The purpose of this chapter is to ensure that short-term rentals are not having a significant impact on residential housing supply in Lewis County and are operated in a manner that protects public health and safety, while also encouraging the economic benefits of tourism.
(Ord. 1367 (Exh. C), 2025)
Short-term rentals are allowed as described in Chapter 17.42 LCC with the following limitations:
(1) 
The following may be permitted as short-term rentals:
(a) 
Single-family residences, accessory dwelling units, duplexes, tiny homes and detached bedrooms.
(b) 
Recreational vehicles and trailers.
(c) 
Yurts and similar structures.
(2) 
Multifamily residences shall not be provided as short-term rentals, except if the requirements of LCC § 17.17.210 have been met. Three or more detached residential buildings, recreational vehicles, trailers or yurts located on a single parcel may be approved as a cabin or yurt village; see Chapter 17.42 LCC, Table 2, Land Use Summary. Detached bedrooms that are provided as accessory to a primary short-term rental, and not provided as a separate short-term rental for rent, shall not be counted as a standalone short-term rental for the purposes of determining the number of short-term rentals per parcel.
(3) 
Short-term rentals shall not be used for commercial events, such as a wedding venue, except properties that meet the requirements of the Lewis County Code as an event center or wedding venue; see Chapter 17.42 LCC, Table 2, Land Use Summary.
(Ord. 1367 (Exh. C), 2025)
(1) 
The owner or legal representative shall obtain a short-term rental permit from Lewis County department of community development. Permits shall be renewed annually.
(2) 
The maximum occupancy shall be no more than two guests per bedroom plus three additional guests, or maximum occupancy shall be based on the design capacity of the approved on-site septic system, whichever is greater. A guest is a person over two years of age.
(3) 
A minimum of one on-site parking space per bedroom or unit shall be provided.
(4) 
Solid waste service shall be provided, or garbage shall be stored in a completely secure receptacle(s).
(5) 
Information shall be provided to all guests regarding current local burn restrictions.
(Ord. 1367 (Exh. C), 2025)
(1) 
The short-term rental permit shall be processed as a Type I application.
(2) 
To obtain a permit, the property owner or agent authorized to act on the property owner's behalf shall demonstrate that all of the following are met:
(a) 
The standards listed in LCC § 17.105.040.
(b) 
If the short-term rental is a residential building, a certificate of occupancy, an approved building permit or an inspection completed within the previous three years by a qualified professional is required.
(c) 
There is a permitted and properly functioning septic system, sewer connection or other legally permitted wastewater treatment system.
(d) 
There is an approved water source that meets minimum potable water standards.
(e) 
Proof of paid taxes and fees associated with the property.
(f) 
Valid liability insurance of $1,000,000 or more that covers the use of the short-term rental unit as required by RCW 64.37.050.
(3) 
Any short-term rental permit shall be renewed annually based on the permit issuance date. Failure to renew a permit within one year of the permit renewal deadline shall result in automatic revocation of the permit.
(4) 
A property owner may voluntarily relinquish a short-term rental permit upon written 30-day notice to the Lewis County department of community development and shall cease all short-term rental operations on the subject property following written confirmation of the permit revocation from the county.
(5) 
Beginning on July 1, 2026, failure to obtain and maintain a short-term rental permit, including meeting the standards of LCC § 17.105.040 and this section, shall be processed as a code violation pursuant to Chapter 1.20 LCC.
(Ord. 1367 (Exh. C), 2025)