What should Spokane hosts know about total guest tax is 13.1%?

Total guest tax is 13.1%, significantly higher than standard sales tax.

What should Spokane hosts know about only one str unit is?

Only one STR unit is allowed per single-family lot (cannot do both house and ADU simultaneously unless owner-occupied).

What zoning rules apply to STRs in Spokane?

Neighbor notification is strictly required for residential zone permits.

What should Spokane hosts know about multifamily buildings have a hard?

Multifamily buildings have a hard cap of 20% to 30% on the number of units that can be STRs.

What are the key requirements for Spokane hosts?

Permit number must be displayed in all online advertisements.

Spokane Short-Term Rental Regulations & Permit Guide

Baseline Verification

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Verified: Feb 12, 2026

Summary

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Spokane require a specific administrative permit, a city-endorsed state business license, and annual safety certification.

Restriction Level

⛔

Strict

Score: 66 (moderate)

Why this classification:

•Primary residence required
•Owner-occupied required
•Standard permit fee: $200
•Limited to 1 property per owner
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•Safety standards required
•No night cap
•Tenants can host

In Plain English

To host a short-term rental in Spokane, you must apply for a city permit and a state business license. You are generally limited to one rental per property (like a single house or ADU), and you must pass a fire safety inspection and notify your neighbors if you are in a residential zone. The combined tax rate for guests is 13.1%, which includes state and local sales and lodging taxes.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$200

Processing Time

30 days

5 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Total guest tax is 13.1%, significantly higher than standard sales tax.
2.Only one STR unit is allowed per single-family lot (cannot do both house and ADU simultaneously unless owner-occupied).
3.Neighbor notification is strictly required for residential zone permits.
4.Multifamily buildings have a hard cap of 20% to 30% on the number of units that can be STRs.
5.Permit number must be displayed in all online advertisements.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(8)

•Spokane: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Spokane limits hosts to a maximum of 1 STR properties per owner.
•Spokane: Only one STR unit is allowed per single-family lot (cannot do both house and ADU simultaneously unless owner-occupied).

Requirements(14)

•Common mistakes and gotchas for STR hosts in Spokane: 1. Total guest tax is 13.1%, significantly higher than standard sales tax. 2. Only one STR unit is allowed per single-family lot (cannot do both house and ADU simultaneously unless owner-occupied). 3. Neighbor notification is strictly required for residential zone permits. 4. Multifamily buildings have a hard cap of 20% to 30% on the number of units that can be STRs. 5. Permit number must be displayed in all online advertisements.

Application Process(9)

•Spokane STR permit - Step 3: Complete Notarized Safety Form. Fill out the Annual Life Safety Compliance Form and have it notarized to certify smoke/CO detectors and extinguishers are present. Required documents: Life Safety Compliance Form. Time: 1-2 days. Cost: 15.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Spokane charges a registration fee of $200 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $300 ($200 for residential zones ($100 renewal); $300 for other zones ($150 renewal)).

Taxes(3)

•Spokane charges a Combined Lodging and Sales Tax of 0.131%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO remit most taxes, but hosts must still register with WA DOR and file lodging tax returns.
•Washington has a state sales tax of 0.065% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(6)

•Spokane: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.
•Spokane enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.
•Spokane limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
•Spokane limits STRs to a maximum of 12 guests. Formula: 2 per bedroom + 2 additional guests

Safety Requirements(1)

•Spokane requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Notarized Life Safety Compliance form, Fire safety plan showing ingress/egress, Property must have adequate on-site parking.

Penalties(2)

•Spokane enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Warning and 30-day grace period to comply. Second offense: Civil infraction fine. Third offense: Permit revocation. Permit may be revoked for violations.
•Spokane: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(2)

•Spokane exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Bed and Breakfast facilities established prior to current rules.
•Spokane: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Other Washington Markets

Lake Chelan

Washington

Moderate

Short-term rentals are strictly regulated in the City of Lake Chelan under Chapter 5.56 of the Municipal Code. Hosts must obtain an annual permit, adhere to a occupancy limit of 2 per bedroom plus 2, and maintain a local representative available 24/7.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Ocean Shores

Washington

Moderate

Ocean Shores requires all short-term rentals to obtain a specific STR license (Chapter 5.44) and a general city business license. Hosts are subject to a local 5% STR tax in addition to Washington state sales and lodging taxes.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Anacortes

Washington

Strict

Short-term rentals are permitted in the City of Anacortes subject to a mandatory land-use permit and annual renewal. While owners do not have to reside on-site, there is a limit of one STR permit per person or entity.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Walla Walla

Washington

Strict

Short-term rentals in the City of Walla Walla are regulated under Title 20.170, requiring a specific Land Use Permit and a safety inspection. The city distinguishes between owner-occupied (Type I) and non-owner occupied (Type II) rentals, with the latter subject to a strict one-per-block-face density limit.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Spokane

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

5 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(8)

Requirements(14)

Application Process(9)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(3)

Limits & Restrictions(6)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

Other Washington Markets

Lake Chelan

Ocean Shores

Anacortes

Walla Walla

Spokane

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

5 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Spokane?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Spokane?

3Are there rental night limits in Spokane?

4What are the safety requirements for Spokane rentals?

Related Content

Other Washington Markets

Lake Chelan

Ocean Shores

Anacortes

Walla Walla