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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Moses Lake, WA

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals are restricted to zoning districts that allow single-family residences. Occupancy is limited to two persons per sleeping room plus two additional persons per unit (children under 6 not counted), and one additional off-street parking space is required. Operators must designate a local representative available 24/7 within a 30-minute drive and provide notice to neighbors within 300 feet.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Submit a completed Short Term Rental application and fee to the Community Development Director. 2. Pass a health and safety inspection conducted by the Building Official. 3. Obtain a City business license endorsement (issued only after the STR endorsement is granted). Renew annually 14 days before expiration.

Official Resources

Official Moses Lake STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Moses Lake, WA?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Moses Lake, WA, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are restricted to zoning districts that allow single-family residences. Occupancy is limited to two persons per sleeping room plus two additional persons per unit (children under 6 not counted), and one additional off-street parking space is required. Operators must designate a local representative available 24/7 within a 30-minute drive and provide notice to neighbors 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.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Moses Lake, WA?
Short-term rentals are restricted to zoning districts that allow single-family residences. Occupancy is limited to two persons per sleeping room plus two additional persons per unit (children under 6 not counted), and one additional off-street parking space is required. Operators must designate a local representative available 24/7 within a 30-minute drive and provide notice to neighbors within 300 feet.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Moses Lake?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Moses Lake. 1. Submit a completed Short Term Rental application and fee to the Community Development Director. 2. Pass a health and safety inspection conducted by the Building Official. 3. Obtain a City business license endorsement (issued only after the STR endorsement is granted). Renew annually 14 days before expiration.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Moses Lake?
1. Submit a completed Short Term Rental application and fee to the Community Development Director. 2. Pass a health and safety inspection conducted by the Building Official. 3. Obtain a City business license endorsement (issued only after the STR endorsement is granted). Renew annually 14 days before expiration.
Is Vrbo legal in Moses Lake, WA?
Vrbo is permitted in Moses Lake, 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.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Moses Lake?
Short-term rental hosts in Moses Lake 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.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Moses Lake?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Moses Lake. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.
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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: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction