Executive Overview

Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Moses Lake, Washington, subject to specific regulations and requirements. The city has established a comprehensive framework under Chapter 15.650 of the Moses Lake Unified Development Code (ML UDC) that governs vacation rental dwellings. Properties may operate as short-term rentals (defined as rentals of 30 days or less) in residential zones with appropriate licensing and compliance with municipal standards.

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Moses Lake

Step-by-Step Process

1. Verify Zoning Eligibility

   • Confirm your property is located in a zone that permits short-term rentals
   • Eligible zones include all zoning districts that allow single-family residences as permitted uses
   • Properties must be single-family dwellings, accessory dwelling units, or condominium dwellings

2. Obtain Required Approvals

   • Submit application for Short Term Rental approval to the Community Development Director
   • Complete the endorsement review process
   • Obtain business license endorsement specific to STR use

3. Secure Business License

   • Apply for City of Moses Lake business license
   • License cannot be issued until STR endorsement is approved
   • Maintain valid license for continued operation

4. Complete Inspection Requirements

   • Schedule inspection with Building Official or designee
   • Address any corrective actions before rental operations begin
   • Subject to periodic reinspection at city discretion

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

Primary Approvals and Licensing

Short-Term Rental Endorsement (ML UDC 15.650.050)

• Application must be submitted to Community Development Director
• Applications submitted on city-provided forms
• Fees payable according to current fee schedule
• Endorsement valid for one calendar year
• Renewal applications due 14 days prior to expiration

Business License (ML UDC 15.650.080)

• Required under Chapter 5.04 MLMC
• Cannot be issued until STR endorsement approved
• Must maintain valid business license for continued operation
• Subject to local and state regulations including taxes

Washington State Requirements

• Washington State Business License
• Washington State Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number
• Registration with Department of Revenue for lodging taxes

Supporting Documentation

Application Requirements:

• Completed Short-Term Rental application form
• Detailed structure description and site plan
• Proof of adequate liability insurance ($1 million minimum)
• Washington State Business License number
• City of Moses Lake business license number
• Parcel number (APN)
• Site plan meeting specific requirements (see detailed standards below)

Compliance Certifications:

• Good Neighbor Guidelines acknowledgment
• Self-certification checklist completion
• No outstanding municipal code violations confirmation
• Liability insurance verification
• Sanitation disposal arrangements (sewer/septic and solid waste)

Specific Regulations and Requirements

Occupancy Standards (ML UDC 15.650.060.B)

• Maximum Occupancy: 2 persons per sleeping room plus 2 additional persons per unit
• Children Exception: Up to 4 children under age 6 do not count toward maximum occupancy
• Owner Responsibility: Property owner must ensure compliance with maximum occupancy limits

Parking Requirements (ML UDC 15.650.060.D)

• Additional Parking: Minimum 1 additional off-street parking space required for STR use
• Parking Limitations:
  • Parking on site along front property line cannot exceed 40% of front-yard frontage
  • Vehicle number cannot exceed available parking spaces at any time
  • All overnight occupant parking must be on-site or immediately in front of dwelling
• Condominium Exception: Parking limitations do not apply to condominium dwellings

Building and Safety Standards (ML UDC 15.650.060.C, I, K)

• Building Code Compliance: Must comply with International Building Code and International Residential Code
• Health and Safety Inspection: Required before operation and subject to periodic reinspection
• Fire Safety: Must meet fire, life, and safety standards equivalent to hotel requirements
• Zone Compliance: Must meet all applicable zone requirements including setbacks, height, and lot coverage

Management and Contact Requirements (ML UDC 15.650.060.G, H, J)

• Local Property Representative: Required if owner does not reside within 30 minutes driving distance
• Availability: Representative must be available 24/7 to respond to complaints and concerns
• Neighbor Notification: Notice sent to all property owners within 300 feet of STR property
• Information Distribution: Must provide guests with occupancy limits, parking location, contact information, evacuation routes, and behavior guidelines
• Responsible Person: Must identify a responsible person aged 25+ who is occupant of STR and legally responsible for compliance

Operational Requirements (ML UDC 15.650.060.F, E)

• Solid Waste Collection: Weekly collection required during all months; additional removal arrangements if needed
• Signage: No outdoor advertising signs related to vacation dwelling allowed on site
• Noise and Nuisance: Must comply with all municipal noise and nuisance regulations

Financial and Tax Obligations (ML UDC 15.650.060.L, 15.650.110.C)

• Special Excise Tax: Required under Chapter 3.28 MLMC
• Lodging Taxes: Subject to state lodging tax requirements
• Business & Occupation Tax: Subject to applicable B&O taxes
• Fee Payment: All license fees and taxes must be current

Site Plan Requirements

Mandatory Elements for Site Plan Submission:

• Scaled drawing of existing structure (not exceeding 1"=20' scale)
• Square footage labeling for each room and total structure
• Property line locations and dimensions with building distances
• Street and alley identification adjacent to site
• Building location, size, and use labeling
• On-site guest parking identification (minimum 1 space per 2 bedrooms required)
• Short-term rental entrance identification (if different from primary residence)
• All doors and windows labeling
• Vertical/horizontal occupancy separations and area separation walls
• Fire safety equipment locations (extinguishers, detectors, alarms, sprinklers)

County and State-Level Regulations

Grant County (Unincorporated Areas)

For properties located outside Moses Lake city limits but within Grant County:

Prohibited Areas:

• Light industrial zones (L-I)
• Heavy industrial zones (H-I)

Permitted Areas:

• Other unincorporated areas require Conditional Use Permit (CUP)
• CUP process ensures compliance with safety regulations
• Higher concentration near Gorge Amphitheatre (Sunland area) and Desert Aire
• Safety standards must match hotel/motel requirements including emergency egress information

Washington State Requirements

• State lodging tax applies to rentals less than 30 days
• Many platforms (Airbnb, VRBO) collect and remit state lodging taxes on behalf of hosts
• Hosts responsible for any additional local taxes not collected by platforms
• Homeowner's associations and condo boards may have additional restrictions

Violations and Enforcement

Violation Types (ML UDC 15.650.110)

• Operating without valid endorsement
• Non-compliance with endorsement requirements
• Failure to pay required special excise tax
• Failure of designated contact to respond to complaints (3 unsuccessful contact attempts)
• Non-compliance with any endorsement provisions

Enforcement and Penalties (ML UDC 15.650.120)

Progressive Enforcement:

• First Two Violations: Written warning within 12-month period
• Third Violation: Community Development Director revokes STR endorsement
• Appeal Process: Appeal to City Manager within 10 calendar days of revocation
• Reapplication: Revoked endorsements cannot be reapplied for at least one year

Enforcement Authority:

• Police Chief, Building Inspector, Code Enforcement Officer
• Community Development Director, City Manager, or designee

Nontransferability (ML UDC 15.650.100)

• Endorsements are specific to property owner
• New ownership requires new application and endorsement approval
• Business license also nontransferable with property sale

Contact Information and Resources

Primary Contact - City of Moses Lake

Community Development Department

• Address: 321 S Balsam St., P.O. Box 1579, Moses Lake, WA 98837
• Phone: (509) 764-3745
• Email: MTorrey@cityofml.com
• Website: www.cityofml.com
• Staff Directory: Available at city website

Application and Forms

• STR Application: Available at www.cityofml.com/DocumentCenter/View/12031/Vacation-Rental-Application
• Good Neighbor Guidelines: www.cityofml.com/DocumentCenter/View/9503
• Compliance Checklist: www.cityofml.com/DocumentCenter/View/3722
• Informational Sign Standards: www.cityofml.com/DocumentCenter/View/3721

Municipal Code and Legal Resources

• Municipal Code: moseslake.municipal.codes
• Chapter 15.650 (Short Term Rentals): moseslake.municipal.codes/Code/15.650
• Current Code Status: Current through Ordinance 3074, passed July 22, 2025
• Official Code Keeper: City Clerk (contact for ordinances passed subsequent to cited ordinance)

Grant County Contact (for unincorporated areas)

Grant County Development Services

• Contact: Jim Cook, Deputy Director
• Note: County rules are being clarified; confirm current requirements before application

Source Links and References

Primary Legal Sources

1. City of Moses Lake Vacation Rentals Page: www.cityofml.com/820/Vacation-Rentals
2. Chapter 15.650 ML UDC (Complete): www.cityofml.com/DocumentCenter/View/11659/15650-Short-Term-Rentals-
3. Municipal Code Section 15.650.040: moseslake.municipal.codes/Code/15.650.040
4. Vacation Rental Application Form: www.cityofml.com/DocumentCenter/View/12031/Vacation-Rental-Application
5. Zoning and Overlay Districts: moseslakewa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/11645/15405-Zoning-and-Overlay-Districts-

County and News Sources

6. Grant County STR Clarification: columbiabasinherald.com/news/2023/jul/18/grant-county-short-term-rental-rules-get-more-clar/

Third-Party Resource (Use with Caution)

7. Summer Management Company Guide: www.gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/moses-lake-washington
   • Note: Contains inaccurate information about Moses Lake having no specific STR laws; verify all information with official city sources

Important Notes for Investors

1. Recent Regulatory Changes: Moses Lake updated its STR regulations with Ordinance 3051 on September 24, 2024. Ensure compliance with current requirements.

2. Market Considerations: The area experiences strong seasonality with peak demand during summer months when lake activities are popular.

3. Competition and Demand: Limited supply of traditional accommodations creates strong demand for both vacation and business travel.

4. Investment Due Diligence: Always verify current zoning, recent code changes, and any pending regulatory updates before investment.

5. Professional Management: Consider working with experienced local property management companies familiar with Moses Lake regulations.

This guide represents current regulations as of July 2025. Investors should verify current requirements with the City of Moses Lake Community Development Department before making investment decisions or commencing operations.