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

Yes, short-term rentals (STRs) are explicitly allowed in Enumclaw, Washington, but only under strict regulatory conditions. The city has established a comprehensive licensing and regulatory framework under Enumclaw Municipal Code (EMC) Chapter 5.06 to allow STR operations while mitigating potential neighborhood disruptions. STRs are defined as rentals of dwellings for periods of less than 30 days where the owner or operator does not reside or operate the facility on the premises.

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How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Enumclaw

Step 1: Determine Eligibility and Zoning Compliance

Before proceeding with licensing, ensure your property is located within the city limits of Enumclaw and verify that STRs are permitted in your zoning district. According to the land use matrix in EMC 18.05.030, short-term rentals within residential zones are subject to EMC Chapter 5.06 and are permitted in R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, and RMHP zones as a conditional use with specific conditions.

Step 2: Understand Business License Requirements

• Two or More Properties: If you intend to lease or rent out more than two dwelling units or commercial/industrial spaces (or combination), you must obtain a business license through the Washington State Department of Revenue
• Three or More STRs: If you have three or more STRs within city limits, you require a City of Enumclaw Business License endorsement
• Single STR: Still requires STR-specific licensing under EMC Chapter 5.06

Step 3: Apply for Short-Term Rental License

Submit your application to the Community Development Department at: 1309 Myrtle Avenue, Enumclaw, WA 98022

The application process includes:

• Completing the STR application form
• Paying applicable fees
• Providing required documentation
• Undergoing annual safety inspection
• Maintaining proper insurance coverage

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Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Documents Checklist

All documents are required prior to license issuance:

1. Application Fee

   • $150.00 if applied for 7/1—12/31
   • $75.00 if applied for 1/1—6/30
   • Annual renewal: $150.00

2. Proof of Notice to Adjacent Properties

   • Mail notice to all adjacent properties (excluding roads, alleys)
   • Include property owner and local property representative contact information
   • Provide postal service form 3877 as proof of mailing plus copy of letter

3. Insurance Certificate

   • Current certificate documenting dwelling is insured as a short-term or vacation rental
   • Must state "short-term" or "vacation rental" specifically

4. Completed Hold Harmless Agreement

   • Required for each property owner involved
   • Must be notarized

5. Short-Term Rental Self-Inspection Checklist

   • Complete self-assessment using provided forms
   • Must pass city inspection

6. Business License Information

   • UBI number if applicable (three or more properties)
   • Business entity information if operating through a company

Additional Permits and Requirements

Building and Safety Permits:

• Certificate of Occupancy for transient accommodations
• Compliance with International Building Code standards
• Annual safety inspection certification
• Compliance with International Fire Code, International Residential Code, Uniform Plumbing Code, National Electrical Code, International Mechanical Code, and Washington State Energy Code

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Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

1. Local Property Representative Requirements

CRITICAL COMPLIANCE ITEM: Property owners must designate a local property representative available 24/7 who must:

• Respond within one hour to complaints
• Take remedial action to resolve complaints
• If living on-site, reside within City Limits
• Maintain current contact information on file with city
• Failure to respond timely may result in suspension/revocation and penalties

2. Occupancy and Use Restrictions

Maximum Occupancy: Based on International Building Code standards; property owner responsible for compliance

STRICTLY PROHIBITED USES:

• Weddings, banquets, receptions
• Meetings, concerts, fundraisers
• Bachelor/bachelorette parties
• Any similar group activities
• Only lodging and sleeping purposes permitted

3. Parking and Traffic Requirements

• No demand for parking beyond normal residential area standards
• No unusual or excessive traffic permitted
• Must provide parking diagram or verbal description to tenants
• Posted prominently within the STR

4. Signage Restrictions

NO OUTDOOR ADVERTISING SIGNS related to rental dwelling allowed on site

5. Required Information Packet for Guests

Must provide and POST CONSPICUOUSLY in common areas:

• Maximum occupancy information
• Noise and use restrictions
• Off-street parking location (if applicable)
• Trash storage restrictions and collection schedule
• Local property representative contact information
• Trespassing and disturbance prohibition
• City compliance notification and potential citation/fine information

6. Insurance Requirements

• Maintain current certificate of insurance on file
• Must specifically cover short-term or vacation rental use
• Must be kept updated at all times

7. Annual Inspection and Safety Requirements

MANDATORY ANNUAL SAFETY INSPECTION covering:

• Structural integrity
• Electrical systems
• Plumbing systems
• Fire safety equipment (2A-5BC fire extinguisher within 6 feet of gas oven/stove)
• Carbon monoxide detectors (outside sleeping areas, on each level)
• Smoke detectors (in each sleeping room, outside sleeping rooms)
• Window egress requirements
• Ventilation systems
• Kitchen and bathroom safety
• HVAC systems
• Pest control

8. Notice Requirements

Adjacent Property Notification:

• Mail notice to ALL adjacent properties
• Include property owner and local property representative contact information
• Provide mailing proof documentation to city
• Staff recommends reviewing materials before mailing

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Licensing Timeline and Renewal

License Term: July 1 – June 30 each year Annual Renewal Required: July 1st of each calendar year Application Periods:

• January 1 – June 30: $75.00
• July 1 – December 31: $150.00
• Annual renewal: $150.00 (due July 1st)

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Enforcement and Penalties

Suspension and Revocation Procedures

The administrator may suspend or revoke STR business licenses for:

• Failure to provide/maintain contact information
• Failure to respond timely to complaints
• Repeated complaints about property
• Violation of any STR conditions
• Non-compliance with city ordinances

Procedures follow EMC Section 5.02.070 for revocation/suspension processes.

Penalties

Violations subject to enforcement procedures, remedies, and civil/criminal penalties under EMC Section 5.02.080, including:

• Civil penalties
• Criminal penalties
• License revocation or suspension
• Citation and fines

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Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contact - Community Development Department:

• Address: 1309 Myrtle Avenue, Enumclaw, WA 98022
• Main Phone: (360) 825-3593
• Fax: (360) 825-7232
• General Email: permits@ci.enumclaw.wa.us

Business License Officer:

• Phone: (360) 615-5734
• Email: jpaulson@ci.enumclaw.wa.us

Community Development Director (SEPA Contact):

• Contact: Chris Pasinetti
• Phone: (360) 615-5726
• Email: cpasinetti@enumclaw.wa.us

Code Compliance Department:

• Address: 1309 Myrtle Ave, Enumclaw WA 98022
• Phone: (360) 852-3593
• Email: permits@ci.enumclaw.wa.us

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State-Level Regulations for Washington

While Enumclaw has specific city regulations, Washington State has implemented several pieces of legislation affecting STRs and related housing:

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and STRs

As of 2025, Washington law requires all Growth Management Act jurisdictions to:

• Allow up to two ADUs per lot
• Permit both attached and detached ADUs
• Prohibit owner-occupancy requirements
• Limit impact fees to 50% of principal unit fees
• Restrict parking requirements (none within 0.5 miles of major transit stops)
• Prohibit parking requirements for units under 1,200 sq ft in cities over 30,000

Short-Term Rental Taxation

Washington State requires:

• Business license through Department of Revenue
• Payment of applicable sales and use taxes
• Hotel/motel tax collection where applicable

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Source Links and References

Primary Municipal Codes:

• Enumclaw Municipal Code Chapter 5.06 - Short-Term Rentals
• Enumclaw Municipal Code Chapter 19.34 - Accessory Dwelling Units

Application Forms and Documents:

• STR Application Form
• SEPA DNS for STR Amendments
• Draft STR Regulations

State Resources:

• MRSC Accessory Dwelling Units Guidance

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Important Compliance Notes for Investors

1. Pre-Application Consultation: Contact the Community Development Department before applying to discuss your specific situation and ensure compliance with all requirements.

2. Inspection Scheduling: Plan for annual safety inspections and factor this into your business operations calendar.

3. Neighbor Relations: The adjacent property notification requirement means early community engagement is crucial for success.

4. Insurance Costs: Specialized short-term rental insurance may cost more than standard homeowners insurance but is legally required.

5. Regulatory Changes: Monitor city council meetings and ordinance updates as regulations may evolve.

6. Professional Management: Consider hiring local property management companies familiar with Enumclaw's STR requirements to ensure compliance and handle the 24/7 response requirement.

This comprehensive regulatory framework requires significant compliance investment but provides a clear path to legally operate short-term rentals in Enumclaw's growing tourism market.