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Spokane

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STR Regulations for Spokane, Washington

Overview - Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Spokane, WA?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Spokane, Washington. The city permits short-term rentals (defined as rentals of less than 30 days) in all areas zoned for residential use, as well as in other zones, under a regulated permit system. This represents a significant expansion from previous regulations, with amendments that took effect on September 1, 2023, making STRs accessible in all residential zones throughout the city.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Spokane

Step 1: Obtain Required Licenses and Permits

  1. City of Spokane Business License - Apply through the combined Washington State/City system at the Department of Revenue website
  2. Short-Term Rental Permit - Apply through the city's Accela Citizen Access online platform

Step 2: Prepare Required Documentation

Before applying, ensure you have all required documents ready (detailed list below)

Step 3: Submit Application

Applications are submitted online through the city's permitting platform under the planning tab

Step 4: Pay Fees and Maintain Compliance

Pay application fees and prepare for annual renewals with required documentation updates

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Requirements:

  • City of Spokane Business License (combined state/city license)
  • Short-Term Rental Permit through Planning & Development Services
  • Completed Short-Term Rental Application Form
  • Annual Life Safety Compliance Form (completed and notarized)
  • Liability Insurance Documentation for the rental property
  • Detailed Plans:
    • Floor plan with room labels
    • Site plan showing parking
    • Fire safety plan showing ingress and egress routes
  • Notification Letter (for residential zones):
    • Must include contact information for emergencies
    • Must be mailed/delivered to adjacent property owners
    • Must include list of all recipients

Application Process:

Applications are processed through the Accela Citizen Access online platform. Download the detailed application instructions before beginning.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Zoning and Unit Limitations:

Residential Zones:

  • Single-family structures: One STR per detached single-family home, ADU, or attached single-family structure
  • Duplexes: One STR allowed in one unit of a duplex
  • Multifamily buildings: Maximum 20% of total units (if fire sprinklered); non-sprinklered buildings must comply with current building/fire codes
  • Mixed-use buildings: Follow same multifamily rules for residential portions

Non-Residential Zones:

  • Different fee structure applies
  • More flexible regulations for multifamily structures

Operational Standards:

  • Owner/Tenant Occupancy: Both property owners and eligible permanent residents (tenants) may apply for STR permits
  • Bedroom Requirements: Each bedroom must meet current building and fire code requirements for sleeping rooms
  • Occupancy Limits: Cannot exceed lawful occupant load per square foot or applicable health/safety provisions
  • Parking: Must comply with Spokane Municipal Code Chapter 17C.230
  • Advertising: All advertisements must display the STR permit number

Safety and Compliance:

  • Annual Life Safety Form: Required annually, must be notarized
  • Building Code Compliance: All bedrooms must meet sleeping room standards
  • Fire Safety: Fire sprinkler requirements affect unit cap calculations
  • Insurance: Liability insurance required as per Chapter 64.37 RCW

Fees and Renewal:

Application Fees:

  • Residential Zones: $200 application, $100 annual renewal
  • Other Zones: $300 application, $150 annual renewal

Renewal Requirements:

  • Annual renewal required each December
  • New Life Safety Compliance form required annually
  • Failure to renew results in automatic permit closure

Enforcement and Penalties:

  • Monitoring: City contracts with Granicus software to identify non-compliant properties
  • Grace Period: 30-day compliance period after violation notice
  • Revocation Process: One warning for violations; repeat violations within 12 months result in permit revocation
  • Prohibition Period: After revocation, no new permit allowed for 2 years at that location

Grandfathering Provisions:

STR permits active and approved before July 1, 2023, are grandfathered under previous regulations, provided they maintain continuous renewal.

Contact Information for Local STR Authority

Planning & Development Services

For Tax/Business License Questions:

Source Links and Additional Resources

Primary Source Documents:

Application Platform:

Business License:

Additional Resources:

Important Notes for Investors

Legal Compliance Warning: The city strongly recommends reviewing all lease agreements, HOA bylaws, and CC&Rs before applying, as STR permits do not override existing contractual restrictions.

Tax Obligations: In addition to city permits, operators must comply with Washington State lodging tax requirements. Major platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo collect these taxes automatically, but hosts must still register with the state Department of Revenue.

Monitoring and Enforcement: Beginning January 2024, Spokane actively monitors STR compliance using Granicus software to identify unpermitted properties. The city has approximately 3,658 active STRs but only had 219 permitted properties before the recent amendments.

This regulatory framework represents Spokane's commitment to balancing tourism revenue with neighborhood livability, offering clear pathways for compliant STR operation while maintaining enforcement mechanisms to ensure adherence to safety and community standards.

Spokane

Market Saturation Index

129630036912GrowingStableSaturated
Growing Market
11/12
Months with positive YoY revenue change last year
View Full Spokane Market Analysis →

Photos of Spokane

Overview of Spokane

Spokane, Washington, is a mid-sized city located in the eastern part of the state, serving as a central hub for the region. With a population of approximately 220,000 residents, Spokane is the second-largest city in Washington. It sits roughly 280 miles east of Seattle, the closest major city, and can typically be reached via a 4-hour drive along Interstate 90.

Spokane is well-known for its rich history, beautiful natural scenery, and vibrant cultural scene, making it an attractive destination for short-term rentals. A key landmark in the city is Riverfront Park (my.spokanecity.org/riverfrontpark/), which is home to the famous Spokane Falls and hosts a variety of events throughout the year. Another significant site is Manito Park (www.spokanecity.org/parksrec/places/Manito/), which features beautifully manicured gardens, walking paths, and a conservatory.

Additionally, Spokane's downtown area offers a historic district packed with amenities including dining, shopping, and entertainment venues. The city's geographical appeal extends to the Spokane River, which winds through the heart of the city and provides opportunities for water-related activities.

For those interested in cultural experiences, the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture (www.northwestmuseum.org/) offers extensive exhibits on regional history and art. Sports enthusiasts can visit the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena (www.spokanearena.com/) for concerts and sporting events, including the Spokane Chiefs hockey games.

This combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and convenience makes Spokane an appealing location for short-term rentals. The city's landmarks and amenities ensure a steady influx of visitors, contributing to a dynamic and continually growing market for short-term accommodation options.