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Forks, WA

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STR Regulations for Forks, Washington

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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Forks, Washington. However, they are regulated at the county level under Clallam County Code Chapter 33.51 (Vacation Rentals). Since Forks is an unincorporated area within Clallam County, STR operators must comply with county regulations rather than city-specific ordinances.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Forks?

Forks hosts earn a median $46,415/year with $223 ADR and 69% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $58,558+ per year.

See the full Forks market breakdown →

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

Step 1: Understand County Regulations

Review Clallam County Code Chapter 33.51, which governs vacation rentals. This chapter outlines the specific requirements and standards for operating a STR in the county.

Step 2: Property Assessment

Ensure your property meets the basic requirements for vacation rental operation under county zoning regulations.

Step 3: Business Registration

Register your vacation rental business according to county requirements and obtain any necessary business licenses.

Step 4: Compliance Setup

Implement all required safety features, occupancy limits, and operational standards as specified in county code.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Regulations

  • Clallam County Code Chapter 33.51 (Vacation Rentals)
  • Title 33 (Zoning) - determines where STRs can operate
  • Ordinance 913 (adopted 09/27/16) - the legislative foundation for current regulations

Key Requirements

Based on the available county code structure, STR operators should expect to comply with:

  1. Purpose and Standards - Vacation rental standards established in Section 33.51.020
  2. Zoning Compliance - STRs must be in appropriate zoning districts
  3. Safety Requirements - Standard vacation rental safety provisions
  4. Occupancy Limits - Maximum guest and occupancy restrictions

Documentation Needed

  • Property ownership or rental documentation
  • Business registration with Clallam County
  • Compliance with zoning requirements
  • Safety feature installations as required
  • Guest occupancy documentation

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

County Level (Clallam County)

Primary Authority: Clallam County Code Chapter 33.51

Current Regulations:

  • Chapter 33.51.010 - Establishes the purpose and intent of vacation rental regulations
  • Chapter 33.51.020 - Details specific vacation rental standards and requirements
  • Governing Ordinance: Ordinance 913 (adopted September 27, 2016)

Key Compliance Areas:

  • Zoning compliance for STR operations
  • Safety and occupancy standards
  • Operational requirements and restrictions
  • Potential enforcement mechanisms

City Level

Forks does not have its own municipal STR regulations since it is an unincorporated community. All STR operations fall under Clallam County jurisdiction.

State Level (Washington)

Additional state-level considerations may apply, including:

  • State business licensing requirements
  • Washington State Department of Revenue tax obligations
  • State safety and building code compliance
  • Potential SEPA (State Environmental Policy Act) review for larger operations

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contact: Clallam County

Website: www.clallam.net

For STR-Specific Inquiries:

  • Contact the Clallam County Planning Department for zoning and permit questions
  • Business licensing through Clallam County Auditor's Office
  • Code enforcement through appropriate county departments

Physical Address: 223 East 4th Street, Suite 15 Port Angeles, WA 98362

Phone Directory:

  • Main County Line: (360) 417-2000
  • Planning Department: Contact through main number
  • Business Licensing: Contact through main number

Online Resources:

Additional State Resources

  • Washington State Department of Revenue (for tax obligations)
  • Washington State Department of Commerce (for business guidance)

Important Notes for STR Investors

  1. County Jurisdiction: All STR operations in Forks fall under Clallam County regulations
  2. Regular Updates: The Clallam County Code is current through Ordinance 1032 (passed August 26, 2025)
  3. Compliance Priority: Ensure full compliance with Chapter 33.51 requirements before operation
  4. Contact First: Always contact the county planning department before establishing an STR to confirm current requirements

Sources and Links

Primary Regulatory Sources

Supporting Documentation

Legal Notice

The Clallam County Commissioner's Office maintains the official version of the Clallam County Code. Users should contact the Commissioner's Office for ordinances passed subsequent to the cited regulations.

Disclaimer: This guide is based on publicly available information. Always verify current requirements directly with Clallam County authorities before establishing or operating a short-term rental business. Regulations may have been updated since the information was compiled.

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Forks

Market Saturation Score

036912
Moderate Saturation
7/ 12
months with declining YoY revenue
5–7 declining months: moderate saturation risk - market may be nearing capacity.
View Full Forks Market Analysis →

Photos of Forks

Overview of Forks

Forks, Washington, is a small city located in the northwest region of the Olympic Peninsula. With a population of approximately 3,800 residents, it provides a quaint, community-oriented atmosphere that appeals to those looking for a peaceful short-term rental. Forks is approximately a four-hour drive from Seattle, the closest major city, making it a relatively accessible getaway.

One of the notable aspects of Forks is its proximity to a variety of natural landmarks and tourist attractions. Just a short drive from Forks is the Olympic National Park, a vast area renowned for its diverse ecosystems, ranging from lush rainforests to rugged coastline. The Hoh Rain Forest, one of the largest temperate rainforests in the U.S., is a major highlight within the park and provides numerous opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation. More information on Olympic National Park can be found here.

Forks is also known for its association with the Twilight book series by Stephenie Meyer. Fans of the series can explore various sites featured in the books and films, such as the Forks Chamber of Commerce, which houses a visitors center dedicated to the Twilight phenomenon. For more information, you can visit the Forks Chamber of Commerce.

For those interested in coastal attractions, the nearby La Push offers stunning ocean views and beach activities. The Quileute Tribe, who reside in La Push, welcome guests to experience the cultural and natural beauty of their land. Details about visiting La Push can be found here.

The scenic beauty, combined with the cozy, small-town environment, makes Forks an ideal destination for visitors seeking a temporary retreat from urban life. Short-term rentals are particularly attractive here, providing guests with a home-like experience while they explore the captivating surroundings of the Pacific Northwest.

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