Packwood, Randle & Rural Lewis County: The Updated STR Rules Every Host Must Follow

NAVIGATING THE WORLD OF STRs IN LEWIS COUNTY, WASHINGTON

Thinking about running a short-term rental (STR) in Lewis County? Whether you’re eyeing a cozy cabin in Packwood, a forested retreat near Randle, or something closer to the Twin Cities (Centralia/Chehalis), understanding the rules is the first step. Lewis County recently adopted STR regulations, so this guide breaks down everything you need to know to stay compliant and protect your business.

FIRST THINGS FIRST: STATE-WIDE REQUIREMENTS

Before diving into Lewis County specifics, remember these rules apply to every STR in Washington under RCW 64.37. These are meant to keep guests safe and hosts protected.

Washington State STR Requirements

• $1M Liability Insurance
  Hosts must maintain at least $1,000,000 in liability coverage or operate via a platform (like Airbnb) that provides equivalent coverage.

• Maximum Stay Defined as <30 Days
  A short-term rental is any rental under 30 consecutive nights.

• State Business License (UBI)
  Every STR must have a valid Washington State Business License.

• Guest Safety Requirements
  You must post:

  • The property address

  • Local emergency contact

  • Maximum occupancy

  • Fire exit routes/floor plan

• Taxes
  STR operators must collect and remit lodging tax, sales tax, and any applicable local taxes.

QUICK LOOK: HOW LEWIS COUNTY COMPARES

Lewis County’s STR rules are more detailed and restrictive than many rural counties but generally simpler than more urban areas like King or Pierce.

This matters if you're comparing properties across counties, especially for investment purposes.

DEEP DIVE: LEWIS COUNTY (INCLUDING PACKWOOD, RANDLE, MINERAL, ETC.)

The Rules (Effective Now)

Lewis County adopted its STR code (Chapter 17.105 LCC) to balance tourism growth with neighborhood expectations. If your STR is outside city limits, these county rules apply.

🔹 Permit Required

All STRs must obtain an annual operating permit from Lewis County Community Development.

• Non-transferable (new owner must reapply)

• Renewal required each year

🔹 Occupancy Limits

2 guests per legal bedroom + 3 extra guests
Examples:

• 1 bedroom = 5 guests max

• 2 bedrooms = 7 guests max

• 3 bedrooms = 9 guests max

🔹 Parking Requirements

You must provide 1 on-site parking space per bedroom.

🔹 25% STR Cap in Certain Zones

Some areas have a cap:

• Urban Growth Areas (UGAs)

• Small Towns

• Type I LAMIRDs (rural activity centers)

No more than 25% of total dwelling units can operate as STRs.

🔹 Guest and Neighbor Standards

• No commercial events (weddings, parties, ticketed events)

• Garbage must be stored in secured containers

• 24-hour local contact required

• Address and emergency information must be clearly posted

🔹 Insurance

You must show proof of at least $1M liability insurance specifically covering STR use.

🔹 STR Registry (Effective January 1, 2026)

All STRs must be listed in the County’s official registry.

DEEP DIVE: CITIES WITHIN LEWIS COUNTY

Most STRs in the county operate in unincorporated areas. But if your property sits inside a city, that city may have its own rules.

Centralia

• Requires a city business license

• May require zoning approval

• Follows state STR safety rules

• No city-specific STR ordinance at this time (verify before launch)

Chehalis

• Requires a city business license

• STRs treated as general lodging businesses

• Zoning review recommended

• No STR-specific cap or ordinance (verify before launch)

If you'd like, I can produce a City-by-City table for you as well.

YOUR LEWIS COUNTY COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST

1. WA State Business License (UBI)

Apply via the WA Department of Revenue.

2. Confirm Zoning

Check if your property is in:

• UGA

• Small Town zoning

• Type I LAMIRD

If yes → 25% cap applies.

3. Apply for STR Permit

Submit to Lewis County Community Development.

4. Set Occupancy & Parking

Enforce:

• Correct max guest count

• One parking space per bedroom

5. Prepare Required Safety Documents

Post inside the STR:

• Emergency contacts

• Floor plan/exit map

• Address

• Maximum occupancy

6. Maintain Valid $1M Insurance

Attach proof to your permit application.

7. Register in 2026

Beginning Jan 1, 2026, add your STR to the county registry.

8. Host Responsibly & Pay Taxes

Collect and remit:

• Sales tax

• Lodging tax

• Any applicable local taxes

BEST PRACTICES FOR SUCCESSFUL, COMPLIANT HOSTING

• Keep neighbors informed during peak seasons

• Use exterior cameras responsibly (facing only public areas)

• Set strict guest limits in your booking settings

• Install fire extinguishers, smoke & CO detectors

• Use secure bear-proof waste bins in forested areas

• Post quiet hours especially important in Packwood & Randle

IN SUMMARY

Lewis County is one of Washington’s newest areas to implement structured STR rules. The good news: STRs are allowed, but the county wants them operated safely and respectfully.

By following the state requirements and Lewis County’s new code permit, occupancy, parking, contact info, insurance, and zone caps you’ll stay compliant and avoid legal issues.