Understanding the STR laws in Grays Harbor County - including Ocean Shores, Westport & rural coastal areas
NAVIGATING THE WORLD OF STRS
Thinking about running a short-term rental (STR) in Grays Harbor County, Washington?
From cozy beach cottages to forest cabins near Lake Quinault, the county’s got serious vacation-rental potential. But before you start hosting, it’s worth knowing how the state and county rules fit together.
This quick guide breaks down what you need to know if you’re operating in unincorporated Grays Harbor County, plus a few notes about incorporated cities with their own rules.
FIRST THINGS FIRST: STATE-WIDE REQUIREMENTS
Before diving into local details, every Washington STR must comply with state law (RCW 64.37) — these rules keep rentals safe, insured, and properly taxed.
| Requirement | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Minimum Liability Insurance | $1 million (or platform-provided equivalent) |
| Maximum Stay Defined As | Less than 30 consecutive days |
| State Business License (UBI) | Required for all operators |
| Safety & Posting Requirements | Hosts must post contact info, emergency plan, address, and max occupancy in the unit |
| Tax Collection | Sales & lodging taxes must be remitted via the WA Dept. of Revenue |
QUICK LOOK: GRAYS HARBOR COUNTY – THE CURRENT LANDSCAPE
Grays Harbor officially joined the list of counties regulating STRs when it adopted Ordinance No. 469 on March 22, 2022, amending its zoning code to include a dedicated short-term rental section.
Here’s the snapshot:
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✅ STR Permits Required: A county Short-Term Rental Permit is mandatory.
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🔁 Annual Renewal: Permits must be renewed at least 30 days before expiration.
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🗺️ Zoning Matters: Only certain zoning districts (like Rural Residential, Resort Residential, and General Development) allow STR use.
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🏡 Safety & Building Codes: STRs must meet all building, fire, and health standards.
(Cities like Ocean Shores and Westport have separate ordinances—this guide covers the unincorporated areas under county jurisdiction.)
DEEP DIVE: GRAYS HARBOR COUNTY (UNINCORPORATED AREAS)
1. PERMIT & RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS
All hosts must hold a valid Short-Term Rental Permit from the county’s Planning & Building Division.
Applications and renewals are submitted through the county’s online permit portal (SmartGov).
You’ll need to renew each year and apply at least 30 calendar days before your current permit expires.
Tip: Keep your renewal date in your calendar — expired permits can result in enforcement action or suspension.
2. DEFINITION & ZONING
A short-term rental is defined as a dwelling unit rented for fewer than 30 consecutive nights.
Permitted zones include:
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Resort Residential (R-3)
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Rural Residential (RR)
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General Development (GD)
Each parcel’s zoning determines eligibility, so confirm through the Grays Harbor County Parcel Search before listing.
3. BUILDING / HEALTH / SAFETY STANDARDS
STRs must comply with:
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State Building Code (WAC 51-50)
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Fire Safety requirements (smoke and CO alarms, fire extinguisher)
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Septic and water system capacity rules
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Posting requirements (contact info, escape plan, max occupancy)
The county’s ordinances (Ordinance 498, Dec 2024 amendment) reinforce these health and safety expectations to protect both guests and neighbors.
4. INSURANCE & STATE COMPLIANCE
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Minimum liability insurance: $1 million
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Washington State Business License (UBI) required
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Hosts must collect and remit sales and lodging taxes
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Airbnb and Vrbo may remit state taxes on your behalf, but local taxes are still your responsibility.
5. ENFORCEMENT & PENALTIES
Operating without a valid permit or outside approved zones may result in:
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Notice of violation from the Planning Dept.
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Possible daily fines and/or permit revocation
Always renew on time and follow your permit conditions to avoid issues.
YOUR HOST CHECKLIST
| ✅ Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Get your WA State Business License (UBI) and insurance |
| 2 | Apply for a Grays Harbor STR Permit through SmartGov |
| 3 | Verify zoning eligibility for your property |
| 4 | Check fire, building, and health code compliance |
| 5 | Post required info inside the rental (unit address, emergency plan, max occupancy) |
| 6 | Remit all taxes (state and local) |
| 7 | Renew your permit at least 30 days before expiration |
| 8 | Be a good neighbor – set quiet hours and parking rules |
FINAL THOUGHTS
Grays Harbor County’s coastal towns and forested retreats draw thousands of visitors each year. With clear STR rules now in place, responsible hosts can operate legally and sustainably while keeping the community balance intact.
Before you list, double-check the latest updates with the Grays Harbor County Planning Division or call (360) 249-4222.
It’s always worth confirming details - especially as rules evolve with local tourism growth.
