Short-Term Rentals in Lewis County, WA (2026)
4 rules for unincorporated Lewis County, Washington.
Verified from official government sources
Short-Term Rental Permits
Operating a short-term rental in unincorporated Lewis County requires an annually renewed permit from the Department of Community Development under LCC § 17.105.040(1), processed as a Type I application under § 17.105.050 with five documentation requirements.
Lewis County STR Permit Requirement
Significant RestrictionsLewis County Code §§ 17.105.040(1), 17.105.050
§ 17.105.040. Standards. (1) The owner or legal representative shall obtain a short-term rental permit from Lewis County department of community development. Permits shall be renewed annually. ... § 17.105.050. Permit issuance. (1) The short-term rental permit shall be processed as a Type I application. (2) To obtain a permit, the property owner or agent authorized to act on the property owner'...
Short-Term Rental Parking Rules
In unincorporated Lewis County, a short-term rental must provide at least one on-site parking space per bedroom or unit under LCC § 17.105.040(3), part of the operating standards enforced through the county's annual short-term rental permit.
Lewis County STR Parking Rule
Some RestrictionsLewis County Code § 17.105.040(3)
§ 17.105.040. Standards. ... (3) A minimum of one on-site parking space per bedroom or unit shall be provided.
Occupancy Limits
In unincorporated Lewis County, short-term rental occupancy under LCC § 17.105.040(2) tops out at two guests per bedroom plus three, or the design capacity of the approved on-site septic system if that number is higher. Guests over age two count toward the cap.
Lewis County STR Occupancy Limit
Some RestrictionsLewis County Code § 17.105.040(2)
§ 17.105.040. Standards. ... (2) The maximum occupancy shall be no more than two guests per bedroom plus three additional guests, or maximum occupancy shall be based on the design capacity of the approved on-site septic system, whichever is greater. A guest is a person over two years of age.
Insurance Requirements
A Lewis County short-term rental permit application must show valid liability insurance of $1,000,000 or more covering use of the unit, as required by RCW 64.37.050, per LCC § 17.105.050(2)(f). Coverage is checked alongside occupancy, septic, water and tax proof at permit issuance.
Lewis County STR Insurance Requirement
Some RestrictionsLewis County Code § 17.105.050(2)(f)
§ 17.105.050. Permit issuance. ... (2) To obtain a permit, the property owner or agent authorized to act on the property owner's behalf shall demonstrate that all of the following are met: ... (f) Valid liability insurance of $1,000,000 or more that covers the use of the short-term rental unit as required by RCW 64.37.050.
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