Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed?

Yes. Short-term rentals (STRs) are allowed in Long Beach, WA under defined conditions set by Pacific County and the City of Long Beach. Pacific County’s rules govern licensing, safety, and occupancy, while the City enforces zoning, permits signage, and sets a minimum off-street parking standard. The city operates a cap-based, zoning-based system: certain zones permit STRs outright, some allow them conditionally, and others prohibit them entirely. Investors must obtain county vacation rental licensing (and renew annually), comply with state business registration, and confirm that their property’s zoning allows the use before acquiring or operating a unit.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Long Beach, WA

1. Confirm zoning and allowable use

   • Use the City of Long Beach zoning map to determine if your parcel allows vacation rentals:
     • Allowed outright: OT (Old Town), OTW (Old Town West), RC (Residential Commercial), AC (Accommodations), C1 (Commercial), S3 (Shoreline Resort/SR), S3R (SR Restricted), S3M (SR Mixed Use).
     • Allowed conditionally: R2R (Two-Family Residential Restricted), S2 (Shoreline MFR).
     • Prohibited: R1 (SFR), R1R (SFR Restricted), R2 (Two-Family Residential), R3 (MFR), R3R (MFR Restricted), C2 (Commercial Retail Warehouse), L1 (Light Industrial), S1 (Shoreline SFR).
   • Source: www.longbeachwa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/vacrentmap.pdf

2. Register the business at the state level

   • Register your vacation rental with the Washington Department of Revenue as a business (Short-Term Rental = rental for fewer than 30 consecutive days). This applies regardless of property type. Obtain a State Business License and Unified Business Identifier (UBI).

3. Obtain Pacific County Vacation Rental License

   • Apply through Pacific County Department of Community Development (DCD). Submittals can be made at either office:
     • South Bend Office: P.O. Box 68, South Bend, WA 98586 | Phone (360) 875-9356 | Fax (360) 875-9304
     • Long Beach Office: 7013 Sandridge Rd., Long Beach, WA 98631 | Phone (360) 642-9382 | Fax (360) 642-9387
   • Licensing is required prior to operation and is renewed annually. County policy provides the regulatory framework; the application packet supplies all forms, checklists, and fees.
   • Policy document: www.co.pacific.wa.us/dcd/images/PC/2020.03.05%20Draft%20Vac%20Rental%20Policy.pdf
   • Application packet: www.co.pacific.wa.us/dcd/images/Vac%20Rentals/VAC%20RENTAL%20APP%20PACKET.pdf

4. Ensure septic compliance

   • Complete an Operation and Maintenance (O&M) inspection of any on-site sewage system (OSS) prior to initial application and every three years thereafter, or as required by the Health Officer. Failed/suboptimal systems require a complete septic repair prior to initial license issuance. The license will be issued only after final inspection of the repair.
   • Source: Pacific County BOH Ordinance No. 3E and application checklist.

5. Complete fire and life safety inspections

   • Initial fire and life safety (F/L) inspection required before initial permit issuance and prior to annual license renewal (bi-annual). These confirm emergency access, working smoke detectors, stair handrails, accessible gas shutoff valves, and other minimum life safety requirements.

6. Prepare the required submittals

   • Submit the county application with all supporting documents: Property Management Plan; Floor Plan; Site Plan; Development Application (if applicable); septic O&M; general liability insurance documentation; proof of state registration (UBI); landline phone service information; and an affidavit of mailing the approved property management plan to all owners within 300 feet.

7. Post-required signage and local contact

   • Only one sign no larger than four square feet is allowed, either attached to the dwelling or in the front yard. Off-premise signage or advertising is not permitted.
   • A local point of contact must be designated and must reside within one hour travel time of the rental site. The contact is responsible for responding immediately to complaints (e.g., garbage, noise) and remedying any noncompliance.
   • Source: Pacific County policy and application packet.

8. Align with city standards

   • Off-street parking: minimum of two spaces per unit (city requirement).
   • Exterior appearance: retain residential character with visible house numbers and no junk/debris accumulation.
   • Ensure the property management plan (and subsequent revisions) is mailed to all adjoining property owners within 300 feet and prominently displayed inside the unit.
   • Source: Application packet checklist and city policy.

9. Renew annually and maintain compliance

   • County licenses are annual, non-transferable upon sale, and subject to ongoing compliance: inspections, septic re-inspection (every three years), property management plan updates, and local contact changes requiring county approval and remailing within 300 feet.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• State of Washington

  • Business registration with Department of Revenue; State Business License and Unified Business Identifier (UBI). This is mandatory prior to county licensing.

• Pacific County Vacation Rental License/Permit (initial and annual renewals)

  • Vacation Rental License/Permit Application
  • Pre-Application Waiver or Summary Letter (special use cases only)
  • Property Management Plan (including local contact, landline phone, emergency procedures, parking, garbage)
  • Floor Plan and Floor Plan Checklist (document bed locations; must align with occupancy)
  • Site Plan and Site Plan Checklist (show parking, signage location)
  • Development Application (as applicable)
  • Operation & Maintenance (O&M) septic inspection (initial; every three years thereafter)
  • General liability insurance documentation
  • Affidavit of mailing the approved plan to owners within 300 feet (post-approval)
  • Fire & Life Safety inspection (initial and bi-annual)
  • Fees:
    • Permitted Use (e.g., R-3, C-C, MU-T): $975 total ($80 application; $15 technology; $80 zoning; $800 license)
    • Special Use (e.g., R-R, R-2, RL, MU): $2,175 total ($80 application; $15 technology; $1,280 special use; $800 license)
    • Hearings Examiner Fee (special use): billed by DCD (amount varies)
  • Sources: www.co.pacific.wa.us/dcd/images/Vac%20Rentals/VAC%20RENTAL%20APP%20PACKET.pdf and policy document

• City of Long Beach compliance (zoning, signage, parking)

  • Confirm zoning district allows STRs using the City zoning map.
  • Off-street parking: minimum two spaces per unit.
  • Signage: one sign per unit, maximum four square feet, attached to the dwelling or placed in front of the dwelling; no off-premise signs.
  • Exterior residential appearance and house numbers visible from street.
  • Source: www.longbeachwa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/vacrentmap.pdf and Pacific County packet checklist

• Taxes and business fees

  • State lodging tax: 2% (imposed by Washington State).
  • Pacific County lodging tax: 4% (Ordinance No. 143).
  • Retail sales tax applies to the gross rental amount.
  • B&O tax: Retailing business classification applies; small business tax credits may be available (720 and 815). Confirm applicability with a tax professional.
  • Sources: www.co.pacific.wa.us/ordres/ORD%20143%20LTAC.pdf and DOR guidance

Specific Regulations: Short-Term Rentals in Long Beach (Pacific County) and Washington

• Zoning constraints (City of Long Beach)

  • Allowed outright: OT, OTW, RC, AC, C1, S3, S3R, S3M.
  • Allowed conditionally: R2R, S2.
  • Not allowed: R1, R1R, R2, R3, R3R, C2, L1, S1.
  • Source: www.longbeachwa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/vacrentmap.pdf

• Density and separation

  • R-1 district: new vacation rentals specifically prohibited.
  • R-2 and R-R districts: vacation rentals must have a radius of at least 300 feet from all property lines (as measured from building to building).
  • On any parcel, only one vacation rental may be licensed (primary dwelling OR accessory unit; not both).
  • Source: application checklist

• Occupancy and advertising

  • Maximum two overnight occupants per bedroom, plus two additional occupants (total cap: 10 occupants including all over age two).
  • The maximum occupancy cannot be advertised above permitted limits.
  • Source: Pacific County policy

• Phone service

  • Landline with local service is required. The number must be listed in the property management plan.
  • Source: application packet

• Parking

  • Minimum of two off-street parking spaces per unit (city standard) and one space per bedroom (county standard). The stricter of the two applies.
  • Source: city policy (per application checklist) and county policy

• Road and emergency access

  • Private lanes/driveways must maintain at least 20 feet side-to-side clearance between obstructions (Uniform Fire Code standard).
  • Access must be clear of obstructions at all times (no illegally parked cars, RVs, boats, trailers, junk).
  • Road access must meet Pacific County Road Standards.
  • Source: Pacific County policy

• Floor plans and safety

  • Accurate, to-scale floor plan required for fire and life safety; must be approved prior to permit issuance and posted inside the unit.
  • Any change to bed count or location requires resubmittal and approval; an additional inspection/fees may apply.
  • Initial F/L safety inspection required before initial permit and prior to annual renewal (bi-annual).
  • Source: Pacific County policy and application packet

• Septic and environmental

  • O&M inspection of the on-site sewage system required prior to initial application and every three years thereafter (or more frequently if directed).
  • Failed/suboptimal systems require complete septic repair; license issued only after final inspection.
  • Source: Pacific County BOH Ordinance No. 3E

• Public notice and neighborhood protections

  • County posts 2’ x 2’ signs at three perimeter locations and provides written notice to all property owners within 300 feet for public hearings (special use).
  • Property management plan must be mailed to owners within 300 feet after license issuance and revisions must be remailed.
  • Operation must avoid nuisances not typical of a residential neighborhood (loud music, excessive traffic, parties, debris, trespassing, barking dogs, excess vehicles).
  • Sources: Pacific County policy

• Local contact

  • Required 24/7 response capability; must reside within one hour travel time; responsible for immediate remediation of issues.
  • Changes require county approval, a revision fee, and remailing the plan to owners within 300 feet.
  • Source: application packet

• Insurance

  • General liability insurance is required prior to license issuance.
  • Source: application packet

• Taxes

  • State lodging tax: 2%; Pacific County lodging tax: 4% (total lodging tax 6%).
  • Sales tax applies; B&O tax (Retailing) applies. Review small business credits with a tax professional.
  • Sources: www.co.pacific.wa.us/ordres/ORD%20143%20LTAC.pdf and DOR guidance

• Enforcement and penalties

  • Violations of county rules or city zoning can result in fines, permit denial, or license revocation.
  • Property management plan violations or failure to maintain emergency access/clearance may trigger immediate enforcement.
  • Sources: Pacific County policy and application packet

Contact Information: Local Authority (Long Beach, WA and Pacific County)

• Pacific County Department of Community Development (Licensing/Permits)

  • South Bend Office: P.O. Box 68, South Bend, WA 98586 | Phone (360) 875-9356 | Fax (360) 875-9304
  • Long Beach Office: 7013 Sandridge Rd., Long Beach, WA 98631 | Phone (360) 642-9382 | Fax (360) 642-9387
  • Website: www.co.pacific.wa.us (Department pages include the policy document and application packet)

• City of Long Beach (Zoning/Code Compliance)

  • City Hall: Phone (360) 642-3134
  • Mailing Address: City of Long Beach, P.O. Box 310, Long Beach, WA 98631
  • Reference for zoning information: City Zoning Map (vacation rental zoning guide)
  • Phone directory and general contact info: City website (Phone: (360) 642-3134 | Email: info@longbeachwa.gov)

• Washington State Department of Revenue (Business Registration)

  • Register business and obtain State Business License and UBI.
  • Website: dor.wa.gov

Links to Source Pages

• City of Long Beach Vacation Rental Zoning Map: www.longbeachwa.gov/wp