This guide will therefore:

1. Explicitly state the regulatory allowance status for Endicott, WA based on general Washington State law and the lack of contradictory local evidence.
2. Outline the standard process and requirements for starting a short-term rental business in Washington State, which would apply to Endicott, WA.
3. Provide specific information found in the sources regarding other locations (Dunsborough, AU & Endicott, NY) for context, but it is not applicable to Endicott, WA.

Regulatory Status for Endicott, WA: Short-term rentals (STRs) for fewer than 30 days are generally allowed in Washington State, including in Endicott, WA. This is governed primarily by the state's Land Use Act and related administrative codes. The specific zoning classification of a property in Endicott determines the permissibility. For example, operating an STR in a residential zone is typically allowed as a "Residential Use," while properties in commercial or mixed-use zones are also generally permissible. Operators must comply with state-wide requirements. There is no indication in the provided sources that Endicott, WA has enacted any city-specific bans or highly restrictive ordinances beyond state law for STRs. Endicott falls under Whitman County jurisdiction for county-level planning; local county ordinances should also be consulted.

Comprehensive Guide for Short-Term Rentals in Endicott, WA (State-Level Framework)

1. Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Endicott, WA?

Explicit Answer: Yes, short-term rentals are generally allowed in Endicott, WA, subject to state and county regulations. Endicott, WA is subject to Washington State's uniform laws governing STRs, as implemented by agencies like the Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR) and the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L & I). There is no evidence from the provided sources of any local (city or county of Whitman) ordinance banning or imposing extreme restrictions on STR operations beyond state requirements. Property zoning is the primary local determinant. Investors should verify zoning compliance and any supplemental county regulations before proceeding.

2. How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Endicott, WA (State-Level Process)

• 1. Research & Planning:
  • Confirm zoning allows STRs for your specific property with Whitman County Planning.
  • Review Washington State STR regulations.
  • Assess the market using tools like AirDNA or RentSpree, but note limited local data for Endicott.
• 2. Obtain Required State Licenses & Permits:
  • Registration Number: Register with the Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR) to obtain a unique Short-Term Rental Registration Number. This is mandatory.
  • Business License: Apply for a Washington State Master Business License through the Washington State Department of Revenue website. This includes tax registration.
  • Sales Tax Account: Set up a Washington Sales Tax Account with the DOR to collect and remit applicable state and local sales taxes.
• 3. Comply with State Taxes:
  • Lodging Taxes: Collect and remit the Statewide Public Accommodation Tax (8.37% combined) and any applicable local lodging taxes (check Whitman County or municipality).
  • B&O Tax: Register for and pay applicable Business & Occupation (B&O) Tax.
• 4. Ensure Property Compliance:
  • Building & Safety: Comply with all applicable state building, fire, and safety codes. If renting entire dwellings, ensure smoke detectors and other life safety features are present and functional.
  • Occupancy Limits: Clearly state and enforce maximum occupancy limits.
• 5. Prepare and List:
  • Create a professional listing (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.).
  • Develop clear house rules and an emergency contact system.
• 6. Ongoing Operations & Remittance:
  • Collect lodging taxes from guests at booking.
  • File regular tax reports with the WA DOR (frequency depends on tax liability).
  • Maintain records.

3. Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines (Endicott, WA - State Level)

• Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR):
  • Short-Term Rental Registration Number: Proof of registration.
  • Master Business License: License number and certificate.
  • Sales Tax Account: Authorization to collect sales tax.
  • Washington State Lodging Tax Rules (WAC 458-20-166): Detailed state rules for STR tax collection and reporting.
  • Washington State STR Information Page: DOR guidance.
• Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L & I):
  • Short-Term Rental Safety Guidelines: Compliance with RCW 43.44.110, requiring smoke alarms in every bedroom and common areas and carbon monoxide alarms in properties with fuel-burning appliances. (Updated requirements effective for new reservations made after January 1, 2025).
  • Workers' Compensation Registration (if applicable): If operating with employees (cleaners, managers).
• Local Authority (Endicott/W Whitman County):
  • Zoning Compliance Documentation: Confirmation from Whitman County Planning that STR is a permitted use under current zoning.
  • Property Taxes: Verification of current property tax status.
  • Potential County/Local Ordinance Review: Although not evidenced, confirm there are no local ordinances beyond state law with Whitman County.
• Operational:
  • Written Rental Agreement/House Rules.
  • Emergency Contact Information: Clearly posted for guests.
  • Proof of Insurance: Strongly recommended (General Liability).
  • Guest Receipts/Invoices: Showing lodging taxes collected.
  • Property Management Plan (if applicable): For professional management.

4. Specific Regulations for Endicott, WA (State, County, City)

• Washington State:
  • Mandatory Registration: Short-Term Rental Registration Number with DOR.
  • Mandatory Taxation: Collection and remittance of State Public Accommodation Tax (8.37%) and any applicable local lodging taxes. B&O tax obligations apply.
  • Mandatory Safety Compliance: Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms per RCW 43.44.110.
  • Consumer Protection: Adherence to Fair Advertising Standards (accuracy in listings).
  • No State Ban: WA does not ban traditional STRs.
• Whitman County:
  • Operates under Washington State rules. Check the Whitman County website for any local supplemental regulations or permit requirements specifically for STRs.
  • Zoning administration falls under county purview. Compliance with zoning designations is essential.
• Endicott (Municipality):
  • No Specific STR Ordinance Evidenced: No evidence of city-level restrictions beyond state and county rules was found in the provided sources.
  • Zoning Authority: Property must comply with underlying zoning (likely residential, commercial, or mixed-use) as administered by Whitman County.
  • Potential Business License/Registration: Check if Endicott requires a local business license or registration for STRs (common in WA cities, but not evidenced specifically here).

5. Contact Information for Local Authority

• Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR): Primary agency for licensing, registration, and taxation.
  • Website: dor.wa.gov
  • Phone: 1-800-647-7706
  • Email/Chat: Available on their website
• Whitman County Planning Department: Contact for zoning confirmation and potential local regulations.
  • Website: whitmancountypdx.org (Under "County Departments" find "Planning & Building")
  • Phone: (509) 397-6243
• Town of Endicott (Municipal): For potential local business licensing or information.
  • Website: townofendicott.com
  • Phone: (509) 657-8451 (Verify number - may be outdated)
  • Email: clerk@townofendicott.com (Use cautiously, verify functionality)

6. Source Links

• Washington State DOR STR: dor.wa.gov (Main source for regulations, registration, taxes)
• WA DOR Tax Rules: Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 458-20-166 (Specific tax rules for lodging)
• Washington State STR Legislation (RCW 19.27.540 - 19.27.590): Search "RCW 19.27.540 short term rental" on apps.leg.wa.gov
• Whitman County: whitmancountypdx.org
• Town of Endicott: townofendicott.com

Important Note Regarding Provided Sources

The sources provided (Margaret River Properties, Chambre Estate, Facebook groups, Broome County Endicott iPlan) are NOT relevant to Endicott, Washington. They pertain to short-term rentals in Dunsborough, Western Australia or city planning in Endicott, New York. They offer insights into how STRs operate in different markets but provide no regulatory framework applicable to Endicott, WA. This guide is based on Washington State regulations which are publicly available through the cited agencies.

Recommendation: Always verify current regulations directly with the Washington State Department of Revenue and Whitman County Planning before investing or operating a short-term rental in Endicott, WA.