Overview: STR Status in Morton, WA

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Morton, WA. The city has established a comprehensive regulatory framework in Chapter 5.20 of the Morton Municipal Code that specifically recognizes and regulates short-term rentals. The city defines a "short-term or vacation rental" as "the rental of a dwelling or portion thereof used for the purpose of providing lodging for periods of less than thirty (30) days."

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Morton

Step 1: Property Assessment and Zoning

• Verify your property is located within Morton city limits
• Confirm the property is a legal residential structure
• Check zoning compatibility (Morton has zoning classifications that may affect STR operations)
• Ensure adequate infrastructure (sewer/water connections)

Step 2: Washington State Business Registration

• Obtain a Washington State Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number
• Register with the Washington State Department of Revenue

Step 3: Morton City Business License Application

• Apply through the Washington State Department of Revenue portal for Morton city endorsements
• Use the City's official business license application process

Step 4: Short-Term Rental Business Endorsement

• Submit the Short-Term Rentals Business Application Endorsement form
• This is the specific document provided by the city for STR operations

Step 5: Health and Safety Compliance

• Schedule and pass annual safety inspection
• Obtain certificate of inspection documenting compliance with International Building Code for transient accommodations
• Obtain appropriate certificate of occupancy

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City-Level Requirements

Business Licenses:

• Washington State business license
• Morton city business license (processed through DOR)
• Short-Term Rentals Business Application Endorsement

Insurance Requirements:

• Up-to-date certificate of insurance documenting that the dwelling is insured as a short-term or vacation rental
• Must be maintained on file at the city

Inspection Requirements:

• Annual fire safety inspection by fire marshal
• Certificate of inspection documenting compliance with International Building Code for transient accommodations
• Certificate of occupancy

Operational Requirements:

• Solid waste collection service (weekly during all months the rental is available)
• Operating land line telephone in the unit for emergency purposes
• Designation of a local property representative (24/7 availability)

County-Level Requirements (Lewis County)

Proposed Permits:

• Lewis County short-term rental permit (if implemented)
• UBI number
• State-required proof of insurance
• Capacity documentation

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Morton City Regulations

Property Representative Requirements:

• Must designate a local property representative available 24/7
• Representative must respond within one hour to complaints
• Must take remedial action to resolve complaints
• Contact information must be kept current with the city

Occupancy Limits:

• Maximum occupancy based on International Building Code standards
• Property owner responsible for ensuring rental unit conforms to maximum occupancy

Use Restrictions:

• Renters may not use rental for purposes not incidental to lodging or sleeping
• Must comply with nuisance regulations (Chapter 8.16)
• Must comply with public peace and decency regulations (Chapter 9.08)

Parking and Traffic:

• No demand for parking beyond normal residential area standards
• No unusual or excessive traffic to/from premises

Signage:

• No outdoor advertising signs related to the rental allowed on the site

Informational Requirements: Must provide and post in common area an information packet containing:

• Copy of property owner's business license
• Documentation of annual fire safety inspection
• Information on maximum occupancy
• Applicable noise and use restrictions
• Location of off-street parking
• Trash storage and collection schedule requirements
• Water conservation best practices
• Contact information for local property representative
• Renter responsibility not to trespass or create disturbances
• Notice that renters must comply with city chapter and may be cited or fined

Tax Compliance:

• Must comply with Washington state sales, transient lodging, and business and occupation taxes

Lewis County Regulations (Proposed/Implementing)

County Definition:

• Lodging for fewer than 30 consecutive nights and no more than 180 days per calendar year

Required Permits:

• County short-term rental permit
• State UBI number
• Proof of insurance meeting state requirements

Safety Requirements:

• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Fire extinguisher
• Functioning and inspected septic system or sewer hook-up
• Water source meeting minimum quality standards

Operational Limits:

• Occupancy limit: 2 persons per bedroom, plus 3 additional people
• One on-site parking spot per bedroom
• Solid waste service required

Proposed Zoning Limits:

• 25% cap on existing dwelling units per neighborhood that can be used as STRs
• Capacity limits based on dwelling unit count

Exemptions:

• Owner-occupied dwellings with 3 or fewer rooms rented
• Month-by-month rentals with full month leases
• Properties operated by registered charitable organizations for trauma/medical treatment housing

Contact Information for Local Authority

Morton City Hall

Physical Address: 192 Adams Ave Morton, WA 98356

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1089 Morton, WA 98356

Phone: (360) 496-6881 Fax: (360) 496-6899

Key Contacts:

• LuAnn Ward, City Clerk: cclerk@visitmorton.com
• Donna Royle, Deputy Clerk: dclerk@visitmorton.com
• Gwen Reed, Treasurer: treasurer@visitmorton.com

Mayor: Rick Mead - mayor@visitmorton.com

Business Licensing: Processed through Washington State Department of Revenue portal

Lewis County Community Development

Contact for County STR Permits: Mindy Brooks, Community Development Director Email: mindy.brooks@lewiscountywa.gov

Physical Address: 351 NW North Street Chehalis, WA 98532

Planning Commission Public Hearings:

• Held at 125 NW Chehalis Ave (also available via Zoom)
• Written comments can be submitted to: mindy.brooks@lewiscountywa.gov

Links to Source Pages

Official Documents

• Short-Term Rentals Business Application Endorsement
• Morton Municipal Code
• City Zoning Classifications Map
• Building Permit City Approval Form

Washington State Department of Revenue

• Business License Portal

Lewis County Planning Documents

• Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update
• Packwood Community Meeting Materials

News and Updates

• Lewis County Comprehensive Plan Update - Chronicle
• Lewis County STR Regulations Meeting - Chronicle

Important Notes for Investors:

1. Both city and county regulations apply to properties in Morton
2. County regulations are currently being implemented, so requirements may change
3. Annual inspections and license renewals are mandatory
4. Compliance with both health/safety codes and business regulations is required
5. The 25% neighborhood cap in Lewis County regulations may limit future STR operations in certain areas

For the most current information and specific questions about your property, contact Morton City Hall directly or work with local legal counsel familiar with both city and county regulations.