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Short-term Vacation Rentals

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PLEASE NOTE: This information does not apply to the operation of short-term rentals within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Please see Skamania County Code 22.12.140 for requirements for overnight accommodations within the National Scenic Area.

News and Updates

Short-term Vacation Rental Operators are now able to Apply for an Annual License for 2024. 
Beginning January 1, 2023, an annual license will be required to operate a Short-term Vacation Rental in unincorporated Skamania County.

  • Cloudpermit is not compatible to apply for permits or licenses using a cell phone. Please use a tablet, laptop or PC. 
  • Click "Apply Online" above, an account is required, if you have used CloudPermit for other licensing/permitting you may login using your pervious login information. 

  • Select the following selections:

    1. Washington
    2. Skamania County
    3. Licensing

The portal will then guide you through the application and payment process.

  • A copy of your license will be available to be downloaded and printed once your application has been approved by the Skamania County Planning Department. Once printed a copy will be required to be posted in your STVR. (If you would like to pick up a physical copy of your license, a copy can be picked up during business hours.)  
  • All credit card and online payments will have a 2.75% fee added onto all payments. Cash and checks made payable to SKAMANIA COUNTY TREASURER can be dropped off in office or mailed in to avoid the fee.

What is a Short-term Vacation Rental?

Short-term vacation rentals (STVRs) are defined in Skamania County Code as “a lodging use, that is not a hotel or motel or bed and breakfast, in which a dwelling unit, a residential accessory building, or portion thereof is offered or provided to a guest by a short-term vacation rental operator for a fee for fewer than thirty consecutive nights.” STVRs are only allowed in conjunction with residential uses in zones where residential uses are allowable.

What types of structures qualify can be used as a STVR?

Pursuant to SCC 21.70.190(B)(1), the following types of units may operate as a short-term vacation rental: 

  • Dwelling Unit: Any dwelling or part of a dwelling may be operated as a STVR. Whole-house rentals or partial house rentals (such as the renting of individual bedrooms) are allowable.
  • Accessory Dwelling Unit: Accessory dwelling units may be operated as a STVR. Accessory dwelling units are separate dwelling units that include their own kitchen and comply with SCC 21.70.180.
  • Residential Accessory Building: Residential accessory buildings such as guest houses or sheds may be operated as a STVR. Residential accessory buildings do not include kitchens; wet bars or kitchenettes without an oven or range are allowable.
  • Park Model Recreational Vehicle: Park Model RVs and tiny homes licensed by the Washington Department of Labor & Industries may operate as STVRs. No more than two park model RVs can be placed on a property and occupancy is limited to 14 consecutive days and a total of 120 days during a calendar year pursuant to SCC 21.70.120.

Campsites, tents, RVs that are not park model RVs, or any other types of structures not listed are not allowable.

What requirements apply to STVRs?

The following requirements in SCC 21.70.190 apply: 

  • Dedicated on-site parking shall be provided to accommodate all guests.
  • The STVR shall conform to all applicable standards in the building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, fire, health (water and septic), and any other applicable codes. Functioning carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors shall be kept in operating order and installed as required by the International Residential Code (IRC). At least one functioning fire extinguisher shall be installed within the STVR.
  • Address numbers for the STVR shall be visible from the road.
  • The STVR shall be operated in a way that will prevent disturbances to neighboring properties not typical of a residential neighborhood, including but not limited to loud music, loud noises, excessive traffic, loud and uncontrolled parties, junk/debris/garbage accumulation in the yards, trespassing, barking dogs, or excess vehicles, boats or recreational vehicles parked in the streets in front of the unit. The rental shall not be used at any time to host commercial events, unless the rental is associated with an approved commercial event center.
  • Per RCW 64.37.050, a STVR operator must maintain primary liability insurance to cover the STVR in the aggregate of not less than one million dollars or conduct each STVR transaction through a platform that provides equal or greater primary liability insurance coverage.
  • Per RCW 64.37.020, STVR operators must remit all applicable local, state, and federal taxes unless the platform does this on the operator’s behalf.

What are the license requirements and fees?

All operators of STVRs are required to maintain a short-term vacation rental license. It is a violation of Skamania County Code to rent, offer for rent, or advertise for rent a STVR without first obtaining a STVR license. Licenses must be obtained annually and are effective from the date of issuance through December 31st of each year.

Click here for more information about license requirements and how to obtain an annual license.