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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in East Wenatchee, WA, subject to county regulations. East Wenatchee is located within Chelan County, and STRs are governed by Chelan County's comprehensive short-term rental code. The county regulates approximately 800 short-term rentals throughout the jurisdiction, including popular destination areas like Leavenworth, Manson, Plain, and Chelan. The city itself does not have separate STR-specific regulations but does have accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulations that directly impact STR operations.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in This Market

Step 1: Property Eligibility Assessment

Before proceeding, verify your property is suitable for STR use by:

• Checking zoning compliance with single-family dwelling standards
• Ensuring all structures on the parcel are properly permitted
• Confirming no other code violations exist on the property
• Using the Chelan County GIS Map to identify nearby STRs and understand the local landscape

Step 2: Determine Your STR Tier

Chelan County operates a three-tier system:

Tier 1 (Owner-Occupied):

• Owner is personally present during rental periods
• Maximum 8 occupants including owner(s)
• May include renting rooms while owner lives on-site
• Allows entire dwelling rental up to 15 days per calendar year with on-site qualified person during owner's absence

Tier 2 (Non-Owner Occupied):

• Maximum 12 occupants including children
• Property does not need to be owner-occupied

Tier 3 (High-Capacity):

• Maximum 16 occupants including children
• Must meet all Tier 3 provisions regardless of occupancy status
• Most stringent requirements and highest fees

Step 3: Prepare Application Materials

The permitting process requires:

• Complete application forms
• Liability insurance proof (minimum $1 million coverage)
• Property documentation
• Contact information for local representative
• Fire Marshal inspection (every other year for all tiers)

Step 4: Submit Application and Schedule Inspections

• Applications must be deemed complete before permit issuance
• Any deficiencies must be corrected within 30 calendar days
• In-person fire inspection required every other year (2025 code change)
• Processing time varies based on property complexity and compliance status

Step 5: Operating Compliance

• Display required signage
• Provide notification to neighbors
• Maintain liability insurance
• Follow occupancy limits
• Comply with parking requirements
• Report issues through designated channels

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Permits and Applications

• STR Permit Application (varies by tier)
• Annual Renewal Applications (September 1 - October 31)
• Conditional Use Permit (required for events exceeding daytime occupancy limits)

Insurance Requirements

• Primary Liability Insurance: Minimum $1 million aggregate coverage
• Property Coverage: For the STR dwelling unit
• Platform Insurance Review: If using platforms claiming insurance coverage, review with insurance professional or attorney

Inspection Requirements

• Fire Marshal Inspection: In-person required every other year (2025 update)
• Building Compliance: All structures must be properly permitted
• Parcel Review: Complete review ensuring no code violations

Documentation Needed

• Property ownership proof
• Contact information for local representative
• Insurance certificates
• Floor plans and occupancy documentation
• Parking plan
• Emergency contact information

Specific Regulations for East Wenatchee Area

County-Level STR Regulations (Chelan County)

Occupancy Limits:

• Tier 1: Maximum 8 persons
• Tier 2: Maximum 12 persons
• Tier 3: Maximum 16 persons

Permit Fees (2025 Schedule):

• Tier 1: $600 annual permit
• Tier 2: $600 annual permit
• Tier 3: $900 annual permit

Renewal Deadlines:

• On-time renewals: September 1 - October 31
• Late renewal (Nov 1-30): 2x permit fee additional
• Late renewal (Dec 1-31): 3x permit fee additional
• Unregistered STRs: Double application fees assessed

Transfer Provisions:

• One-time transfer allowed for existing non-conforming STRs within 5 years of July 27, 2021 (3 years in Manson Urban Growth Area)
• Transfer must occur within 30 days of property closing
• New owner receives remaining current registration year, then must meet current requirements
• Transfer provision sunsets after initial 5-year period

Non-Conforming Property Rules:

• May only change/alter/enlarge with proper permits
• Repairs must return to pre-damage condition
• Increases in non-conformance without authorization result in immediate permit revocation

City of East Wenatchee ADU Regulations (Impacts STR Operations)

Size and Scale:

• Maximum ADU size: 1,200 square feet
• Up to two ADUs allowed per property (both attached or detached)

Location and Development Standards:

• Must conform to single-family dwelling standards for applicable zoning district
• Must meet lot coverage and setback requirements

Parking Requirements:

• One off-street parking space per ADU required
• Must be provided in addition to two spaces for primary dwelling

Owner Occupancy:

• Not required for ADU operation

CRITICAL STR PROHIBITION: A short-term rental shall not be operated on any property where an ADU has been constructed using the city's pre-approved ADU plans program.

2025 Code Changes (Recent Updates)

• Parking regulations updated
• Late renewal fee structure modified
• Added requirement for in-person fire inspection by Fire Marshal's Office every other year
• Fire inspection fees now covered under Fire Prevention and Investigation fee table
• Fire Marshal's Office no longer part of Community Development

State-Level Regulations (Washington State)

RCW 64.37 Short-Term Rental Regulations:

• State-level framework for local regulation
• Requires registration for platforms and operators
• Host compliance obligations
• Consumer protection standards
• Local authority enforcement powers

Local Preemption:

• Cities and counties can adopt more restrictive regulations than state minimums
• Chelan County's regulations supplement state requirements
• East Wenatchee ADU regulations may be more restrictive than state standards

Contact Information for Local Authority

Chelan County Community Development

Phone: 509-667-6225 Website: www.co.chelan.wa.us/community-development/pages/short-term-rentals Email: Contact through Community Development main page

Specific Services:

• STR Application Processing
• Code Compliance Review
• Inspection Scheduling
• Fee Payment

Chelan County Sheriff's Office - Code Enforcement

Phone: 509-667-6851 Website: www.co.chelan.wa.us/sheriff/pages/code-enforcement Report STR Violations: www.co.chelan.wa.us/sheriff/pages/code-enforcement

STR Complaint Line (Deckard)

Phone: 509-293-4577 Online: complaints-str.deckard.com/chelan-wa-str-complaints Purpose: Report STR-related complaints and violations

East Wenatchee Planning and Building

Phone: 509-884-5396 Email: planningstaff@eastwenatcheewa.gov Address: 271 9th Street NE, East Wenatchee, WA 98802 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm

Services:

• ADU regulation questions
• Zoning compliance
• Building permit assistance
• Utility requirements

Utility Departments

East Wenatchee Water District: 509-884-3569 Douglas County Sewer District: 509-884-2484 Douglas County PUD: 509-884-7191

Business License Questions

East Wenatchee City Clerk: 509-886-6104

Source Pages

1. Chelan County Short-Term Rentals: www.co.chelan.wa.us/community-development/pages/short-term-rentals
2. East Wenatchee ADU Regulations: www.eastwenatcheewa.gov/374/ADU-Regulations
3. 2025 Code Changes Article: www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/local/chelan-county-commissioners-agree-to-short-term-rental-code-changes/article_b6da3c4e-ddce-11ef-99b7-d343e0a47a98.html
4. Chelan County Code: www.codepublishing.com/WA/ChelanCounty/
5. Chelan County GIS Map: maps.co.chelan.wa.us/GIS/
6. Conditional Use Permit Application: www.co.chelan.wa.us/files/community-development/documents/apps_form/Current_Planning/Conditional-Use-Permit-Supplemental-Information_07NOV16.pdf

Important Note for Investors: This guide reflects current regulations as of the provided sources. Always verify current requirements with local authorities before making investment decisions, as regulations may change and enforcement priorities can shift. The prohibition on STR operations in properties with pre-approved ADU plans is particularly important for investors considering development strategies that involve both ADUs and short-term rentals.