always confirm requirements with the Community Development Department prior to operation.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Cusick?

Cusick hosts earn a median $17,942/year with $129 ADR and 46% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $30,881+ per year.

See the full Cusick market breakdown

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Cusick

Market Saturation Score

036912
High Saturation
9/ 12
months with declining YoY revenue
8–10 declining months: high saturation - supply likely outpacing demand.
View Full Cusick Market Analysis

Photos of Cusick

Overview of Cusick

Cusick is a small town nestled in the northeastern corner of Washington, in Pend Oreille County, where the Selkirk Mountains give way to rolling timberland and the slow-moving waters of the Pend Oreille River. With a population of only a few hundred residents, the town has the quiet, unhurried character typical of rural Inland Northwest communities, where logging, ranching, and outdoor life have long shaped the local rhythm. It sits within or adjacent to the Kalispel Indian Reservation, and the surrounding landscape of pine forests, river bends, and mountain backdrops gives the area a distinctly wild, frontier feel. Cusick is roughly 60 miles north of Spokane, the nearest major city, and it serves as a quiet gateway to one of the less-crowded corners of the Pacific Northwest for travelers seeking uncrowded nature rather than urban sightseeing.

Just outside town, the Pend Oreille River forms a defining feature of the local landscape, offering opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and riverside camping along its banks. The river valley is part of a broader water-based recreation corridor that draws visitors looking for a quieter alternative to the busier lakes further west. A short drive east takes visitors across the state line to Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho's largest and deepest lake, where the towns of Sandpoint and Hope provide lake access, marinas, and waterfront dining against a backdrop of the Selkirk and Cabinet ranges.

The surrounding Colville National Forest blankets much of Pend Oreille County with old-growth stands, alpine lakes, and an extensive network of hiking, horseback, and off-road trails. It is a four-season destination, with snowmobiling and cross-country skiing taking over the high country in winter and wildflower-blanketed meadows drawing hikers once the snow recedes. The forest also includes designated wilderness areas and a number of developed campgrounds that put visitors within easy reach of Cusick.

About twenty miles east of Cusick lies Newport, the county seat, which offers the nearest full-service amenities including grocery stores, restaurants, and the small-town services travelers may need. To the south, the city of Spokane and its international airport lie just over an hour's drive, making the region accessible for short-term guests arriving by air.

Cusick appeals to short-term rental owners and investors because of its location at the meeting point of river, forest, and mountain recreation, paired with the seclusion that visitors from larger cities actively seek. Its small size keeps nightly competition low, while proximity to Lake Pend Oreille, the Colville National Forest, and a range of four-season outdoor activities gives the area a steady, year-round draw for travelers looking to unplug in one of the Pacific Northwest's most overlooked corners.

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