A short-term rental is where a residential dwelling unit or bedrooms in a residential unit are rented to overnight guests for fewer than 30 days. Short term rentals are a permitted use in residential zones.
The City ordinance creates two categories of short-term rentals. One category is for lodging only, which requires a business license and permit. Lodging is limited to two adults per bedroom. Neighbors across the street and on either side of the rental need to be notified of the use.
A second category is for holding commercial meetings such as receptions, luncheons or weddings. That type of business requires a conditional-use permit.
Owners must also meet fire code requirements, which are determined by state law. The state fire code requires homes rented out for less than 30 days to have a fire sprinkler system, which can cost from $6,000 to $10,000. The Washington State Building Code Council turned down a Spokane City Council request to waive the sprinkler requirement for homeowners who want to rent out one or two rooms for less than a month.
A Permit/Application is made through the City of Spokane Development Services Center, located on the 3rd floor of City Hall. Short term rentals are required to complete the following (including but not limited to):
- Spokane Business License – Please contact the Tax and License Department at 509.625.6070
- Applicable taxes – See Department of Revenue at Short-term Home Rentals or at 800.647.7706
- Insurance – Proof of insurance to operate as a short term rental
- Notification letter to adjoining property owners (after permit is issued with contact information and notification of short term rental use)
- Must display permit number in advertisements
- Spokane County Health permits (if offering smoking areas, food preparation, pool and spa facilities)
- Properties may also be required to conform to applicable state building code requirements including sprinklers and accessibility for those with disabilities
- Commercial Events such as hosting weddings, parties or other events which bring the public to a site require a Conditional Use permit – Please contact the Development Services Center regarding the process.
If you have any further questions regarding short term rentals please contact the City of Spokane Development Services Center at 509.625.6300. The effective date for the short term rental permit ordinance is June 17, 2015.
Source: Short Term Rentals – City of Spokane, Washington
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