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Stevenson, WA

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STR Regulations for Stevenson, Washington

Overview: Are Short‑Term Rentals Allowed in Stevenson, WA?

Yes—short‑term rentals (STRs) are allowed in Stevenson, Washington, but only under a valid annual vacation rental license. The City defines a “Vacation Rental Home” as a dwelling unit rented for fewer than thirty consecutive days. Operation without a license is prohibited, and the City enforces operational standards, inspections, and tax compliance. Licensing is processed through the Washington State Department of Revenue’s Business Licensing Service (BLS), and the City maintains a public registry of licensees and contact information. Investors must comply with City‑specific rules inside Stevenson’s limits; properties in unincorporated Skamania County are regulated under a separate county framework (see County and State sections below). [Source 1, 3]

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Stevenson?

Stevenson hosts earn a median $31,703/year with $198 ADR and 54% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $44,502+ per year.

See the full Stevenson market breakdown

How to Start a STR Business in Stevenson (Inside City Limits)

  • Confirm the STR is located within Stevenson city limits; if outside City limits, follow Skamania County procedures.
  • Secure liability insurance that expressly covers vacation rental use and post proof of coverage in the unit.
  • Contact neighbors using the City’s letter template (provided in the City’s Vacation Rental Packet).
  • Verify safety systems are in place and functional: smoke detection, carbon monoxide detection, and proper egress; install at least one fire extinguisher in the unit.
  • Prepare a parking diagram showing on‑site spaces intended for guests.
  • Assemble the required application data and submit through BLS; pay the annual City fee through the Washington Department of Revenue online portal.
  • Post the license and required operational information inside the unit.
  • Comply with all taxes (lodging tax under SMC 3.03 and sales/use tax under SMC 3.08) and any future inspections.
  • Maintain responsiveness to neighbor complaints and a complaint log, as described in City rules. [Source 1, 3]

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

  • Vacation Rental License (annual), obtained via the Washington Department of Revenue’s Business Licensing Service.
  • Completed City supplemental application information (owner details, local contact person, tax collection intent, inspection access, neighbor notice intent, Good Neighbor Guidelines provision, parking diagram, liability insurance intent).
  • Neighborhood notification using the City‑supplied letter.
  • Mandatory postings inside the unit: license, any special conditions, property address, owner/contact names and phone numbers, parking diagram, Good Neighbor Guidelines.
  • Safety compliance: functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, adequate egress, fire extinguisher.
  • Tax compliance: lodging tax under SMC 3.03 and sales/use tax under SMC 3.08. [Source 1, 3]

City‑Specific Regulations for Stevenson (SMC 5.20)

  • License Requirement: No person may advertise, offer, operate, or rent a vacation rental home without an annual license; each property must be licensed separately. [SMC 5.20.015; Ord. 2020‑1161]
  • Application & Fee: Application is processed through BLS; fee is $200 per year and may be prorated per SMC 5.04.040(B)(2). Payments are made via the Washington Department of Revenue online portal. [Source 1]
  • Term & Renewal: License is valid for one year from issuance; renewal is required annually by December 31. Approximately six weeks before expiration, BLS sends a renewal notice. Late operation is prohibited. [SMC 5.20.025, 5.20.030; Ord. 2020‑1161]
  • Neighbor Notification: Annual notice to adjacent and abutting properties with license number and contact phone numbers is required. [SMC 5.20.040(A)]
  • Public Registry: The City maintains a public registry of owner/contact information. [SMC 5.20.040(B)]
  • Complaint Handling: Owner/contact must respond to complaints in a timely manner; a complaint log is recommended. The City may investigate if responses are inadequate. Repeated failures or noise complaints can trigger warnings or revocation. [SMC 5.20.040(C)]
  • Inspections & Safety: Subject to inspection by the Building Official at City discretion (at least once every five years). Deficiencies must be corrected. Conformance with fire, building, and safety codes is required. [SMC 5.20.040(D)]
  • Mandatory Postings Inside the Unit: License, special standards, property address, owner/contact info, parking diagram, and Good Neighbor Guidelines. [SMC 5.20.040(F)]
  • Taxation: Full compliance with City lodging tax (SMC 3.03) and sales/use tax (SMC 3.08). [SMC 5.20.040(E)]
  • Liability Insurance: Owner must maintain liability insurance expressly covering the vacation rental home. [SMC 5.20.040(G)]
  • Revocation & Penalties: Violations (including failure to renew, false application statements, or inadequate responses) can lead to warnings, special operational conditions, or revocation. Each day of unlawful operation is a separate violation. Noncompliance also triggers City enforcement under civil and nuisance provisions. [SMC 5.20.045, 5.20.050; Ord. 2020‑1161]
  • Appeals: The City Council hears appeals of denial, revocation, or special conditions. Appeals must be filed within 14 days, and the Council’s decision is final and appealable only by superior court writ. [SMC 5.20.055]

Skamania County Rules (If Outside Stevenson City Limits)

  • Licensing Requirement: Annual license required to operate a short‑term vacation rental (STVR) in unincorporated Skamania County; licenses are effective from issuance through December 31 each year. Applications are made online via Cloudpermit or by mail/in person. [Source 2, 4]
  • Eligible Structures: Dwelling units, accessory dwelling units, residential accessory buildings (e.g., guest houses; wet bars/kitchenettes without an oven/range are allowed), and park model RVs/tiny homes licensed by the Washington Department of Labor & Industries. Occupancy limits apply for park model RVs: no more than two on a property, occupancy limited to 14 consecutive days and total of 120 days per calendar year. Campsites, tents, non‑park‑model RVs, and unlisted structures are not allowed. [Source 2]
  • Operational Requirements: Dedicated on‑site parking for all guests; conformance with building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, fire, and health codes; functioning carbon monoxide and smoke detectors; at least one fire extinguisher; address numbers visible from the road; prevent disturbances typical of residential neighborhoods (no commercial events unless at an approved commercial event center). [Source 2]
  • Insurance & Taxes: Primary liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 aggregate, or each transaction must be through a platform providing equal or greater coverage. Remit all applicable local, state, and federal taxes unless the platform does so. [Source 2]
  • Payments & Fees: Online credit card payments include a 2.75% fee; cash or checks payable to Skamania County Treasurer can be mailed or dropped off to avoid fees. [Source 2]

Washington State Requirements (RCW 64.37)

  • Liability Insurance: Maintain primary liability insurance in the aggregate of not less than $1,000,000 for the STR, or conduct each transaction through a platform providing equal or greater coverage. [RCW 64.37.050]
  • Tax Remittance: Remit all applicable local, state, and federal taxes unless the platform remits on the operator’s behalf. [RCW 64.37.020] [Source 2]

Local Authority Contacts

  • City of Stevenson (Vacation Rentals)
    • Address: 7121 E Loop Road, Stevenson, WA 98648
    • Mailing: PO Box 371, Stevenson, WA 98648
    • Phone: 509‑427‑5970
    • Email: info@ci.stevenson.wa.us
    • Vacation Rental Licensing Page: see Source 1 below [Source 1]
  • Washington State Department of Revenue (BLS Payment Portal)
    • Payment Portal: see Source 1 below [Source 1]
  • Skamania County (Unincorporated STVRs)
    • Address: 170 NW Vancouver Ave, Stevenson, WA 98648
    • Mailing: PO Box 1009, Stevenson, WA 98648
    • Short‑Term Vacation Rental Page: see Source 2 below
    • Cloudpermit Licensing Portal: see Source 2 below [Source 2]

Links to Source Pages

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Stevenson

Market Saturation Score

036912
Moderate Saturation
6/ 12
months with declining YoY revenue
5–7 declining months: moderate saturation risk - market may be nearing capacity.
View Full Stevenson Market Analysis

Photos of Stevenson

Overview of Stevenson

Stevenson is a small city of roughly 1,500 residents nestled along the north bank of the Columbia River in Skamania County, Washington. Often described as the "Gateway to the Columbia River Gorge" on the Washington side, the town has the unhurried feel of a riverfront community, with a compact downtown set against forested hillsides and the broad sweep of the river. Stevenson sits approximately 45 miles east of Portland, Oregon, a drive of about an hour along the scenic Columbia River Highway corridor, making it a popular weekend escape from the city. Its economy and identity are closely tied to outdoor recreation, river traffic, and the steady flow of visitors passing through the gorge.

Just a few minutes from downtown, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area defines the region's appeal. Stretching for tens of miles in both directions, the scenic area encompasses dramatic basalt cliffs, dozens of waterfalls, and a mix of hiking, cycling, and windsurfing opportunities. From Stevenson, visitors can reach trailheads and viewpoints in a matter of minutes, with the western edge of the scenic area beginning at the town's doorstep.

A short drive east of the city lies the Bonneville Dam, one of the oldest federal dams on the Columbia River and a notable visitor stop. The dam's fish ladders and visitor center offer a chance to see migrating salmon and learn about the river's hydroelectric history, and the surrounding grounds include wildlife viewpoints and picnic areas. It is a staple stop for families and school groups traveling through the gorge.

Spanning the Columbia at the edge of town, the Bridge of the Gods is a striking steel cantilever bridge that carries the Pacific Crest Trail across the river and links Washington with Cascade Locks, Oregon. The crossing is named for a Native American legend about a natural rock bridge that once spanned the river here, and it remains both a working transportation link and a memorable landmark for travelers.

Just downstream, Beacon Rock State Park surrounds one of the largest monolithic volcanic plugs in North America, with a switchback trail climbing to the summit for sweeping river and gorge views. The park also offers camping, boating access, and shorter riverside walks, rounding out Stevenson's appeal as an outdoor-focused base.

Together, these natural and engineered landmarks make Stevenson a natural fit for short-term rentals. Its small-town character, riverfront setting, and proximity to the Columbia River Gorge give it broad appeal for hikers, sightseers, and weekend travelers, while its easy reach from Portland ensures a steady year-round flow of visitors looking for a quieter base from which to explore one of the Pacific Northwest's most scenic corridors.

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