Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Cle Elum, WA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Cle Elum, WA, but with restrictions. STRs are allowed unlimited in commercial zones but restricted in residential zones by a 250-foot spacing requirement between property boundaries. Owners are limited to a maximum of three STRs, and non-resident operators must undergo a Type 2 review involving neighbor notification within 300 feet. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

STRs are allowed unlimited in commercial zones but restricted in residential zones by a 250-foot spacing requirement between property boundaries. Owners are limited to a maximum of three STRs, and non-resident operators must undergo a Type 2 review involving neighbor notification within 300 feet.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Cle Elum. 1) Submit a Short-Term Rental Permit Application and $1,000 fee to the Planning Department. 2) Undergo a Planning Department review (including a Type 2 neighbor notification if the host is a non-resident). 3) Complete a mandatory building and fire safety inspection by the Building Department before the permit is issued.

1) Submit a Short-Term Rental Permit Application and $1,000 fee to the Planning Department. 2) Undergo a Planning Department review (including a Type 2 neighbor notification if the host is a non-resident). 3) Complete a mandatory building and fire safety inspection by the Building Department before the permit is issued.

Vrbo is permitted in Cle Elum, WA under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Cle Elum are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Cle Elum. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.