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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Westport, Washington. The city has established comprehensive regulations under Municipal Code Chapter 17.22 governing "Vacation Rental Dwellings." These regulations permit short-term rentals (defined as 30 calendar days or less) in all zoning districts that allow single-family residences as a permitted use.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Westport

Step-by-Step Process

1. Determine Eligibility: Verify your property is in an eligible zone and meets dwelling requirements
2. Prepare Required Documentation: Gather all necessary certificates, permits, and information
3. Submit Application: Complete the vacation rental use application with required fee
4. Pass Inspection: Schedule and pass required safety inspections
5. Obtain Business License: Secure local business license after vacation rental approval
6. Begin Operations: Start renting while maintaining ongoing compliance

Initial Investment Requirements

• Application Fee: $750.00 (reduced from previous $1,500 as of 2024)
• Resubmission Fee: $75.00 (if initial application denied)
• Annual Renewal Fee: $250.00
• Reinspection Fee: $150.00 (if required within 14 days)
• Additional costs for insurance, inspections, and business license

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Mandatory Documentation

1. Completed Vacation Rental Application

   • Names, addresses, emails, and phone numbers of all property owners
   • Property details and operational plans

2. Certificate of Insurance

   • Must document property is insured specifically as short-term/vacation rental
   • Must be kept current and on file with the city

3. Certificate of Inspection

   • Must comply with International Building Code for transient accommodations
   • Requires appropriate certificate of occupancy
   • Annual safety inspection required

4. Business License

   • Cannot be issued until vacation rental approval is granted
   • Must comply with all local and state business regulations

5. Contact Information Documentation

   • Property owner contact details
   • Local property representative information (available 24/7)
   • Must notify neighboring property owners within 250-foot radius

Operational Requirements

Occupancy and Parking

• Maximum Occupancy: Based on International Building Code standards
• Parking Requirements:
  • Minimum one additional off-street parking space beyond standard dwelling requirements
  • Parking along front property line cannot exceed 40% of frontage
  • Number of vehicles cannot exceed available parking spaces
  • Exception: Condominium dwellings exempt from parking restrictions

Property Management

• Local Representative: Must designate someone available 24/7 to respond within 30 minutes to complaints
• Property Limitations: Only one vacation rental per parcel (exceptions in mixed-use tourist commercial zones)
• Waste Management: Weekly solid waste collection required; biweekly recyclables collection minimum

Signage and Advertising

• Internal Signage Required:

  • Permit number and street address
  • Maximum occupancy information
  • Noise and use restrictions
  • Parking location details
  • Owner/representative contact information
  • Tsunami evacuation routes and property evacuation map
  • Trash/recycling guidelines
  • "Good neighbor policy" information
  • Prohibition notices (fireworks, trespassing, etc.)

• External Signage: Prohibited except in mixed-use tourist commercial zones

• Advertisement Requirements: Must include permit number and "good neighbor policy" in all listings

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Westport Regulations

Use Restrictions

• Prohibited Activities: Weddings, banquets, receptions, bachelor/bachelorette parties, concerts, fundraisers, sponsored events, or similar group activities
• Purpose Limitation: Use must be incidental to lodging/sleeping purposes only
• Noise Compliance: Must comply with Chapter 9.60 WMC (Noise ordinances)

Transfer and Renewal Requirements

• Non-transferable: Permits are issued to specific owners; new owners must reapply
• Annual Renewal: Required with demonstrated compliance, complaint resolution documentation, and tax verification
• Compliance Documentation: Must provide written confirmation of complaint resolutions from previous 12 months

Grays Harbor County Regulations

Westport is located in Grays Harbor County, which has its own STR regulations under GHCC 17.06.020. County regulations apply to unincorporated areas and include:

Permitted Zones (County-wide)

• General Development One (G-1)
• General Development Five (G-5)
• General Residential (R-2)
• Resort Residential (R-3)
• Rural Residential (RR)
• Lake Quinault (LQ)
• General Commercial (C-2)

County Process

• Step 1: Site Plan Review Application
• Step 2: Related Permits and Approvals
• Step 3: Short Term Rental Permit Application
• Annual Renewal: Required at least 30 days prior to expiration

Washington State Regulations

STR operators must comply with all applicable state regulations including:

• Business licensing requirements
• State and municipal tax obligations
• Washington State Department of Revenue tax remittance
• Building and safety codes as adopted locally

Enforcement and Penalties

Violation Structure

• First Violation: Warning (per property, per violation type in 12-month period)
• Second Violation: $250.00 fine
• Third and Subsequent Violations: $500.00 fine, potential criminal misdemeanor charges, and/or permit suspension/revocation
• Daily Violations: Each day of violation considered separate offense

Enforcement Authority

The following officials may enforce regulations:

• Chief of Police
• Building Inspector
• Code Enforcement Official
• City Administrator or designee

Permit Revocation Grounds

• Failure to provide accurate contact information
• Failure to keep contact information current
• Failure to respond timely to complaints
• Repeated complaints and/or violations

Contact Information for Local Authorities

City of Westport

Primary Contact: Planning Department

• Address: City Hall, Westport, WA
• Phone: Contact city hall directly for current planning department numbers
• Website: Westport Municipal Code

Grays Harbor County Planning Division

For County Jurisdiction Questions:

• Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - Noon, 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
• Phone: 360-227-5030
• Website: Grays Harbor County STR Information
• Complaint Reporting: 360-227-5030 or online reporting available

Online Resources and Applications

• County Permit Portal: SmartGov Community Portal
• Property Zoning Lookup: MapGeo Parcel Search

Important Source Links

1. Westport Municipal Code Chapter 17.22: Vacation Rental Dwellings
2. Grays Harbor County STR Regulations: County Planning Division
3. Grays Harbor County Code: GHCC 17.06.020

Final Recommendations for STR Investors

Before proceeding with your short-term rental investment in Westport:

1. Verify Current Regulations: Contact both city and county offices to confirm current requirements, as regulations may have been updated since this guide was compiled.

2. Budget Comprehensively: Factor in all fees, insurance requirements, inspection costs, and ongoing compliance expenses when calculating investment returns.

3. Plan for Compliance: Establish systems for 24/7 property management, neighbor relations, and documentation maintenance from the outset.

4. Understand Enforcement: Be aware that violations can result in significant fines and permit revocation, making compliance essential for business sustainability.

5. Consider Professional Help: Given the complexity of regulations across city, county, and state levels, consider consulting with local attorneys or STR management companies familiar with Westport's requirements.

This comprehensive regulatory environment reflects Westport's commitment to balancing tourism benefits with community quality of life, making compliance both a legal necessity and a community responsibility for STR operators.