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

YES, short-term rentals are allowed in Newport, WA, but they are subject to strict regulations at the county level. Newport is located within Pend Oreille County, and short-term rentals (defined as rentals of 30 days or less) require a Vacation Rental Permit from the Pend Oreille County Community Development Department. The operation must comply with all county codes, annual renewal requirements, and specific life-safety standards.

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

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Pre-Application Consultation

   • Contact the Pend Oreille County Community Development Department
   • Schedule a pre-application inspection with the Building Inspector
   • Review Chapter XX.70 of the Pend Oreille Development Regulations

2. Application Submission

   • Submit complete application package to the Community Development Department
   • Include all required documents (see documentation requirements below)
   • Pay application fees and advertising fees for public notices

3. Public Notice and Hearing Process

   • Post public notice signs on the property (minimum 15 days before hearing)
   • Notice of Application sent to neighbors within 300 feet
   • Application processed by Hearing Examiner

4. Inspections and Approvals

   • Complete life and safety inspection
   • Meet all approval criteria
   • Obtain maximum occupancy designation

5. Ongoing Compliance

   • Annual renewal required
   • Maintain current documentation
   • Collect and remit all required taxes

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Permit Required:

Vacation Rental Permit - Processed as a Class 2 application, valid for one year from approval date

Required Documentation:

• Completed Application Form with property owner information
• Site Plan (drawn to scale) including:
  • Property lines and dimensions
  • Location of existing and proposed structures
  • Septic systems and drain fields
  • Proposed parking layout
  • Distances between structures and parcel lines
  • Locations of existing and proposed roads/driveways
  • Distances between structures and waterbodies
  • North arrow and scale
• Title Report of the property
• Application Fees (varies)
• SEPA Checklist (if required)
• Draft Property Management Plan per Pend Oreille Development Regulations xx.70.030

Additional Requirements:

• Property Management Plan including:
  • Contact information for property owner and authorized agents
  • 24-hour emergency contact information
  • Enforcement compliance procedures
  • Location of nearest medical facilities
  • Trash removal plan (minimum once per week when occupied)
• Certificate of Inspection documenting compliance with life and safety checklist
• Annual Documentation of full tax and fee compliance

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Pend Oreille County Regulations (Chapter XX.70):

Approval Criteria:

1. Property Management Plan - Must be approved by County and maintained current
2. Site Plan - Must show available off-street parking, refuse facilities, emergency shut-offs, and amenities
3. Parking Requirements:
   • Minimum 2 off-street parking stalls
   • 1 stall required for every 4 authorized occupants
   • Must meet Transportation and Land Development standards (ITE)
4. Life and Safety Inspection - Required annually with maximum occupancy set by International Residential Code
5. Compliance Monitoring - Project Sponsor responsible for guest compliance and complaint response
6. Tax Compliance - Responsible for all required taxes, fees, and charges with annual documentation
7. Signage - Limited to one sign no larger than 16" x 32"

Operational Requirements:

• Occupancy Limit - Set by Building Inspector using International Building Code standards
• Management - Owner or authorized agent must be available for 24-hour response
• Complaint Response - Must promptly investigate and respond to complaints
• Annual Renewal - Permits must be renewed yearly through Class 1 application
• Non-Transferable - Permits cannot be transferred to new owners or locations

Newport Municipal Code Application:

The City of Newport follows Pend Oreille County's land use framework. Applications requiring special consideration may need:

• Conditional Use Permit for unique situations
• Site Plan Review for larger developments
• SEPA Compliance if environmental review required

Contact Information

Pend Oreille County Community Development Department

Physical Address:
418 S. Scott Avenue
P.O. Box 5066
Newport, WA 99156

Phone: (509) 447-4821
Website: pendoreilleco.org

Office Hours: Contact by phone for current hours

Key Contacts:

• Community Development Director - For general permitting questions
• Building Inspector - For life and safety inspections and occupancy determinations
• Hearing Examiner - For public hearing scheduling and decisions

Links to Source Pages

1. Pend Oreille County Community Development Department - Vacation Rental Permit Application

   • https://www.pendoreille.gov/media/4596

2. Pend Oreille County Official Website

   • http://pendoreilleco.org

3. Newport Municipal Code Chapter 17.05 - Applications

   • https://www.codepublishing.com/WA/Newport/html/Newport17/Newport1705.html

Important Notes for Investors

• Processing Time - Applications require public notice period (minimum 15 days) plus hearing schedule, plan for 30-60 days total processing time
• Advertising Fees - Applicant responsible for public notice advertising fees (varies by newspaper)
• Critical Areas - Properties near shorelines, streams, wetlands, or floodplains may require additional documentation
• Water/Sewer - Properties must have adequate water supply (community system or drilled well with water rights) and sewage disposal
• Tax Obligations - Responsible for all state, county, and local taxes with annual compliance documentation required

This guide provides the essential framework for operating a compliant short-term rental in Newport, WA. All investors should consult directly with Pend Oreille County officials to address specific property circumstances and current regulatory updates.