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.
Under Ch. 17C.355, a hosted STR means the operator lives onsite during the guest stay (room rental within their home). Unhosted (whole-home, operator absent) STRs face stricter zoning controls. Hosted STRs are typically permitted by-right in residential zones with registration. Unhosted STRs may require conditional approval in lower-density residential districts. Both must register, post permit numbers in listings, and comply with parking, occupancy, and noise standards. The distinction reflects neighbor-impact concerns about absentee operations.
Listing a whole-home unhosted STR in a zone limited to hosted operations can trigger registration denial, fines, and listing-takedown orders under SMC Ch. 17C.355.
Spokane, WA
Spokane STR operators must obtain a city business registration via Taxes and Licenses Division and a WA state UBI through the Business Licensing Service. Reg...
Spokane, WA
Spokane allows short-term rentals at primary residences with fewer restrictions, while non-owner-occupied STRs face stricter zoning standards under SMC Ch. 1...
See how Spokane's host presence rule rules stack up against other locations.
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