Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Spokane, WA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Spokane, WA, but with restrictions. STRs are restricted to conforming residential structures or mixed-use buildings. Caps allow one unit in single-family homes, ADUs, or duplexes; multifamily buildings are limited to 20% of units if fire-sprinklered. Occupancy is determined by the Building Official based on fire/building codes, and operators must provide neighbor notification letters. 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 restricted to conforming residential structures or mixed-use buildings. Caps allow one unit in single-family homes, ADUs, or duplexes; multifamily buildings are limited to 20% of units if fire-sprinklered. Occupancy is determined by the Building Official based on fire/building codes, and operators must provide neighbor notification letters.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Spokane. 1) Obtain a City of Spokane business license. 2) Submit an application via the Accela Citizen Access portal (Planning tab) including a notarized Life Safety Compliance form, liability insurance, site/floor plans, and neighbor notification letters. 3) Pay the application fee ($200-$300 depending on zone) and renew annually.

1) Obtain a City of Spokane business license. 2) Submit an application via the Accela Citizen Access portal (Planning tab) including a notarized Life Safety Compliance form, liability insurance, site/floor plans, and neighbor notification letters. 3) Pay the application fee ($200-$300 depending on zone) and renew annually.

Vrbo is permitted in Spokane, 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 Spokane 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 Spokane. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.