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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Yakima, Washington, both at the city and county level, subject to specific regulatory requirements, permitting processes, and operational standards. Yakima County allows short-term rentals as a permitted use in all zoning districts that permit residential dwellings, while the City of Yakima regulates them through structured land use reviews and business licensing requirements.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Yakima

Step 1: Zoning Compliance Verification

• Determine your property's zoning using the City's interactive CityMap tool or Zoning Map
• Verify STR eligibility in your specific zoning district:
  • City of Yakima: STRs permitted in CBD (Type 1 review), SR/R-1/R-2/R-3/SCC/LCC/GC (Type 3 review), or outright permitted if owner-resided in residential zones
  • Yakima County: Permitted in all residential zoning districts

Step 2: Permit Application Process

• Apply for required land use review based on your zoning:
  • Type 1 Review: Administrative approval for CBD district
  • Type 3 Review: Hearing Examiner approval for residential/commercial districts
  • No review required: If owner resides in the rental property

Step 3: Business Licensing

• Obtain City of Yakima Business License (required for all rental properties)
• Register with Washington State Department of Revenue for state business requirements
• Annual license renewal mandatory

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

County-Level Requirements (Yakima County)

1. Conditional Use Permit for STR use of eligible dwelling unit
2. Maximum occupancy compliance with International Building Code standards
3. Off-street parking: One space per guest unit meeting design standards
4. Signage compliance with county sign regulations (YCC 19.20)

City-Level Requirements (City of Yakima)

1. Land Use Application:
   • Type 1 Review Application (CBD district)
   • Type 3 Review Application (residential/commercial districts)
2. Business License Application (annual renewal required)
3. Compliance with home occupation stipulations (YMC 15.04.120) if applicable
4. Special development standards compliance (YMC 15.09.080) for STR operations

Documentation Requirements

• Property ownership verification
• Site plan showing parking and STR configuration
• Compliance with setback and zoning requirements
• State and federal business registration documentation

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Yakima County Regulations (YCC Chapter 19.18.420)

Definition & Intent

• STRs defined as residential dwelling units rented to overnight guests for fewer than 30 consecutive days
• Intent to balance property owner rights with neighborhood impact mitigation

Operational Limits

• Maximum 5 STR units permitted on a single parcel
• Combined use limitation: Where parcel contains residential unit, private room, or ADU, no more than 5 units total may function as STR
• Eligible dwellings: Must be legally established residences per building and planning departments

Approval Criteria

• Occupancy: Maximum occupancy per International Building Code standards
• Parking: One off-street space per guest unit
• Signage: Must comply with county sign regulations

City of Yakima Regulations (YMC Chapter 15.04)

Zoning-Based Permitting

• CBD District: Type 1 land use review required
• Residential Districts (SR, R-1, R-2, R-3): Type 3 review required
• Commercial Districts (SCC, LCC, GC): Type 3 review required
• Owner-Resided Rentals: Outright permitted (max 5 lodging units/guest rooms)

Operational Standards

• Must comply with YMC 15.09.080 special regulations for STRs
• Follow general home occupation stipulations (YMC 15.04.120)
• Business license required for all rental properties (short-term and long-term)

State-Level Requirements (Washington State)

• Business License: Required through Washington State Department of Revenue
• Tax Compliance: Must comply with state and federal tax regulations
• Business Registration: State business registration requirements apply

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Yakima County Planning Division

• Primary Contact: (509) 574-2300
• Website: Yakima County Planning
• Document Center: County Documents

City of Yakima Planning Division

• Phone: (509) 575-6183
• Email: ask.planning@yakimawa.gov
• Website: City Planning FAQ
• Applications & Forms: Land Use Applications

City of Yakima Code Administration

• Phone: (509) 576-6657
• Business Licenses: Licenses Page
• Permits: Permits Page

Washington State Department of Revenue

• Business Registration: https://dor.wa.gov/open-business

Source Pages and References

Official Government Sources

1. Yakima County STR Regulations:

   • YCC Chapter 19.18.420 - Short-Term Rentals

2. City of Yakima Planning Information:

   • Planning Division FAQ
   • Zoning Information
   • Land Use Application Forms

3. Municipal Code References:

   • Yakima Municipal Code Title 15
   • YMC Chapter 15.04 - Land Use
   • YMC 15.09.080 - Special Development Standards for STRs

Interactive Tools

• CityMap - Interactive Zoning Tool
• Zoning Map

Professional Resources

• Lodge Compliance - Yakima County STR Information (Third-party compliance service)

Important Notes for Investors:

• STR regulations can change; verify current requirements with local authorities
• Consider engaging local planning consultants for complex zoning scenarios
• Budget for application fees, legal compliance, and ongoing renewal costs
• Understand that separate rules may apply within designated overlay districts or critical areas
• Monitor both city and county regulatory updates as they may have differing requirements

This guide provides a comprehensive foundation for STR investment in Yakima, but investors should conduct additional due diligence and consult directly with local authorities for specific property situations and current regulatory changes.