Overview: Are short‑term rentals allowed in Newman Lake, WA?

• Yes. Short‑term rentals ( rentals for fewer than 30 nights) are allowed in Newman Lake, which is an unincorporated community in Spokane County. There is no city government or city‑specific short‑term rental ordinance in Newman Lake. Hosts must comply with applicable state of Washington regulations and Spokane County requirements (notably zoning and tax obligations). For clarity: within the City of Spokane, hosts need a city short‑term rental permit, but Newman Lake is outside city limits and therefore not governed by that ordinance. This guide focuses on the rules that apply to Newman Lake and Spokane County.

How to start a short‑term rental business in this market

• Confirm zoning eligibility
  • Use Spokane County Zoning (contact Planning if your property is in a Residential, Commercial, or Industrial zone and confirm short‑term rentals are a permitted use). Zoning can influence the number of guests, parking, and overall operability.
• Review legal covenants
  • If the property is governed by an HOA, check CC&Rs and bylaws for restrictions on short‑term rentals or subletting. A city STR permit does not override private agreements.
• Secure liability insurance
  • Maintain appropriate coverage for a rental dwelling. The Spokane city form references liability insurance and can be a useful benchmark for coverage levels even in county areas.
• Obtain required licensing and tax registrations
  • Washington State Business License (unified state license) and tax registration (sales tax and any local lodging taxes). If you already have a state license, ensure it covers short‑term rentals and lodging activities.
• Collect and remit state and local lodging taxes
  • Washington has a state sales tax (currently 6.5% statewide). Local lodging taxes may also apply and vary by jurisdiction; you are responsible for collecting and remitting the correct combined rate for your location. Registration and filing are typically done through the Washington State Department of Revenue; short‑term rental platforms may collect and remit some taxes on your behalf, but you should verify platform tax handling and confirm remittance with the state.
• Comply with state safety standards (RCW 64.37)
  • Washington’s Uniform Short‑Term Rental Operating Act sets baseline safety and operating requirements for STRs statewide. Ensure your property meets all applicable standards.
• Neighbor notification (recommended but not mandated outside City of Spokane)
  • Within the City of Spokane, neighbor notification letters are required for residential zones (adjacent owners and across‑the‑street neighbors with your contact information). While Newman Lake is not subject to that ordinance, proactively informing neighbors and establishing a local contact can reduce friction.
• Operational readiness
  • Plan for cleaning, maintenance, noise and occupancy monitoring, and guest communication. Align housekeeping and turnover standards with local expectations and seasonal demand.

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

• State business license and tax registration
  • Unified Washington State Business License through the Department of Revenue. This consolidates state business licensing and tax registration.
• Liability insurance
  • Evidence of current coverage for the rental dwelling (minimums not specified in county sources, but standard practice for STRs).
• Safety compliance
  • Adherence to statewide safety requirements for short‑term rentals (see RCW 64.37). Property should be maintained to meet applicable life safety standards.
• County zoning verification
  • Documentation confirming your zoning and allowable use (confirm with Spokane County Planning).
• Tax collection setup
  • Process to collect and remit applicable state sales tax and local lodging taxes; verify platform‑collected taxes and file/report as required by state and local rules.
• Neighbor contact plan
  • If you opt to notify neighbors (especially in residential areas), maintain an updated contact list and a simple incident response protocol.

Specific regulations for short‑term rentals in this city, county, and state

• City of Spokane (not Newman Lake)
  • Short‑term rental defined as rental of all or part of a residential dwelling for fewer than 30 nights. City requires a permit, life safety form, business license, liability insurance, detailed site and safety plans, and neighbor notification for residential zones. Fees are: Residential zone—$200 application, $100 renewal; Other zones—$300 application, $150 renewal. Multiple units in one building each require a separate permit and fee.
• Spokane County
  • Zoning governs land use. Hosts should verify allowable uses and any occupancy, parking, or signage limits in the applicable zoning district. There is no county‑wide short‑term rental permit requirement noted in the provided sources.
• State of Washington
  • State business license required to operate; register for state sales tax and any applicable local lodging taxes. Hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting the correct combined rate.
  • Uniform Short‑Term Rental Operating Act (RCW 64.37) sets statewide safety and operating standards for STRs.

Contact information (phone, email, website where available)

• Spokane County Planning and Development Services
  • Phone: 509‑477‑3675
  • Website: www.spokanecounty.org/448/Planning-and-Development-Services
• Washington State Department of Revenue (Business Licensing)
  • Phone: 360‑705‑6741 (Business Licensing Service Center)
  • Website: bls.dor.wa.gov/
• City of Spokane Development Services (for reference on city rules; not applicable to Newman Lake)
  • Phone: 509‑625‑6300
  • Website: my.spokanecity.org/projects/short-term-rentals/

Important links to source pages

• City of Spokane short‑term rental program and forms: my.spokanecity.org/projects/short-term-rentals/
• Washington State business license portal (unified state license): bls.dor.wa.gov/
• Spokane County Planning and Development Services: www.spokanecounty.org/448/Planning-and-Development-Services

Notes for investors

• Because Newman Lake is unincorporated, the City of Spokane’s permit and life‑safety form requirements do not apply. Focus on state licensing, state and local taxes, county zoning compliance, and statewide safety standards.
• If you hold or are considering a City of Spokane property, use the city program page for permit applications and detailed requirements.