Vancouver Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

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

Short term rentals (STRs) like Airbnbs and Vrbo are generally not allowed in residential zones in Vancouver per the city's zoning code, unless they meet the requirements to operate as a bed and breakfast [1].

The city defines STRs as rentals for less than 30 days [2].Vancouver requires all STR hosts to obtain a business license that must be displayed when advertising the rental online or elsewhere [3].

Along with the license, hosts need to post a fire safety plan on all entrances and exits [3].

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Vancouver

Vancouver, Washington, has recently adopted regulations for short-term rentals (STRs) such as those through Airbnb and VRBO. The city defines short-term rentals as units rented for fewer than 30 days. The regulations require operators of STRs to obtain a $50 Vancouver business license and a $250 permit.

The total number of short-term rentals is limited to no more than 870 units during a 24-month period3.To start a short-term rental business in Vancouver, follow these steps:

• Understand the regulations: Familiarize yourself with the specific regulations and requirements for short-term rentals in Vancouver, as outlined in the Short-Term Rental (STR) ordinance1.
• Obtain a Vancouver business license: Apply for a $50 Vancouver business license, which is required for all short-term rental operators3.
• Apply for a permit: Submit a permit application and pay the $250 permit fee. The permit application process began both online and in-person on January 17, 2024, and owners of short-term rentals have until February 15, 2024, to apply for a permit3.
• Compliance with regulations: Ensure that the short-term rental property complies with all the regulations and safety standards set by the city.
• Monitor the regulations: The city will monitor the regulations' effectiveness and assess what future changes may be needed over the 24-month pilot period3.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Vancouver

To legally operate a short-term rental (STR) in Vancouver, Washington, individuals must adhere to the city's licensing requirements. The city defines a short-term rental as a property leased for less than 30 consecutive days, which can be an entire home or a bedroom within a home1.

The process of obtaining a short-term rental business license is straightforward and can be completed through the city's official website. The following are the key steps and information to complete the licensing process:

• Application Process: The application for a short-term rental business license can be initiated through the city's webpage. Applicants are required to enter their valid address in Vancouver and confirm that it is their primary residence1.
• Licensing Fees: The initial application for a new short-term rental business license carries a $58 application fee, and there is an annual fee of $51 for license renewal. Additionally, a one-time permit fee of $250 is required to obtain the permit for operating an STR in Vancouver13.
• Compliance Requirements: Vancouver's regulations emphasize the importance of homeowners understanding the city's requirements and the potential consequences of operating an STR without the necessary license and permit. The city has taken a serious stance towards prosecution, making it essential for homeowners to comply with the established regulations1.
• Limitations and Eligibility: The city has set limitations on the total number of short-term rentals, with the current cap being 870 units over a 24-month period. It's important to note that certain properties, such as vacant properties and those managed by commercial entities, are deemed ineligible for short-term rental operations34.
• Renewal and Compliance: Once licensed, all short-term rental operators in Vancouver must prominently display their business license number in all online listings and advertising. Additionally, they are required to renew their license annually to maintain compliance with the city's regulations5.

In conclusion, Vancouver's short-term rental licensing process is designed to ensure that operators comply with the city's regulations and contribute to the community in a responsible manner. By following the established steps and requirements, individuals can navigate the licensing process and legally operate short-term rentals in the city.

Required Documents for Vancouver Short Term Rentals

To operate a short-term rental (STR) in Vancouver, Washington, several documents are required to ensure compliance with the city's regulations. The following are the key documents and steps necessary to obtain a short-term rental permit in Vancouver:

• Vancouver Business License: All short-term rental operators in Vancouver must obtain a city business license. The cost of the business license is $50, and the license number must be included in all online listings and advertising for the short-term rental5.
• Short-Term Rental Permit Application: Operators are required to submit a permit application for their short-term rental property. The permit application process began on January 17, 2024, and can be completed online or in-person. The one-time permit fee is $2502.
• Compliance with City Regulations: It is essential to ensure that the short-term rental property complies with all the regulations and safety standards set by the city. This may include adherence to building codes, zoning requirements, and safety inspections.
• Additional Documentation: Depending on the specific nature of the short-term rental property, additional documents or information may be requested as part of the permit application process. This could include property ownership verification, floor plans, and other relevant details.

Operators are encouraged to review the official city resources and the Vancouver Land Use and Development Code to ensure full compliance with the requirements for operating a short-term rental in Vancouver125.

By obtaining the necessary documents and adhering to the city's regulations, operators can ensure that their short-term rental business is in full compliance with the law, allowing for a smooth and legal operation within the city of Vancouver.

Vancouver Short Term Rental Taxes

In Vancouver, Washington, the City Council has recently adopted regulations for short-term rentals (STRs), such as those through Airbnb and VRBO. The regulations require operators of STRs to obtain a $50 Vancouver business license and a $250 permit. The total number of short-term rentals is limited to no more than 870 units during a 24-month period.

The permitting process began both online and in-person on January 17, 2024, and owners of short-term rentals have until February 15, 2024, to apply for a permit13.The federal government is also taking measures to reduce the number of short-term rentals, which will affect the tax implications for operators.

The tax changes will take effect in 2024 and will apply to operators that are not abiding by the regulations2.Vancouver currently does not have specific regulations regarding short-term rental taxes.

However, operators are advised to stay informed about the evolving tax implications, especially in light of the federal government's measures to make operating short-term rentals less lucrative2.For the most accurate and current information, individuals interested in operating short-term rentals in Vancouver, Washington, are encouraged to directly consult the official sources and regulatory authorities.

Washington wide Short Term Rental Rules

Washington state does not have specific regulations for short-term rentals. However, local jurisdictions, such as Vancouver, have the authority to establish their own rules and requirements for short-term rental operations. Vancouver City Council has recently adopted regulations for short-term rentals, which will be implemented for a 24-month pilot period25.

The regulations will limit the total number of short-term rentals to no more than 870 units, equivalent to 1% of the city's current housing stock2.The new regulations require operators of short-term rentals, such as those through VRBO and Airbnb, to obtain a $50 Vancouver business license and a $250 permit. The permitting process began both online and in-person on January 17, 2024, and owners of short-term rentals have until February 15, 2024, to apply for a permit24.The City of Vancouver is now accepting permit applications for its new short-term rental pilot program. The new application process follows Vancouver City Council’s adoption of a Short-Term Rental (STR) Ordinance, outlining new regulations and requirements for those operating STRs, like Airbnb and VRBO, in Vancouver45.

The federal government is reportedly joining British Columbia and Vancouver with new measures to reduce the number of short-term rentals. According to a report in the Toronto Star, the feds are going to use the tax system to make operating short-term rentals less lucrative. The government’s goal is to raise the amount of income the short-term rental operator will have to pay tax on. The tax changes will take effect in 2024 and only apply to operators that are not abiding by the rules1.

In summary, while Washington state does not have specific regulations for short-term rentals, Vancouver has established its own rules and requirements for short-term rental operations. The city has recently adopted regulations for a 24-month pilot period, which limit the total number of short-term rentals and require operators to obtain a business license and a permit. The federal government is also taking measures to reduce the number of short-term rentals by using the tax system to make operating short-term rentals less lucrative.

Does Vancouver strictly enforce STR rules?

Vancouver, Washington, has recently taken steps to regulate short-term rentals (STRs) such as those through Airbnb and VRBO. The city council voted unanimously to adopt a Short-Term Rental (STR) Ordinance, which requires operators to obtain a City of Vancouver business license ($50) and a Short-Term Rental permit that costs $250. Existing STR owners currently operating within city limits will be notified of the regulations, and the city is giving applicants until February 15, 2024, to apply for a permit34.

While Vancouver did not have specific regulations regarding short-term rentals before, the recent adoption of the ordinance indicates a shift in the city's approach. The regulations provide the city with the ability to inspect any STR to ensure compliance with all regulations. The approval establishes STR regulations that will be implemented for a 24-month pilot period. The city aims to limit the total number of STRs to no more than 870 units during this period3.

The city's Land Use and Development Code did not allow STRs in residential zones except as expressly authorized under the bed-and-breakfast use. However, short-term rentals may be approved as a Bed and Breakfast use, which are allowed in residential and commercial zones, subject to certain approvals and limitations1.In the past, city officials have not strictly enforced the law regarding STRs.

The code changes and the adoption of the ordinance are aimed at addressing the fact that most STRs were technically illegal in the city. The regulations are part of the city's efforts to monitor compliance with and enforce the rules for short-term rentals23.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Vancouver?

If you're interested in starting a short-term rental business in Vancouver, Washington, there are a few things you need to know. Vancouver currently does not have any regulations regarding short-term rentals, other than commercial lodging. However, the city council has recently adopted regulations for a 24-month pilot period, which requires operators of short-term rentals, like those through VRBO and Airbnb, to obtain a $50 Vancouver business license and a $250 permit4.

To get started, you need to research the regulations and requirements for short-term rentals in Vancouver. You can visit the City of Vancouver's official website to learn more about the regulations and the application process5. Once you have a good understanding of the regulations, you can apply for a Vancouver business license, which costs $50. You will also need to submit a permit application and pay the $250 permit fee4.

It's important to ensure that your short-term rental property complies with all the regulations and safety standards set by the city. You may need to obtain additional specific documents during the application process, which can be obtained by contacting the relevant city authorities3.Remember that short-term rental business licenses can only be issued to a person and cannot be issued to businesses, societies, or commercial operations. If you're a tenant, you may need to obtain permission from your landlord before you can operate a short-term rental business2.

Overall, starting a short-term rental business in Vancouver requires careful research and compliance with the city's regulations. If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact the Vancouver City Hall or visit the city's official website for more information1.

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

For information on Vancouver's proposed STR regulations, contact:Planning & Development Services
City of Vancouver
415 W 6th Street
Vancouver, WA 98660Phone: (360) 487-7896
Email: pdscomments@city

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

There is limited information available on the opinions of Airbnb hosts in Vancouver regarding local regulations. However, based on the available sources, we can gather some insights:

Support for regulations: Scott Dickinson, a lifelong Vancouver resident who owns 10 Airbnb units, two of which are in Vancouver, is generally supportive of the code changes1. This suggests that some hosts may be open to regulations that help bring short-term rentals into compliance and address the issue of most being technically illegal in the city1.

Desire for specific regulations: In a survey conducted by the Vancouver City Council, 70% of respondents favored renting single-family homes and accessory dwelling units, 55% favored townhomes and condos, and 40% favored mobile or manufactured homes1. This indicates that hosts may be more inclined to support regulations that focus on specific types of properties and their use in short-term rentals.

Impact on the long-term rental market: The Vancouver City Council has expressed concerns about the potential impact of short-term rentals on the long-term rental market, including housing affordability3. This suggests that some hosts may be aware of the potential negative effects of short-term rentals on the local housing market and may be open to regulations that address these concerns.

Compliance with regulations: The city of Vancouver has implemented a mandatory short-term rental business license, which requires hosts to comply with regulations and safety standards5. This indicates that some hosts may be willing to adhere to regulations in order to legally operate their short-term rentals.

In conclusion, while there is limited information available on the opinions of Airbnb hosts in Vancouver regarding local regulations, it appears that some hosts may be open to regulations that help bring short-term rentals into compliance, focus on specific types of properties, and address the potential impact on the long-term rental market.