Important note: No city-specific short‑term rental ordinance was provided in the content. This guide is based strictly on Lincoln County’s zoning code, municipal contacts for Davenport, and general Washington State licensing. Confirm any additional city (Davenport) or health department requirements before operating.

Overview

• Are STRs allowed? Explicit answer: Based on the county zoning code, a single‑family dwelling used as a short‑term rental is a residential “Dwelling – Single‑Family,” which is a permitted use in Residential (Res), Agricultural (Ag), and Recreational (Rec) zones. It is also permitted in many Commercial (Com) and Local Business (LB) contexts. There is no “short‑term rental” permit category defined in the code; STRs appear to be treated as a residential use of a dwelling unit. However, lodging businesses such as hotels/motels and bed and breakfast inns are treated differently: motels require a conditional use permit in Com zones, and bed and breakfast is defined (not necessarily permitted by right) and may require additional approvals.
• Bed and breakfasts: The code defines “Bed and Breakfast Inn” as a single‑family residence with not more than five guestrooms. The use is not listed in the permitted/conditional use matrix. Whether a B&B can operate may depend on interpretation by Planning Services and could require an administrative permit or conditional use permit. If your STR looks more like a traditional B&B, do not assume it’s allowed without explicit approval.
• Operational caution: Lincoln County is primarily agricultural and rural. Many subdivisions and areas have restrictive covenants that may prohibit rentals. Always confirm deed restrictions/private covenants before purchase.

How to Start an STR in This Market

1. Site selection and zoning

   • Identify the zoning of the parcel (Res, Ag, Rec, Com, LB). Single‑family STRs are generally allowed in Res/Ag/Rec as residential dwellings.
   • If the property is within an airport overlay zone (AP‑O) associated with Davenport Municipal Airport (68S), confirm height limits and safety zone constraints; the code contains strict airspace and safety standards for structures and uses near the airport.
   • Verify deed restrictions/subdivision covenants that could prohibit transient rentals.

2. Determine permits/approvals

   • STR as a residential dwelling: In the zones noted, this appears to be a permitted use. No specific STR permit is identified in the county code; however:
     • If you propose lodging that appears to function like a bed and breakfast or more commercial lodging, seek an administrative permit or a conditional use permit from Planning Services.
     • If you propose lodging in a Com zone, check whether a conditional use permit (CUP) is needed for a “motel” or similar lodging business.

3. Building and site compliance

   • If interior/exterior work is planned, obtain building permits and inspections as required by the county building official.
   • If your site accesses a county road, you may need a road approach permit from Public Works (see 17.12 and 17.20 references; road approach permitting authority is countywide).

4. Licensing and taxes

   • Washington State business license: Register with the Washington Department of Revenue and set up sales/use tax accounts. Lodging is subject to state sales tax and Washington’s lodging taxes.
   • If operating within city limits of Davenport, confirm whether a municipal business license or lodging tax registration is required.

5. Health and safety

   • Lincoln County Environmental Health (Sanitarian) may regulate lodging or food service if you plan to serve breakfast or meals. Confirm the need for permits/licensing.
   • Ensure the property meets health, safety, and building code requirements for transient occupancy.

6. Airport safety (if applicable)

   • For properties near Davenport Municipal Airport (68S), comply with AP‑O height and safety zone rules. Coordinate with the Planning Office for any required certifications or FAA notice if structures approach protected airspace (see 17.11.100).

7. Documentation and records

   • Retain proof of land use compliance, building permits, any administrative/CUP approvals, business license, tax accounts, and correspondence with county staff.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• County land use

  • Permitted use status for single‑family dwellings in Res/Ag/Rec zones (no specific STR permit type identified; consider administrative permit if lodging looks like a B&B).
  • If lodging appears “commercial” (motel/B&B), a CUP may be required in Com zones.
  • Administrative permits: Some uses may require administrative permits at the discretion of Land Services (17.12).
  • Road approach permit: Public Works may require a road approach permit for driveways/culverts/alterations (references within 17.20 and county procedures).
  • Building permits: Required for construction, alterations, or repairs; follow IBC and county building official requirements.

• State business/tax

  • Washington State business registration (Department of Revenue).
  • Sales/use tax account(s); lodging taxes apply at the state level; lodging may be subject to local lodging taxes—confirm whether a city registration is required within Davenport limits.

• Health and safety

  • Environmental Health: Confirm requirements for lodging operations and any food service; may need permits/licensing.

• Airport overlay (AP‑O)

  • If within AP‑O, comply with height limits, safety zones, and development standards (17.11). Provide documentation/certifications if requested (see 17.11.100).

Specific Regulations (County)

• Zoning and uses (17.03.040 zoning matrix)

  • Residential dwellings: Permitted (P) in Res; CU in other zones where listed.
  • Motels: Conditional use (CU) in Com zones.
  • Home occupation (major/minor): P in Res; P in Ag and Rec (subject to standards).
  • Bed and breakfast: Defined in 17.02; not explicitly listed in the zoning matrix. Likely requires case‑by‑case interpretation; administrative permit or CUP may be required.
  • Commercial and LB districts: “Commercial uses commonly accepted” (Com); “Small business, retail or professional” (LB). Lodging use may be reviewed case by case (17.03.040, 17.08, 17.09).

• Residential standards (17.07)

  • Setbacks: 10 feet on all sides; 30 feet along state or county roadway (10 feet if within a legal subdivision).
  • Minimum lot area must meet Environmental Health requirements for onsite water/sewer.

• Agricultural/recreational standards (17.04, 17.05)

  • Setbacks: 30 feet along state or county roadway (10 feet in legal subdivision); 10 feet side/rear.
  • Lot area must meet Environmental Health requirements.

• Commercial and local business standards (17.08, 17.09)

  • Minimum lot size: 20,000 sq ft; lot width 100 ft; setbacks: 35 feet front (from right‑of‑way), 20 feet side/rear.
  • Com and LB require site plan and code compliance review for proposals.

• Administrative permits (17.12)

  • Required for certain uses allowed within the code; may be used for temporary uses or unlisted uses at the discretion of Land Services.

• Airport Overlay (17.11)

  • Height and safety restrictions tied to FAA Part 77 imaginary surfaces for Davenport Municipal Airport and others.
  • Special requirements for land divisions and notices within safety zones.
  • Residential structures of 45 feet or less are exempt from certain certification requirements, but height and zone restrictions still apply.

Contact Information

• Lincoln County Land Services (Planning)

  • Phone: (509) 725‑7911
  • Address: 27234 SR 25 N, Davenport, WA 99122
  • Email: Not provided in the content

• Lincoln County Environmental Health (County Sanitarian)

  • Phone: Not provided in the content
  • Contact through Lincoln County Public Works/Land Services for direction

• Lincoln County Public Works (Road approach permits)

  • Phone: Not provided in the content
  • Address: Lincoln County Public Works (contact via Public Works/BOCC for current numbers)

• City of Davenport (incorporated area)

  • Phone/Email/Website: Not provided in the content
  • Address: City Hall (confirm via county/state directories)

• Washington State Department of Revenue (business registration, lodging taxes)

  • Website: dor.wa.gov
  • Phone/Email: See DOR website

Important Links (provided sources and related references)

• Lincoln County Code, Title 17 – Zoning: www.lincolncountywa.com/DocumentCenter/View/422
• Washington Department of Revenue (business and lodging taxes): dor.wa.gov

Investor Checklist

• Confirm zoning: Is the property in Res/Ag/Rec/Com/LB? Check airport overlay if near Davenport Municipal Airport.
• Land use approval: If your STR resembles a bed and breakfast or lodging business, obtain an administrative permit or conditional use permit.
• Building permits: Plan any alterations with permits and inspections.
• Road approach permit: Required for driveways/culverts on county roads.
• Business license and taxes: Register with Washington DOR; check for local (city) lodging tax/business license requirements.
• Health permits: Coordinate with Environmental Health for any lodging/food service needs.
• Covenants: Verify subdivision/private deed restrictions that could prohibit transient rentals.
• Documentation: Keep all approvals, permits, licenses, and correspondence on file.

This guide reflects only the county-level zoning context provided; investors must verify current city of Davenport requirements, deed restrictions, and health permits before operating.