Yakima, WA Short-Term Rentals: Parking Rules (2026)

Yakima's STR parking framework operates in three layers. First, the home-occupation conditions of YMC 15.04.120(C) directly regulate where guest parking can be located on an STR property in a residential zone. The condition states the front yard area shall not be used for off-street parking for guests unless the parking area is screened and found to be compatible with the neighborhood, or unless the reviewing official waives that condition. The intent is to preserve the residential streetscape and avoid conversion of front yards into parking lots. Second, the off-street parking and loading standards of YMC Chapter 15.06 apply to every STR site as either a residential use (single-family dwelling, two-family dwelling, multifamily dwelling) or, for larger non-owner-occupied STRs reviewed as commercial lodging, as a hotel/motel use, with required parking counts taken from the use table in that chapter. Third, YMC 15.09.080 (the STR special-development-standards section) requires the application to include a site plan showing parking and STR configuration, so the Planning Division reviews and approves the on-site parking layout as part of the land use review (Type 1, 2, or 3 depending on zone and intensity). There is no codewide STR-specific 'one space per bedroom' rule, but the reviewing official can impose conditions of approval addressing parking adequacy as part of the Type 2 or Type 3 land use review when neighborhood impacts warrant. On-street parking is governed by Yakima's general traffic and parking ordinances (YMC Titles 9 and 10), which do not allow STR operators to reserve public street parking for guests. In dense neighborhoods or downtown locations near the CBD, on-street parking is generally first-come first-served and subject to time limits and meter rules. The home-occupation standard also references signage on parking lots and screening of any commercial off-street parking added to support the STR.