Primary-Residence-Only Rule
Spokane allows short-term rentals at primary residences with fewer restrictions, while non-owner-occupied STRs face stricter zoning standards under SMC Ch. 17C.355 and state RCW 35.21.770 partial preemption.
Short-Term Rentals in Spokane, WA (2026)
13 verified short-term rentals rules for Spokane, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Permit Requirements
Spokane requires short-term rental operators to obtain a city business registration and comply with SMC 17C.311 residential STR standards. Owner-occupancy is not required citywide but STRs must meet life-safety and zoning rules. Registration with WA DOR for lodging tax remittance is also required.
Short Term Rentals: Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsNoise Rules
Spokane STRs must comply with SMC 10.08D noise standards and general quiet hours of 10 PM to 7 AM. Operators are responsible for guest behavior. Repeated nuisance complaints can lead to business registration revocation. WAC 173-60 residential noise limits of 55 dBA day and 45 dBA night apply.
Short Term Rentals: Noise Rules
Heavy RestrictionsTaxes & Fees
Spokane STRs are subject to WA state sales tax (6.5 percent), Spokane local sales tax (2.4 percent), WA state lodging tax, and Spokane's 2 percent transient rental tax. Total occupancy tax burden is typically around 12 to 13 percent. Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit most taxes automatically.
Short Term Rentals: Taxes Fees
Some RestrictionsParking Rules
Spokane STRs must provide off-street parking per SMC 17C.230 at a ratio typically matching residential requirements (1 to 2 spaces per dwelling). Guests may not block alleys, fire lanes, or neighbors' driveways. Street parking is subject to standard time limits and permit zones.
Short Term Rentals: Parking Rules
Some RestrictionsOccupancy Limits
Spokane does not set a specific STR occupancy cap but the WA State Building Code and SMC 17A limit residential occupancy to 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional under general standards. Fire code occupant load limits apply. Operators should cap bookings to avoid overcrowding.
Short Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits
Some RestrictionsInsurance Requirements
Spokane does not mandate a specific STR liability insurance amount but WA state law and standard practice strongly recommend 1 million dollars general liability. Airbnb Host Liability Insurance and AirCover provide up to 1 million per booking. Notify your homeowner insurer of STR use.
Short Term Rentals: Insurance Requirements
Some RestrictionsNight Caps
Spokane does not cap the number of nights an STR may operate per year. Operators can rent year-round provided they maintain business registration and comply with SMC 17C.311. Some neighboring WA jurisdictions cap non-owner-occupied STRs at 90 or 180 nights annually.
Short Term Rentals: Night Caps
Few RestrictionsRegistration Rules
Spokane STR operators must obtain a city business registration via Taxes and Licenses Division and a WA state UBI through the Business Licensing Service. Registration is annual with a flat fee around 100 dollars. Operators must designate a 24/7 local contact and post contact info in the rental.
Short Term Rentals: Registration Rules
Some RestrictionsWash. Rev. Code § 64.37.050 - Short-term rental liability insurance
A short-term rental operator must maintain primary liability insurance to cover the short-term rental dwelling unit in the aggregate of not less than one million dollars or conduct each short-term rental transaction through a platform that provides equal or greater primary liability insurance coverage. Nothing in this section prevents an operator or a platform from seeking contributions from an...
Host Presence Rule
Spokane treats hosted STRs (operator present during stay) more permissively than unhosted whole-home rentals, with hosted operations allowed in more zones under SMC Ch. 17C.355.
Spokane Host Presence Distinction for STR Permits
Some RestrictionsRepeat Violator Strikes
Spokane can revoke or deny renewal of STR registrations for repeat code violations under SMC Ch. 17C.355, with escalating penalties for noise, occupancy, or parking infractions documented over time.
Spokane Repeat Violator Enforcement for STRs
Some RestrictionsHost Platform Liability
Spokane requires STR listings to display the city registration number and platforms must collect lodging taxes per state law, though full platform liability for unregistered listings remains limited compared to coastal-city models.
Spokane Platform Disclosure and Listing Standards
Some RestrictionsLooking for Spokane County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Spokane city rules.
Short-Term Rentals in Spokane County →