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Occupancy restriction

There is no occupancy restriction however, the fees charged for permits is currently determined by the number of occupants

Length of Stay
29 days or less
Registration & Licensing Fees
None yet
Licenses or Permits Required
You are required to obtain a business license from the City of Vancouver to operate a short-term rental (STR) currently. You must also register the STR with the Washington State Department of Revenue.
Property Inspection
It is required
Guest Record
Hosts are required to keep guest records
Zoning

The City of Vancouver's Land Use and Development Code (VMC Title 20) currently does not allow short-term rentals in residential zones except as expressly authorized under the bed-and-breakfast provisions of VMC 20.830.

Short-term rental owners that meet a certain profit threshold would also be required to register with the Washington State Department of Revenue and obtain a city of Vancouver business license.

Occupancy taxes and fees

22.5% cumulative tax rate

Insurance requirement

A short-term rental operator is required to maintain primary liability insurance to cover the short-term rental dwelling unit in the aggregate of not less than one million dollars ($1 million)

Does any Building, Health & Safety Regulation affects STR?

Yes, there are building, health & safety regulations

Parking Requirement

The parking requirement for short-term rentals (STRs) in Vancouver, Washington varies depending on the size and location of the property.

For single-family homes in residential zones, the parking requirement is one parking space per bedroom, plus one additional space for the primary dwelling unit.

For multi-family dwellings, the parking requirement is one parking space per unit, plus one additional space for the common areas.

STRs that are located in commercial zones are subject to the parking requirements for commercial uses.

If a STR does not have enough parking spaces, the host may be able to obtain a parking variance from the City of Vancouver.

Advertising Requirement

The advertising requirement for short-term rentals (STRs) in Vancouver, Washington is that all STR hosts must include their City of Vancouver business license number in all online listings and advertising.

Noise regulation

Yes, there is a noise regulation in Vancouver, Washington. The noise ordinance also prohibits noise between the hours of 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM and any sound that is plainly audible from a distance of fifty (50) feet from the property line where the sound originates

Neighbor Notification

Neighbor notification is not currently required for short-term rentals (STRs) in Vancouver, Washington.

Limitation on number of STR owned

There is currently no limitation on the number of short-term rentals (STRs) that an individual can own in Vancouver, Washington. However, the City of Vancouver is currently considering a draft ordinance that would impose additional regulations on STRs, including a limit of three STRs per individual.

Regulations on hosting events or parties in STR

Yes, there are regulations on hosting events or parties in short-term rentals (STRs) in Vancouver, Washington. The City of Vancouver has a noise ordinance that prohibits excessive noise from all properties, including STRs. The noise ordinance defines excessive noise as any sound that is plainly audible from a distance of fifty (50) feet from the property line where the sound originates, or that is so loud or continuous or of such an unusual or disturbing character as to unreasonably disturb or interfere with the peace, comfort, or repose of the reasonable person of normal sensitivities.

Regulations on hosting events or parties in STR

Yes, there are regulations on hosting events or parties in short-term rentals (STRs) in Vancouver, Washington. The City of Vancouver has a noise ordinance that prohibits excessive noise from all properties, including STRs. The noise ordinance defines excessive noise as any sound that is plainly audible from a distance of fifty (50) feet from the property line where the sound originates, or that is so loud or continuous or of such an unusual or disturbing character as to unreasonably disturb or interfere with the peace, comfort, or repose of the reasonable person of normal sensitivities.

Hosting events regulations
Restrictions on number of reservations

There is currently no restriction on the number of reservations that a short-term rental (STR) host can accept in Vancouver, Washington. However, the City of Vancouver is considering a draft ordinance that would impose additional regulations on STRs, including a limit on the number of reservations that a host can accept per year.

Waste disposal regulations

The City of Vancouver has a curbside recycling and compost program. All STR hosts must participate in this program and provide their guests with access to recycling and compost bins.

STR hosts are also responsible for disposing of their guests' trash in a proper manner. This means bagging up the trash and placing it in the curbside trash bin.

Accessibility Requirement

There is no specific accessibility requirement for short-term rentals (STRs) in Vancouver, Washington. However, the City of Vancouver is currently considering a draft ordinance that would impose additional regulations on STRs, including a requirement for STR hosts to make their properties accessible to guests with disabilities.

waste disposal regulations
Waste disposal regulations

The City of Vancouver has a curbside recycling and compost program. All STR hosts must participate in this program and provide their guests with access to recycling and compost bins.

STR hosts are also responsible for disposing of their guests' trash in a proper manner. This means bagging up the trash and placing it in the curbside trash bin.

Emergency Contact Information

Hosts are required to make available an emergency contact information that is always available to their guests during their stay.

What is short term rental?

Short-term rental means a lodging use, that is not a hotel or motel or bed and breakfast, in which a dwelling unit, or portion thereof, that is offered or provided to a guest by a short-term rental operator for a fee for fewer than thirty consecutive nights.

Are there STR regulations that affect property owners?

Yes, there are short-term rental (STR) regulations that affect properties in Vancouver, Washington. The City of Vancouver's Land Use and Development Code (VMC Title 20) currently does not allow short-term rentals in residential zones except as expressly authorized under the bed-and-breakfast provisions of VMC 20.830

Is there any short-term rental-related tax?

Yes, there is a short-term rental related tax for hosts to collect and remit for guests in Vancouver, Washington.

Is it only individuals that are permitted to operate short-term rental?

Yes, individuals are permitted to operate short-term rental businesses according to local regulations in Vancouver, Washington.

What are the procedures and requirement for the neighborhood approval?

There is currently no procedure or requirements for neighborhood approval

Do I need a neighborhood approval?

No, you do not need neighborhood approval to operate a short-term rental in Vancouver, Washington currently. This may change soon

Building, Health & Safety Regulation
Which of these taxes does Airbnb or other booking company collect?
What zoning laws affect Short Term Rentals?

The City of Vancouver's Land Use and Development Code (VMC Title 20) currently does not allow short-term rentals in residential zones except as expressly authorized under the bed-and-breakfast provisions of VMC 20.830.

Short-term rental owners that meet a certain profit threshold would also be required to register with the Washington State Department of Revenue and obtain a city of Vancouver business license.

Is there any guest record requirement?

Yes, there is a short-term rental related tax for hosts to collect and remit for guests in Vancouver, Washington.

Do i require any license(s) for STR?

Yes, you require a business license from the City of Vancouver to operate a short-term rental (STR) currently. You must also register the STR with the Washington State Department of Revenue.

Which tax(es) am i obligated to collect and remit?

The City of Vancouver has a 10% short-term rental tax that is applied to all short-term rental accommodations in the city; the Washington State lodging tax rate varies depending on the location of the property, but it is typically between 6% and 8%; Washington State also has a sales and use tax rate of 6.5%

To remit the City of Vancouver short-term rental tax, hosts can use the city's online tax portal. To remit the Washington State lodging tax and sales and use tax, hosts can use the state's online tax portal.

Which tax(es) am i obligated to collect and remit?

The City of Vancouver has a 10% short-term rental tax that is applied to all short-term rental accommodations in the city; the Washington State lodging tax rate varies depending on the location of the property, but it is typically between 6% and 8%; Washington State also has a sales and use tax rate of 6.5%

To remit the City of Vancouver short-term rental tax, hosts can use the city's online tax portal. To remit the Washington State lodging tax and sales and use tax, hosts can use the state's online tax portal.

Tax
What ZIP Codes have been prohibited for STR use?

Currently, the City's Land Use and Development Code, VMC Chapter 20, does not allow short-term rentals in residential zones

What types of properties are eligible for short-term rentals?

Single-family homes, Townhouses, Condominiums, Apartment units (only if the building is not subject to the City's Multi-Family Tax Exemption (MFTE) program) and Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) or secondary suites (only if the owner/operator resides in the primary dwelling unit on the property)

Does occupancy limit affect STR?

The City of Vancouver, Washington does not have a specific occupancy limit for short-term rentals (STRs). However, the City does have a number of regulations in place that can indirectly affect the number of guests that can stay in an STR.

For example, the City of Vancouver requires that all STRs have a valid business license. The business license application process includes a requirement that the applicant provide the maximum number of guests that will be staying in the STR. The City then uses this information to determine the appropriate business license fee.

What STR regulations affect me as an Owner?

1. Hosts are required obtain a business license from the City of Vancouver.

2. Hosts are required to post the following information in a conspicuous place within each dwelling unit used as a short-term rental:

(i) The short-term rental street address;

(ii) The emergency contact information for summoning police, fire, or emergency medical services;

(iii) The floor plan indicating fire exits and escape routes;

(iv) The maximum occupancy limits; and

(v) The contact information for the operator or designated contact.

3. Hosts must make sure that their short-term rental is in compliance with any rules adopted by the state building code council regarding the installation of carbon monoxide alarms

What are the procedures or requirements for keeping the guest records?

The City of Vancouver is still in the process of considering a draft ordinance that would require short-term rental hosts to obtain a permit. However, if the ordinance is adopted, it is expected that the following requirements and fees would apply:

Requirements

Short-term rental hosts must be at least 21 years old.

Short-term rental hosts must reside in the City of Vancouver.

Short-term rental hosts must have a valid business license from the City of Vancouver.

Short-term rental hosts must maintain current, valid liability insurance.

Short-term rental hosts must comply with all applicable city, state, and federal laws and regulations.

Fees

It is expected that the annual fee would be between $250 and $500.

Short-term rental hosts should check with the City of Vancouver regularly to stay up-to-date on the latest regulations.

Notification
What are the occupancy limits for STR?
What other STR regulations am i obligated to observe?

1. Hosts are required to provide an emergency contact information to all short-term rental guests during their stay. The contact must be available to respond to inquiries at the short-term rental during the length of stay

2. A short-term rental operator is required to maintain primary liability insurance to cover the short-term rental dwelling unit in the aggregate of not less than one million dollars ($1 million)

What are the penalties and fines for non compliance?

If a short-term rental host operates a short-term rental without a valid business license, they could be fined up to $500 and/or have their business license suspended or revoked.

If a short-term rental host violates the noise ordinance, they could be fined up to $250 and/or have their business license suspended or revoked.

If a short-term rental host fails to maintain adequate parking for their guests, they could be fined up to $500 and/or have their business license suspended or revoked.

If a short-term rental host fails to keep a record of their guests, they could be fined up to $250.

In addition to these fines, the City of Vancouver could also take other enforcement actions against short-term rental hosts who violate the regulations, such as issuing a cease-and-desist order or shutting down the short-term rental operation.

Is there any official regulatory body or authority?

Yes, the official regulatory body or authority for short-term rentals (STRs) in Vancouver, Washington is the City of Vancouver.

How can i contact the authority?

City of Vancouver

Planning and Community Development Department

415 W 6th Street

Vancouver, WA 98660

(360) 487-7821

You can also contact the City of Vancouver online through the Be Heard Vancouver website: https://www.beheardvancouver.org/

Which jurisdictions are exempted from the regulations?

There are currently no jurisdictions exempted from the regulations on short-term rentals in Vancouver, Washington.

What are the requirements and fees for the permit (s)?

The City of Vancouver is still in the process of considering a draft ordinance that would require short-term rental hosts to obtain a permit. However, if the ordinance is adopted, it is expected that the following requirements and fees would apply:

Requirements

Short-term rental hosts must be at least 21 years old.

Short-term rental hosts must reside in the City of Vancouver.

Short-term rental hosts must have a valid business license from the City of Vancouver.

Short-term rental hosts must maintain current, valid liability insurance.

Short-term rental hosts must comply with all applicable city, state, and federal laws and regulations.

Fees

It is expected that the annual fee would be between $250 and $500.

Short-term rental hosts should check with the City of Vancouver regularly to stay up-to-date on the latest regulations.

Basic Information
Occupancy restriction

There is no occupancy restriction however, the fees charged for permits is currently determined by the number of occupants

Length of Stay
29 days or less
Registration & Licensing Fees
None yet
Licenses or Permits Required
You are required to obtain a business license from the City of Vancouver to operate a short-term rental (STR) currently. You must also register the STR with the Washington State Department of Revenue.
Property Inspection
It is required
Guest Record
Hosts are required to keep guest records
Zoning

The City of Vancouver's Land Use and Development Code (VMC Title 20) currently does not allow short-term rentals in residential zones except as expressly authorized under the bed-and-breakfast provisions of VMC 20.830.

Short-term rental owners that meet a certain profit threshold would also be required to register with the Washington State Department of Revenue and obtain a city of Vancouver business license.

Occupancy taxes and fees

22.5% cumulative tax rate

Insurance requirement

A short-term rental operator is required to maintain primary liability insurance to cover the short-term rental dwelling unit in the aggregate of not less than one million dollars ($1 million)

Does any Building, Health & Safety Regulation affects STR?

Yes, there are building, health & safety regulations

Parking Requirement

The parking requirement for short-term rentals (STRs) in Vancouver, Washington varies depending on the size and location of the property.

For single-family homes in residential zones, the parking requirement is one parking space per bedroom, plus one additional space for the primary dwelling unit.

For multi-family dwellings, the parking requirement is one parking space per unit, plus one additional space for the common areas.

STRs that are located in commercial zones are subject to the parking requirements for commercial uses.

If a STR does not have enough parking spaces, the host may be able to obtain a parking variance from the City of Vancouver.

Advertising Requirement

The advertising requirement for short-term rentals (STRs) in Vancouver, Washington is that all STR hosts must include their City of Vancouver business license number in all online listings and advertising.

Noise regulation

Yes, there is a noise regulation in Vancouver, Washington. The noise ordinance also prohibits noise between the hours of 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM and any sound that is plainly audible from a distance of fifty (50) feet from the property line where the sound originates

Neighbor Notification

Neighbor notification is not currently required for short-term rentals (STRs) in Vancouver, Washington.

Limitation on number of STR owned

There is currently no limitation on the number of short-term rentals (STRs) that an individual can own in Vancouver, Washington. However, the City of Vancouver is currently considering a draft ordinance that would impose additional regulations on STRs, including a limit of three STRs per individual.

Regulations on hosting events or parties in STR

Yes, there are regulations on hosting events or parties in short-term rentals (STRs) in Vancouver, Washington. The City of Vancouver has a noise ordinance that prohibits excessive noise from all properties, including STRs. The noise ordinance defines excessive noise as any sound that is plainly audible from a distance of fifty (50) feet from the property line where the sound originates, or that is so loud or continuous or of such an unusual or disturbing character as to unreasonably disturb or interfere with the peace, comfort, or repose of the reasonable person of normal sensitivities.

Regulations on hosting events or parties in STR

Yes, there are regulations on hosting events or parties in short-term rentals (STRs) in Vancouver, Washington. The City of Vancouver has a noise ordinance that prohibits excessive noise from all properties, including STRs. The noise ordinance defines excessive noise as any sound that is plainly audible from a distance of fifty (50) feet from the property line where the sound originates, or that is so loud or continuous or of such an unusual or disturbing character as to unreasonably disturb or interfere with the peace, comfort, or repose of the reasonable person of normal sensitivities.

Hosting events regulations
Restrictions on number of reservations

There is currently no restriction on the number of reservations that a short-term rental (STR) host can accept in Vancouver, Washington. However, the City of Vancouver is considering a draft ordinance that would impose additional regulations on STRs, including a limit on the number of reservations that a host can accept per year.

Waste disposal regulations

The City of Vancouver has a curbside recycling and compost program. All STR hosts must participate in this program and provide their guests with access to recycling and compost bins.

STR hosts are also responsible for disposing of their guests' trash in a proper manner. This means bagging up the trash and placing it in the curbside trash bin.

Accessibility Requirement

There is no specific accessibility requirement for short-term rentals (STRs) in Vancouver, Washington. However, the City of Vancouver is currently considering a draft ordinance that would impose additional regulations on STRs, including a requirement for STR hosts to make their properties accessible to guests with disabilities.

waste disposal regulations
Waste disposal regulations

The City of Vancouver has a curbside recycling and compost program. All STR hosts must participate in this program and provide their guests with access to recycling and compost bins.

STR hosts are also responsible for disposing of their guests' trash in a proper manner. This means bagging up the trash and placing it in the curbside trash bin.

Emergency Contact Information

Hosts are required to make available an emergency contact information that is always available to their guests during their stay.

Provide your rental address, and we'll send you the regulation details accordingly

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Disclaimer

Lodge compliance is not a licensed tax or financial advisor. Therefore nothing in the above article should be construed as tax, legal, or financial advice. Contact your local tax office for information regarding your personal circumstance.

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