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.
Spokane Municipal Code Ch. 17C.355 distinguishes between owner-occupied STRs (host present or primary home rented short-term) and non-owner-occupied units. Owner-occupied STRs are permitted in most residential zones with registration. Non-owner-occupied (whole-home, host absent) STRs face additional zoning approval depending on district. Operators must register with the city, collect lodging tax, and meet life-safety standards. RCW 35.21.770 lets WA cities require STR registration and safety rules but limits outright bans on owner-occupied STRs.
Operating a non-owner-occupied STR in a zone restricted to owner-occupied use can trigger code enforcement, registration revocation, and civil penalties 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 requires short-term rental operators to obtain a city business registration and comply with SMC 17C.311 residential STR standards. Owner-occupancy is...
See how Spokane's primary-residence-only rule rules stack up against other locations.
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