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

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Spanaway, Washington. Spanaway does not have city-specific regulations governing short-term rentals. Instead, operators must comply with Pierce County regulations and Washington State laws. The Pierce County Code 18A.37.040 specifically addresses Bed and Breakfast (B&B) and Short-Term Vacation Rentals (VR), establishing the legal framework within which all STR operations in Spanaway must function.

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

Starting a short-term rental business in Spanaway requires adherence to Pierce County's regulatory framework. The process involves several key steps:

1. Property Eligibility Assessment

Your property must be a legally established single-family dwelling or accessory dwelling. The use must comply with zoning requirements, and the property must be suitable for short-term rental operations.

2. Determine Rental Type

Pierce County distinguishes between two primary categories:

• Bed and Breakfast (B&B): Requires owner residence on the property
• Vacation Rental (VR): Allows rental of entire dwelling without owner present

3. Compliance Planning

Operators must ensure their proposed operation meets all numerical limits, notification requirements, and safety standards before beginning operations.

4. Revenue and Tax Considerations

Plan for Washington State tax obligations, including sales tax and potential local lodging taxes. Consider investing in appropriate insurance coverage beyond basic requirements.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Bed and Breakfast (B&B) Requirements:

Affidavit Requirement:

• File an affidavit with Pierce County Planning and Public Works
• Must indicate property location
• Must confirm property will be used as a bed and breakfast
• Must be completed by the proprietor who resides on the property

Vacation Rental (VR) Requirements:

Vacation Rental Affidavit: Must be filed with Pierce County Planning and Public Works Department and include:

• Property owner's intent to use residence as a Vacation Rental
• Contact information for owner, representative, or property management company (phone number and email)
• Listing of internet sites where the Vacation Rental property is advertised
• Confirmation that required neighborhood notification has been provided

Mandatory Guest Information:

• Provide guests with information indicating the location of guest parking spaces
• Provide a "Good Neighbor brochure" describing appropriate etiquette for Vacation Rental residents

Washington State Compliance:

• Review State Department of Revenue standards and tax requirements
• Ensure collection and remittance of applicable taxes
• Comply with any business licensing requirements at the state level

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Pierce County Regulations (18A.37.040)

Bed and Breakfast Limits:

• Maximum of 5 guest rooms
• Maximum of 10 travelers lodged at any time
• Lodging period not to exceed 2 weeks per guest
• Compensation of any kind must be paid for lodging
• Owner must reside on the property

Vacation Rental Limits:

• Maximum of 5 guest rooms
• 2 guests per bedroom, not to exceed 10 guests total at any time
• Compensation of any kind must be paid for lodging
• Rentals exceeding 30 days are not regulated under this Chapter

Neighborhood Notification:

• Vacation Rental owner/representative must provide notification of the vacation rental business to all neighboring property owners directly adjacent to the property

Conditional Use Permit: If standards cannot be met or are exceeded, the use requires a Conditional Use Permit through the standard county process.

State-Level Washington Regulations:

Tax Obligations:

• Collect and remit Washington State sales tax
• Pay any applicable local lodging taxes
• File appropriate tax returns with Washington State Department of Revenue
• Review State Department of Revenue's "Personal Home Rentals" guidelines for specific requirements

Business License Considerations:

• Review whether state-level business licensing applies to your specific operation
• Ensure compliance with any professional licensing requirements

Contact Information for Local Authority

Pierce County Planning and Public Works Department:

• Phone: Contact Pierce County main line for Planning and Public Works
• Email: Contact through county website
• Website: www.piercecountywa.gov
• Address: Contact county offices for specific Planning and Public Works location

For Questions Regarding:

• Vacation Rental Affidavits
• Bed and Breakfast affidavits
• Conditional Use Permits
• Zoning compliance
• Regulatory interpretation

Washington State Department of Revenue:

• Website: dor.wa.gov
• Tax Questions: Review lodging guide for personal home rentals
• Phone: Contact state revenue department for business tax obligations

Source Pages

Primary Regulatory Sources:

1. Pierce County Code 18A.37.040: https://pierce.county.codes/PCC/18A.37.040 - Bed and Breakfast and Short-Term Vacation Rentals regulations
2. Pierce County Official Website: https://www.piercecountywa.gov/ - Contact information and additional county resources

Washington State Resources:

3. Washington State Department of Revenue - Lodging Guide: https://dor.wa.gov/education/industry-guides/lodging-guide/personal-home-rentals - State tax requirements for personal home rentals

Market Information:

4. Checkmate Rentals - Spanaway Market Analysis: https://www.checkmaterentals.com/airbnb-management/spanaway-washington - Local market insights and regulatory confirmation

Important Note for Investors: While Spanaway lacks city-specific STR ordinances, the regulatory landscape can evolve. Stay informed about potential future regulations by monitoring Pierce County Council meetings and planning department updates. Consider establishing relationships with local real estate professionals and property management companies who can provide current market intelligence and regulatory changes.