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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Kennewick, Washington. The city has a relatively permissive regulatory environment for short-term rental operators, with minimal city-specific regulations. While Kennewick does not have comprehensive short-term rental licensing at the municipal level, short-term rentals are permitted under existing zoning regulations and state requirements. The city is considered "Airbnb friendly" and "STR friendly" with hosts reporting minimal regulatory hurdles and positive operating experiences.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Kennewick

Step 1: Zoning Compliance Verification

Before establishing your short-term rental, verify that your property is located in an appropriate zoning district:

• Residential Zones (RS, RL, RM, RH): Bed and breakfast inns with 5 guest rooms or less are permitted (Staff Review Process I)
• Commercial Zones (CN, CO, CBD, CC, CR, CG, CM): Transient accommodations including hotels and motels are permitted (Staff Review Process I or Conditional Use Permit II)
• Urban Mixed Use (UMU): Mixed-use developments that may include short-term accommodations

Step 2: Business Licensing and Registration

• Obtain a Washington State business license through the state's Business Licensing Service
• Register with the Washington Department of Revenue
• Display your business license number prominently in all advertisements

Step 3: Tax Registration and Collection

• Register for state and local tax collection
• Collect and remit Washington state lodging tax (1%)
• Collect and remit local lodging tax (2% in Tri-Cities region, totaling 3%)
• Collect and remit state and local sales taxes

Step 4: Safety and Insurance Compliance

• Install and maintain smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
• Obtain primary liability insurance coverage of at least $1 million
• Provide emergency contact information and maximum occupancy limits
• Create floor plans showing fire exits and escape routes

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Documentation:

1. Washington State Business License (through Business Licensing Service)
2. Tax Registration Number (WA Department of Revenue)
3. Business License Display (must appear in all advertisements)
4. Zoning Compliance Verification (confirm permitted use in your zone)
5. Liability Insurance Certificate ($1 million minimum coverage)
6. Emergency Contact Information (for guest display)
7. Property Floor Plans (with fire exits and escape routes marked)
8. Maximum Occupancy Documentation

Safety Requirements:

• Smoke detectors in all sleeping areas and common areas
• Carbon monoxide detectors where fuel-burning appliances are present
• Fire extinguishers readily accessible
• Posted emergency evacuation routes
• Guest contact information prominently displayed

Operational Guidelines:

• Quiet hours enforcement (recommended 10 PM - 7 AM)
• Maximum occupancy limits strictly enforced
• Parking restrictions communicated to guests
• House rules clearly posted and communicated

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State Level

City of Kennewick Regulations:

• Zoning Compliance: STRs must conform to local zoning ordinances
• Bed & Breakfast Exception: In residential zones, bed and breakfast inns with 5 or fewer guest rooms are permitted
• Transient Accommodations: Hotels and motels permitted in commercial zones
• Building Standards: Must comply with International Building Code standards
• Parking Requirements: Must meet off-street parking requirements per zoning

County Level (Benton County):

• Temporary dwelling permits cannot be used for paid short-term rentals
• Caretaker dwellings cannot charge rent or other remuneration
• Temporary structures must comply with setback requirements
• One temporary dwelling maximum per parcel

State of Washington Regulations:

• Business Licensing: Mandatory registration through state Business Licensing Service
• Tax Collection: State lodging tax (1%) plus local options
• Safety Standards: Compliance with Washington State Building Code Council rules
• Consumer Protection: Contact information must be provided to guests
• Insurance Requirements: $1 million minimum liability coverage
• ADU Restrictions: Accessory Dwelling Units cannot be used as STRs unless owner-occupied

Key Restrictions and Limitations

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs):

• Owner-Occupancy Required: ADUs cannot be operated as short-term rentals unless the primary residence is owner-occupied
• Zoning Restrictions: ADU use must comply with underlying zoning requirements

Zoning Limitations:

• Residential zones primarily allow bed and breakfast operations (max 5 guest rooms)
• Commercial zones allow larger transient accommodation operations
• Industrial and specialized zones may have restrictions

Safety and Occupancy:

• Maximum occupancy limits must be clearly posted and enforced
• Emergency egress routes must be clearly marked
• Fire safety equipment must be maintained and inspected

Contact Information for Local Authorities

City of Kennewick - Planning Department:

• Phone: (509) 585-4295
• Email: planning@ci.kennewick.wa.us
• Address: 210 W 6th Ave, Kennewick, WA 99336
• Website: www.go2kennewick.com

Benton County - Planning Division:

• Phone: (509) 786-5612
• Email: Planning.Department@co.benton.wa.us
• Address: 102206 E Wiser Parkway, Kennewick, WA 99338

Washington State - Department of Revenue:

• Phone: (360) 902-9500
• Website: dor.wa.gov

Washington State - Business Licensing Service:

• Phone: (360) 725-0370
• Website: bls.dor.wa.gov

Benton-Franklin Health District:

• Phone: (460) 4205
• Address: 7102 W. Okanogan Place, Kennewick, WA 99336

Source Links

1. RedAwning - Kennewick Market Overview
2. Benton County - Temporary Dwelling Information
3. Summer - Kennewick Vacation Rental Management
4. City of Kennewick - Zoning Ordinance

Important Notes

Regulatory Note: There is a discrepancy between sources regarding local lodging tax rates. RedAwning reports a total of 3% (1% state + 2% local), while Summer reports 8.2%. Investors should verify current rates with the Washington Department of Revenue and local tax authorities.

Enforcement: Kennewick is described as having a "relaxed enforcement approach" with hosts reporting minimal regulatory hurdles, though compliance with state requirements remains mandatory.

Market Performance: The Kennewick market shows strong performance with 88 active short-term rentals and diverse pricing ranging from $23-$239 per night, indicating robust demand across different property types and price points.