Short-Term Rental Laws in Spokane, Washington

Spokane permits short-term rentals broadly across residential and mixed-use zones with a city STR business license. No primary-residence requirement; non-owner-occupied investor STRs are explicitly allowed. Code 8.21 governs the program. ADU STRs are eligible. HOA covenants and condominium bylaws stack on top — confirm both layers before purchase.

Spokane Municipal Code 8.21 allows STR in residential zones (RSF, RSF-C, RTF, RMF), mixed-use, and commercial zones. Application requires WA State UBI number, designated 24/7 local contact within 1 hour drive of the property, proof of insurance, smoke + CO + fire extinguisher certification, posted occupancy + house rules, and parking plan. Annual renewal.

Operators must hold a short-term rental permit before listing. See the official permit portal.

Spokane Code Enforcement Division enforces with platform data cross-checks. Operating without an STR license: civil infraction $250 first violation, $500+ continuing daily. Spokane County Treasurer separately collects lodging tax — non-registration triggers back-tax + penalty assessments. Persistent noise/nuisance complaints can trigger license review.

Combined short-term lodging tax in Spokane is approximately 13.400% of gross nightly revenue (state sales + state TRT + local TRT + applicable resort/city options).

Washington State sales tax 6.5% + Spokane County + Spokane city sales/lodging stack — combined ~13.4% on transient lodging

Verify the current combined rate via the Utah State Tax Commission before remitting — rates drift quarterly.