Spokane Short-Term Rental Regulations

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Permit & Licensing

Short-Term Rental Permit (administrative permit)

This permit type does not require primary residence.

Application Process

Apply through the City's Accela Citizen Access online permitting platform (planning tab). Requires a City of Spokane Business License, completed Short-Term Rental Permit Application, notarized Annual Life Safety Compliance Form, proof of liability insurance, site/floor/parking/fire-safety plans, and (for residential-zone applications) a notification letter to adjacent property owners.

Tax Obligations

Combined rate: 9.10% combined sales tax of gross rental income.

Collection: Property owners must collect and pay retail sales tax on the rental charges themselves; they are also responsible for any lodging/convention-trade-center taxes and Retailing B&O tax (after the small business B&O credit, if eligible).

Rental Limits

Spokane does not impose an annual cap on the number of nights you can rent. Individual-stay rule: Fewer than 30 consecutive days (a stay of 30+ consecutive days by the same person is not classified as a short-term rental).

Occupancy & Density Limits

Must not exceed lawful occupant load limits per building/fire code (RCW 35.21.682); common areas such as living rooms, lofts, or closets do not qualify as sleeping accommodations

Zoning & Restrictions

Permitted citywide in all zones where residential uses are allowed. Residential zones (SMC 17C.316.040) cap short-term rentals at one per single-family/duplex unit or up to 20% of units in sprinklered multifamily buildings. Other, non-residential zones (SMC 17C.316.050) allow up to 30% of units in sprinklered multifamily buildings, or otherwise require a Change of Use/Occupancy process to establish a Retail Sales and Service use.

Insurance & Safety

Insurance

Operators must maintain at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance covering the property's use as a short-term rental.

Safety & Operating Requirements

• Each bedroom rented to overnight guests must meet current building code requirements for a sleeping room
• Each bedroom rented to overnight guests must meet current fire code requirements
• Common areas such as living rooms, lofts, or closets do not qualify as sleeping accommodations for occupancy calculations
• A completed and notarized Life Safety Compliance form is required for the permit

Penalties for Non-Compliance

The owner or operator receives one warning for the first violation. Non-compliance, or a repeat of non-compliance within a 12-month period, results in revocation of the permit plus a civil infraction. A new short-term rental permit will not be issued to the owner at that site for 2 years after revocation.

Compliance Checklist

Follow these steps to legally operate a short-term rental in Spokane:

1. Meet safety requirements. Each bedroom rented to overnight guests must meet current building code requirements for a sleeping room. Each bedroom rented to overnight guests must meet current fire code requirements. Common areas such as living rooms, lofts, or closets do not qualify as sleeping accommodations for occupancy calculations. A completed and notarized Life Safety Compliance form is required for the permit.
2. Obtain liability insurance. $1,000,000 minimum.
3. Apply for Short-Term Rental Permit (administrative permit). Submit application + $200-$300 fee.
4. Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with Washington State Department of Revenue.
5. Collect and remit taxes. 9.10% combined sales tax on all bookings.
6. Renew annually. $100-$150 renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Spokane?

Yes. Operating a short-term rental — including an Airbnb or Vrbo — in Spokane requires a Short-Term Rental Permit (administrative permit).

Does Spokane require a short-term rental to be your primary residence?

No. Spokane allows non-owner-occupied short-term rentals, so investment properties can qualify provided you hold the required permit.

How many days a year can you short-term rent in Spokane?

Spokane does not cap the number of nights per year you can short-term rent, though permitting, zoning, and occupancy rules still apply.

What taxes do you pay on a short-term rental in Spokane?

Short-term rental stays in Spokane are subject to a combined 9.10% in lodging taxes. This combines 9.10% combined (6.50% state + 2.60% local, City of Spokane location code 3210) Washington State & Local Retail Sales Tax + Varies; small business B&O tax credit may apply Retailing B&O Tax + Not applicable to typical single-unit short-term rentals — Spokane County requires 40 or more units for this tax to apply Special Hotel/Motel Tax. The host is responsible for collecting and remitting them.

What happens if you run a short-term rental without a permit in Spokane?

The owner or operator receives one warning for the first violation.