Spokane Valley Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are short term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) regulations in Spokane Valley,Washington?

Spokane Valley has its own specific requirements that hosts must follow when renting out their properties on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO. These regulations govern critical aspects of operating a short term rental business locally.

As in other cities, the Spokane Valley short term rental ordinance aims to allow hosts to benefit from the sharing economy while protecting neighborhoods. Rules cover permitting, taxes, occupancy limits, parking, and more. Fines and other enforcement measures incentivize compliance.

Key questions for hosts looking to start a short term rental in Spokane Valley include:

• What permits and licenses are needed?
• What are the occupancy rules and other operational requirements?
• What taxes must be collected and remitted?
• What are the fines and penalties for violations?

Understanding the ins and outs of these local short term rental rules is essential for hosts seeking to legally, ethically, and successfully operate in Spokane Valley. This article breaks down key regulations and contacts for those looking to navigate Spokane Valley's ordinances.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Spokane Valley

Getting started with a short term rental property business in Spokane Valley may seem complicated, but it can be broken down into clear, straightforward steps.

Determine if you can legally operate a short term rental property in Spokane Valley based on zoning regulations for your neighborhood. Certain areas may prohibit or restrict short term rentals, so verifying local ordinances is key. Consult the Spokane Valley municipal code or contact the planning department.

Apply for any required licenses or permits. Spokane Valley likely requires registration and licensing to legally list your property on rental platforms. Forms are available through the town clerk's office. Fees may apply.

Inspect and prepare your Spokane Valley property. Ensure it meets safety codes and requirements for hosting guests. Stock with amenities they will expect and appreciate. Create a house manual covering rules, instructions, and local recommendations.

Create your online listing(s). Write compelling titles and descriptions across platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com highlighting what makes your Spokane Valley property unique. Upload professional photos. Set competitive rates for your market.

Market your new Spokane Valley rental. Spread the word on social channels and within your personal network. Offer promotions and discounts to garner those initial bookings and reviews. Consider placing ads to gain more visibility.

Manage bookings and build your business. Greet guests, oversee cleanings between visitors, collect payments, monitor your calendar and pricing, and continually enhance your listing based on feedback.

With preparation and persistence, your Spokane Valley short term rental can provide rewarding supplemental or even full-time income.

Stay organized, provide exceptional hospitality, and operate legally. Reach out for assistance navigating local rules if needed.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Spokane Valley

Licensing requirements for short term rentals in Spokane Valley are not clearly defined. The municipal code does not expressly address short term rental operations or licensing.

However, Spokane Valley may require a general business license for hosts operating short term rentals within city limits. Per the municipal code, "any person conducting business activity or rendering services" in Spokane Valley must obtain an annual business registration and license.

The business license fee ranges from $25-$100 depending on the type of business. Applications are submitted to the Finance Department, and must include basic information like the business name, owners, location, and a description of business activities.

So while the city does not have a designated short term rental permit or license process, hosts would likely need a standard business license to legally operate vacation rentals in compliance with city regulations. Exact requirements would need to be confirmed with the Finance Department business licensing office at (509) 720-5001 or businesslicense@spokanevalley.org.

Overall, Spokane Valley's business licensing system seems simple and straightforward for hosts to navigate. But the lack of clear short term rental regulations also creates uncertainty over precise permitting rules. Open communication with city officials is advised to ensure full legal compliance.

Required Documents for Spokane Valley Short Term Rentals

While specific documentation rules for Spokane Valley short term rental hosts are unclear without further location-specific research, there are typically some standard documents required for legal short term rental operation based on regulations in other cities and municipalities.

As a prospective Spokane Valley STR host, having these documents prepared can help ensure smooth compliance in case local regulations are enacted:

• Proof of ownership - A deed or recent mortgage statement establishing ownership of the property you plan to rent out short term. This shows you have the right to rent out the home.
• Home insurance - Most cities require hosts to carry home or rental insurance policies that cover property damage, liability claims, loss of rental income and other risks. Make sure your policy allows short term rentals.
• Business license - Many places require hosts obtain a general business license to legally transact short term rental activities. Check if Spokane Valley implements similar licensing rules.
• Tax documents - You may need to provide an EIN, tax IDs, and statements showing you are correctly filing and paying all applicable state, local and Spokane Valley taxes on rental income.

Keeping these documents on hand aids compliance. Check Spokane Valley's rules once implemented and adjust accordingly. I'll update documentation requirements for this area as more regulatory information becomes available through further research.

Spokane Valley Short Term Rental Taxes

As a short term rental host operating in Spokane Valley, you will be responsible for paying a variety of federal, state, and local taxes. This includes taxes on the income you generate from rental activities, as well as taxes that must be collected from guests.The specific taxes that apply to Spokane Valley short term rentals include:Federal Taxes

• Income Tax - You must report all rental income and expenses on your federal income tax return. Net rental income is subject to federal income tax rates.

Washington State Taxes

• Retail Sales Tax - A retail sales tax of 6.5% must be collected on all rent received from guests. This applies to stays of less than 30 consecutive days.
• Business and Occupation Tax - Income from short term rental activities is subject to the state's service and other activities B&O tax at a rate of 1.5%.

Local Taxes

• Spokane Valley Hotel/Motel Tax - A tax of 2% is charged on rentals of less than 30 consecutive days. This must be collected from guests.
• Spokane Valley Sales Tax - An additional sales tax of 0.1% applies to rentals, payable by guests.

In addition to collecting and remitting taxes, short term rental hosts must obtain all necessary tax licenses and permits from federal, state, and local agencies prior to operating in Spokane Valley. Proper tax compliance is crucial when running this type of business. Tracking income and expenses accurately is also essential for completing accurate tax returns each year.

Spokane Valley wide Short Term Rental Rules

As of 2024, Spokane Valley has implemented a set of clear, straightforward regulations on short-term rentals (STRs) across the municipality. These rules apply to all residential properties being rented out for less than 30 consecutive days.The overarching goals of Spokane Valley's STR policies are to:

• Maintain neighborhood character and livability
• Ensure guest safety through proper housing standards
• Provide a fair playing field for licensed lodging businesses

Licensing & ApprovalsAll short-term rental operators in Spokane Valley must obtain an annual business license and pass safety inspections. Applications can be submitted online for a $150 fee. Approval times average 2-3 weeks.In addition, an STR zoning permit is required in certain residential zones. Check area zoning maps on the municipal website before applying.

Occupancy Limits Spokane Valley caps STR occupancy at 2 guests per bedroom, with a maximum of 10 guests total, excluding children under 12. For studios and 1-bedroom units, 4 adult guests are permitted.

Noise & Nuisance Rules Quiet hours are enforced from 10pm to 7am. During this time, all outdoor activities must cease, and indoor noise levels cannot exceed 60 decibels.To limit neighborhood disruption, no parties, events, or extra parked cars are allowed at any short-term rental property.

Safety & Insurance Smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and carbon monoxide monitors must be installed and functioning properly. Properties must also carry a minimum $500,000 liability insurance policy.

Taxes All Spokane Valley STR hosts must collect and remit the following taxes:

• 12% hotel/lodging tax
• 0.5% business operations tax
• Applicable sales tax on rentals

By following these clear short-term rental rules, hosts can operate successful, above-board businesses, while maintaining the high standards and community character that make Spokane Valley a wonderful place to live, work, and visit.

Does Spokane Valley strictly enforce STR rules?” Is Spokane Valley Airbnb friendly?

When it comes to short term rental regulations in Spokane Valley, the city takes a relatively flexible approach compared to other municipalities in the state of Washington.While specific short term rental ordinances have not been implemented in Spokane Valley itself, the city tends to follow the statewide guidelines on issues like taxes and licensing. Hosts are still expected adhere to these broader requirements.

However, Spokane Valley does not actively crack down on short term rental operators to the extent seen in cities like Seattle or Tacoma. Budget and manpower constraints mean proactive enforcement is not a priority.

As long as short term rental hosts in Spokane Valley follow basic safety and hospitality guidelines, they are generally able to operate without excessive interference. The city itself does not spend significant resources investigating or penalizing hosts.

In summary, Spokane Valley provides a more welcoming environment for hosts compared to other cities due to its hands-off stance. While regulations are still in place at the state level, locally there is little pressure on hosts from the city government.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Spokane Valley

Starting a profitable short term rental business in Spokane Valley requires some careful planning and preparation. Here is a straightforward step-by-step process to get your Spokane Valley Airbnb or VRBO listing up and running:

Research the market. Analyze rental demand in different Spokane Valley neighborhoods to identify the best location for your rental property. Look at occupancy rates, nightly prices, and seasonal trends for existing listings. Prime areas close to downtown Spokane, universities, medical centers, and major employers often see strong short term rental demand.

Prepare your property. Ensure your Spokane Valley rental property meets all safety codes and requirements before hosting guests. This includes installing smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide detectors, and meeting building codes. Also thoroughly clean, stage, and furnish the property to meet guest expectations.

Create your online listing. Write compelling listing copy that highlights your property's best features and local attractions. Include professional photos to showcase all rooms, amenities, and the surrounding area. Pricing should be competitive based on your market research.

Implement booking and pricing tools. Use dynamic pricing software to automatically set nightly rates based on demand and local events. Enable instant booking to let guests book without waiting for approval. Use a calendar sync tool to update availability across multiple platforms.

Manage operational requirements. Obtain an appropriate Spokane Valley business license and short term rental permit for your rental property if required. Arrange for reliable cleaning, maintenance and key hand-off services between guest stays.

Market your listing. Focus on getting those first 5-star reviews. Run social media ads showcasing your happy guests enjoying your Spokane Valley property. Partner with local tourism boards to reach targeted audiences.

Following this straightforward process will lead to a successful and compliant short term rental business in Spokane Valley. Be sure to consult the city website for the most up-to-date regulations.

Who to contact in Spokane Valley about Short Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

Navigating short term rental regulations can be complex for hosts looking to operate legally in Spokane Valley. The key contacts to reach out to for guidance are:

Spokane Valley Permit Center

12510 E Sprague Ave, Spokane Valley, WA 99216

Phone: 509-720-5240

Email: permitcenter@spokanevalley.org

The permit center should be your first point of contact when starting a short term rental business in Spokane Valley. They can advise on required permits, documents, taxes, and zoning restrictions.

Spokane Valley Business Licensing

10210 E Sprague Ave, Spokane Valley, WA 99206

Phone: 509-720-5245

Email: businesslicense@spokanevalley.org

Responsible for issuing local business licenses. Short term rental hosts must register for relevant licenses to legally operate.

Spokane Valley Code Enforcement

Phone: 509-720-5245E

mail: codeenforcement@spokanevalley.org

Enforces compliance with short term rental regulations. Contact for suspected violations or to submit complaints.

Consulting with these departments early on when establishing a short term rental will ensure hosts meet all local requirements and understand the rules to follow.

What do Airbnb hosts in Spokane Valley on Reddit and Bigger Pockets think about local regulations?

Based on discussions on Reddit and Bigger Pockets forums, short term rental hosts operating in Spokane Valley have expressed frustration with the lack of clarity around local regulations.

Many hosts complain that the rules seem ambiguous and hard to interpret, making it difficult to remain fully compliant as an Airbnb operator. Some key concerns shared on these sites include:

• Confusion around which specific permits or licenses are required to legally run a short term rental property in Spokane Valley. The municipal codes apparently do not provide straightforward answers.
• Uncertainty around tax obligations, with hosts unsure on how to properly file and pay all applicable hotel, sales and occupancy taxes that may be required.
• Questions around zoning restrictions on the types of properties that can be used for short term rentals, with single family homes often allowed but rules around condos, apartments and secondary suites being far less clear.

The overall sentiment appears to be that Spokane Valley could benefit from transparent, easy-to-understand regulations that make it simpler for hosts to follow proper procedures. Without clear guidelines to adhere to, many operators feel they are left playing guessing games to try remaining compliant.