Short-Term Rental Investment Guide: Montesano, WA (Grays Harbor County)

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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Montesano, WA, which is located within Grays Harbor County. Short-term rentals are a permitted use with a valid Short Term Rental Permit in multiple zoning districts throughout unincorporated Grays Harbor County, including the Montesano area. The county adopted comprehensive STR regulations through Ordinance 469 on March 22, 2022, establishing a formal permitting process and regulatory framework.

Important Note: Montesano is an incorporated city, and the information provided relates to the unincorporated areas of Grays Harbor County. Properties within Montesano city limits must contact the appropriate city jurisdiction for specific rules and regulations.

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

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Site Plan Review Application

• Complete a site plan review application before any other steps
• This is mandatory before STR applications will be accepted
• Contact a Permit Coordinator for guidance

Step 2: Related Permits and Approvals

• Complete all other requirements identified in Step 1
• Wait for notification that your project is ready to proceed to Step 3
• This ensures all preliminary approvals are in place

Step 3: Short Term Rental Permit Application

• Submit STR permit application through the online portal
• Staff will review for completeness and compliance with health, safety, and building regulations
• If compliant, staff will issue the STR Permit
• Annual renewal required

Property Requirements

Zoning Compliance: STRs are permitted in the following zoning districts:

• General Development One (G-1)
• General Development Five (G-5)
• General Residential (R-2)
• Resort Residential (R-3)
• Rural Residential (RR)
• Lake Quinault (LQ)
• General Commercial (C-2)

Property Location Verification: Use the online Parcel Search (MapGeo) tool to determine your property's zoning district and confirm STR eligibility.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Permits and Applications

1. Short Term Rental Permit - $411 (initial application)
2. Short Term Rental Permit Renewal - $411 (annual renewal)
3. Site Plan Review Application - $260
4. Property Management Plan (required submittal)
5. Floor Plan(s) showing layout and egress routes

Required Documentation

• Site Plan meeting county requirements
• Floor Plans (see example in resources)
• Property Management Information (example plan available)
• Compliance verification with state and local health, safety, and building regulations
• Tsunami preparedness information (FEMA V-1011 required)

Supporting Materials

• Emergency evacuation plans and maps
• Contact information for property management/responsible party
• Insurance documentation (recommended)
• Fire safety compliance documentation

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

County-Level Regulations (Grays Harbor County)

Governing Authority:

• State Law: RCW 64.37 (Washington State Short-Term Rental regulations)
• Local Ordinance: Grays Harbor County Code 17.60.020
• Adoption Date: March 22, 2022 (Ordinance 469)

Permit Requirements:

• Annual renewal mandatory at least 30 days prior to expiration
• Online application process through SmartGov portal
• Compliance review for health, safety, and building regulations

Zoning Restrictions:

• STRs permitted only in specified zoning districts (listed above)
• No STR permit required for properties with Conditional Use Permit or Planned Unit Development approved before March 22, 2022

Compliance Monitoring:

• Report concerns: 360-227-5030
• Online reporting system available through county website
• Regular inspections may be conducted

State-Level Regulations (Washington State)

State Framework: RCW 64.37 governs short-term rentals statewide, requiring:

• Registration requirements for STR operators
• Safety compliance standards
• Tax obligations (Hotel/Motel tax collection)

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contact - Grays Harbor County Planning Division

Physical Address: Grays Harbor County Planning Division 100 W Broadway Ave, Suite 31 Montesano, WA 98563

Phone: (360) 249-5579 Email: PBD@graysharbor.us Hours: Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Website: www.graysharbor.us

Specialized Contacts

Permit Coordinators:

• Phone: (360) 249-4222
• Email: pbd@graysharbor.us
• Available for application assistance and process guidance

Report Concerns:

• Phone: 360-227-5030
• Online reporting system available

Online Permit Center:

• Website: co-graysharbor-wa.smartgovcommunity.com
• Support: (360) 249-5579
• Email: PBD@graysharbor.us

Emergency Management (Tsunami Preparedness)

Contact: Grays Harbor County Emergency Management Tsunami Evacuation Maps: Available through Emergency Management Division FEMA Resources: V-1011/May 2018 tsunami preparedness materials provided

Source Pages and Resources

Primary Regulatory Sources

• Grays Harbor County STR Information: www.graysharbor.us/departments/public_services/planning_division/planning_information/short_term_rental.php
• Zoning Districts: www.co.grays-harbor.wa.us/departments/public_services/planning_division/planning_information/Districts.php
• County Code (Municode): library.municode.com/wa/grays_harbor_county/codes/code_of_ordinances
• Specific STR Code Section: GHCC 17.60.020 - Short-term rentals

Application and Process Resources

• Online Permit Center: co-graysharbor-wa.smartgovcommunity.com/
• Document Center: co-graysharbor-wa.smartgovcommunity.com/Public/DocumentsView
• STR Application Process: Available through online portal system
• Parcel Search Tool: graysharborwa.mapgeo.io/datasets/properties

Supporting Documentation

• Site Plan Requirements: www.graysharbor.us/departments/public_services/planning_division/planning_information/site_plan.php
• Fee Schedule (2025): Available through Planning Division
• Emergency Preparedness: FEMA tsunami information sheets provided
• Contact Directory: docs/ContactUs.pdf

Additional Resources

• Comprehensive Planning Information: Available through Planning Division
• Building Codes Advisory Council: For technical requirements
• Environmental Health Division: For septic and health-related requirements
• Fire Marshal: For fire safety compliance questions

Disclaimer: This guide is based on available information as of the provided sources. Regulations can change, and investors should verify current requirements with the Grays Harbor County Planning Division before making investment decisions. For properties within incorporated city limits like Montesano proper, contact the appropriate city jurisdiction for city-specific regulations.