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Union, WA

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STR Regulations for Union, Washington

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

Yes. Short-term rentals (STRs) are allowed in Union, Washington (Mason County). Union is an unincorporated community; therefore, STRs are governed by Mason County regulations and Washington State law, not a city municipal code. At a minimum, operators must obtain a Mason County short-term rental permit and pass a health and safety inspection before listing on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO. Hosts must also collect and remit local lodging taxes and comply with state-level requirements (business registration and liability insurance). These obligations apply across unincorporated Mason County, including Hoodsport, Union, Lake Cushman, and other nearby areas.

Source: www.gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/union-washington
Source: househackseattle.com/blog/mason-county-airbnb-and-short-term-rental-regulations

How to Start a Short-Term Rental in Union, WA (Step-by-Step)

  1. Confirm zoning and property suitability
    • Verify that the property is in a zone that permits short-term rentals. Mason County allows STRs in many residential and mixed-use areas, but site-specific zoning can limit availability. Contact Mason County Planning or consult the Mason County Code for your parcel.
  2. Secure the STR permit
    • Apply for a Mason County STR permit. The process typically includes an application and a health and safety inspection. Schedule the inspection promptly; approval is required before hosting guests.
  3. Obtain liability insurance
    • Washington State requires primary liability coverage. While the precise minimum is not specified in the provided sources, ensure you have adequate coverage (commonly $1,000,000 or higher). Verify requirements at the time of application.
  4. Register your business and collect lodging taxes
    • Register with the Washington Department of Revenue (DOR) for tax remittance. Collect the Mason County lodging tax (2% of the rental rate) from guests and remit to the DOR according to filing cadence.
  5. Implement septic and environmental safeguards
    • Size occupancy to your septic system capacity. Avoid hosting large groups if the system is not designed for that load. Enforce “no parties/no events” and educate guests on water quality and onsite sewage system limits.
  6. Prepare guest-facing compliance materials
    • Post good neighbor guidelines, emergency contacts, evacuation routes, license/permit number, and any county-required postings for guests.
  7. List and operate
    • List your property on STR platforms only after permit approval and insurance are in place. Maintain clear house rules to mitigate impacts on neighbors and the environment.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

  • Mason County STR Permit
    • Application and issuance required before hosting; includes a health and safety inspection component.
  • Health and Safety Inspection
    • Confirms compliance with relevant health and safety standards. Address any deficiencies before hosting.
  • Washington State Business Registration
    • Register with the Washington Department of Revenue. Use your Unified Business Identifier (UBI) to remit state and local lodging taxes.
  • Liability Insurance
    • Primary liability insurance is required under Washington law. Confirm current minimum coverage with county/state authorities.
  • Lodging Tax Collection and Remittance
    • Mason County lodging tax is 2% of the rental rate. Remit per DOR guidance (monthly or quarterly depending on volume).
  • Guest Communications and Onsite Postings
    • Maintain and display “good neighbor” guidelines, emergency contacts, evacuation routes, and permit/license information inside the unit.
  • Zoning Compliance
    • Ensure STR use is permitted at your property’s location. If in doubt, consult Planning and obtain written confirmation.

Source: www.gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/union-washington
Source: househackseattle.com/blog/mason-county-airbnb-and-short-term-rental-regulations
Source: www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/2019/04/29/little-oversight-mason-county-vacation-rental-industry-airbnb-vrbo/3621906002/

Specific Regulations: Mason County (Union) and Washington State

Mason County (applies to Union, unincorporated)

  • Permit-first regime: STRs must obtain a county permit and pass inspection before operating.
  • Health and safety: Properties are inspected to ensure basic health and safety standards are met.
  • Tax obligations: Hosts must collect and remit the 2% Mason County lodging tax via the Washington Department of Revenue.
  • Complaint-based enforcement: The county historically operated a complaint-driven oversight model, with limited proactive inspection resources. Environmental health concerns—especially septic capacity and shoreline impacts—require owner vigilance and guest education.
  • Zoning: STRs are generally allowed in residential and mixed-use zones but may be restricted in certain areas; always confirm with Planning.

Washington State (applies to all STRs)

  • Business registration: Short-term rental operators must register with the Department of Revenue and obtain a business license/UBI.
  • Liability insurance: Primary liability insurance is required; confirm current minimums with the DOR and county at the time of application.
  • Lodging tax collection: Hosts must collect and remit state and local lodging taxes to the DOR.
  • Consumer protection context: The Legislature has acted to increase transparency, oversight, and tax compliance across Washington’s STR market.

City-specific note: Union has no incorporated city government; therefore, municipal (city) STR rules do not apply. County and state rules govern.

Source: househackseattle.com/blog/mason-county-airbnb-and-short-term-rental-regulations
Source: www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/2019/04/29/little-oversight-mason-county-vacation-rental-industry-airbnb-vrbo/3621906002/
Source: www.gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/union-washington

Local Authority Contacts

  • Mason County Community Services – Environmental Health
    • Mailing Address: 419 N 4th St, Shelton, WA 98584
    • Phone: (360) 427-9670
    • Email: Use official contact form on Mason County’s website (Environmental Health or Community Services portal)
    • Website: www.co.mason.wa.us/ (see Departments: Community Services, Environmental Health)
  • Washington State Department of Revenue – Business Tax Center
    • Phone: (360) 705-6705 (general); Business registration and lodging tax hotline: (360) 705-6808
    • Website: dor.wa.gov/
    • Portal: secure.dor.wa.gov/ (file and remit lodging taxes online)

Source: www.gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/union-washington
Source: househackseattle.com/blog/mason-county-airbnb-and-short-term-rental-regulations

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Union

Market Saturation Score

036912
Mild Saturation
4/ 12
months with declining YoY revenue
2–4 declining months: early saturation pressure - watch for trend persistence.
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Photos of Union

Overview of Union

Union or Union City is a small census-designated place in Mason County, Washington, United States. The community lies along the southern shore of the Great Bend of the Hood Canal, near the mouth of the Skokomish River, which flows from the nearby Olympic Mountains. The U.S. Census reported a population of 631 inhabitants in the 2010 census. The ZIP Code for Union is 98592. State Route 106 is the main route through Union, leading to Belfair farther north, and Potlatch and US Highway 101 to the south.

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