In late December 2023, Vancouver adopted an ordinance to manage Short-term Rental (STR) properties in the area. Under this ordinance, permits will be required to operate rentals under 30 days by February 15, 2024 or face code compliance citations. They have offered the following guidance to impacted hosts. 

Before applying for a permit:

• Secure a Washington State and City of Vancouver business license from the state Department of Revenue and click “Get licensing requirements” to access the state’s Business Licensing Wizard. Enter the keywords “Real Estate Rental – Short Term Residential”.

• Obtain at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance for the property.

• Send notification letters to your neighbors on both sides, in front, and behind your property. The notification letter should include a brief description of the operation, the number of bedrooms to be rented to overnight guests and a phone number for the owner or operator. It will be helpful to send the notices via certified mail or otherwise obtain proof of mailing.

Once you have completed these tasks, it’s time to apply for your permit. Under this initial permit pilot program, the total number of authorized STRs will be limited to no more than 870 units or 1% of the City’s current total housing stock - so start the process today!