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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Washington, MO

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Vacation rentals are regulated as 'Vacation Rental Dwellings By Owner' and require a special-use permit; in R-2 Overlay Districts, they must be at least 150 feet from existing rentals. Operators must file quarterly tourism-tax reports with the City Collector; failure to submit reports for two consecutive quarters results in automatic permit revocation. New operations require an approved Certificate of Occupancy and an annual business license.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) File a written Special Use Permit application with the Zoning Administrator, including a site plan and owner signature. 2) The application is reviewed by the Planning & Zoning Commission and then the City Council, which holds a public hearing for authorization. 3) Obtain a City business license and annual occupancy permit (renewed annually July 1–June 30) and submit quarterly tourism tax reports to the City Collector.

Official Resources

Official Washington STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Washington, MO?
Vacation rentals are regulated as 'Vacation Rental Dwellings By Owner' and require a special-use permit; in R-2 Overlay Districts, they must be at least 150 feet from existing rentals. Operators must file quarterly tourism-tax reports with the City Collector; failure to submit reports for two consecutive quarters results in automatic permit revocation. New operations require an approved Certificate of Occupancy and an annual business license.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Washington?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Washington. 1) File a written Special Use Permit application with the Zoning Administrator, including a site plan and owner signature. 2) The application is reviewed by the Planning & Zoning Commission and then the City Council, which holds a public hearing for authorization. 3) Obtain a City business license and annual occupancy permit (renewed annually July 1–June 30) and submit quarterly tourism tax reports to the City Collector.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Washington?
1) File a written Special Use Permit application with the Zoning Administrator, including a site plan and owner signature. 2) The application is reviewed by the Planning & Zoning Commission and then the City Council, which holds a public hearing for authorization. 3) Obtain a City business license and annual occupancy permit (renewed annually July 1–June 30) and submit quarterly tourism tax reports to the City Collector.

Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: March 2026 · Suggest a correction