Pasco Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are short term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) regulations in Pasco, Washington?

Pasco, Washington, has established regulations for short-term rentals (STRs) like those found on platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO. These regulations aim to balance the economic benefits of STRs with the preservation of residential neighborhoods' integrity.

To operate a short-term rental in Pasco, hosts must first obtain a conditional use permit from the planning director. This permit ensures that the rental property meets specific standards, such as providing a designated parking space for renters and prohibiting recreational vehicle parking on-site or in public areas. Additionally, if the unit is not owner-occupied, a local contact must be designated who can respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week to any complaints.

Property insurance and liability coverage are also required for the short-term rental property. This ensures that hosts are financially prepared to handle any potential damages or liabilities that may arise during guest stays.

Zoning regulations are also in place to ensure that short-term rentals are compatible with surrounding residential areas. This includes requirements for parking, which must be provided specifically for the renter and cannot be used by the authorized agent, local contact, and/or the owner during the entire length of stay by the renter.

Safety and health requirements are also crucial for short-term rentals in Pasco. Functioning carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors must be kept in operating order and installed as required by the International Residential Code (IRC). Fire extinguisher(s) must also be installed within the short-term rental property, with the number and location determined based on the size of the structure during the application and permitting process. If the short-term rental property has a pool, it must be fenced meeting the requirements of the IRC.

Taxes and fees are also an important aspect of short-term rentals in Pasco. Many towns collect room tax, which must be paid by the host. Additionally, the state Department of Revenue provides sales tax requirement information for Short-Term Rental owners and operators.

Compliance with these regulations is crucial to avoid legal and financial consequences. Nuisance complaints will be processed as follows: first complaint - citation with applicable fee, second complaint - citation with applicable fee, and third complaint - citation with applicable fee and immediate revocation of conditional use permit by the planning director.

A license may also be revoked by the Town Board during the term of a License Year and following a due process hearing for one or more of the following reasons: failure to make payment of delinquent fees, taxes, special charges, forfeitures, or other debt owed to the Town; failure to maintain all required local, county, and state licensing requirements; or any violation of local, county, or state laws or regulations that substantially harm or adversely impact the predominantly residential uses and nature of the surrounding neighborhood.

In conclusion, Pasco, Washington, has established regulations for short-term rentals to ensure they are compatible with surrounding residential areas while promoting tourism and economic development. These regulations include licensing and zoning requirements, safety and health standards, and tax and fee obligations. Compliance with these regulations is essential to avoid legal and financial consequences.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Pasco

Starting a short-term rental business in Pasco, Washington, involves several important steps to ensure compliance with local regulations and to set up a successful operation. Here is a detailed guide to help you navigate the process effectively:

Verify Zoning and Regulations

• Check Zoning Laws: Verify that your property is zoned for short-term rentals in Pasco. Zoning regulations dictate where short-term rentals are permitted within the city.
• Understand Local Regulations: Familiarize yourself with Pasco's specific regulations for short-term rentals. These regulations may include requirements for licensing, safety standards, parking provisions, and more.

Obtain Necessary Permits and Licenses

• Conditional Use Permit: Apply for a conditional use permit from the planning director. This permit is essential to ensure that your rental property meets the city's standards and requirements for short-term rentals.
• Occupational License: Obtain an occupational license from the Tax Collector's office. This license is necessary for operating a short-term rental business in Pasco.

Prepare Required Documentation

• Insurance and Liability Coverage: Obtain property insurance and liability coverage for your short-term rental property. This coverage is essential to protect your property and guests in case of unforeseen incidents.
• Local Contact Information: Designate a local contact who can respond to complaints or issues from guests 24/7. This contact person should be readily available to address any concerns that may arise during guest stays.
• Safety Features: Ensure that your rental property is equipped with functioning carbon monoxide detectors, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers. Compliance with safety standards is crucial for the well-being of your guests.

Register Your Rental Property

• Register with Authorities: Register each rental unit annually with the Pasco County Growth Management/Zoning Department. Pay any required registration fees and ensure that your property is properly documented with the relevant authorities.

Understand Tax Obligations

• Tax Compliance: Collect and remit state and federal taxes on your rental income. Additionally, be aware of any local room taxes that may apply to short-term rentals in Pasco.

Maintain Compliance and Quality Standards

• Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of your property to ensure that it meets safety and quality standards. Address any maintenance issues promptly to provide a comfortable and safe experience for your guests.
• Guest Communication: Establish clear communication channels with your guests. Provide them with essential information about their stay, including check-in procedures, house rules, and local amenities.

Conclusion

By following these steps and maintaining compliance with Pasco's regulations, you can establish a successful short-term rental business in the city. It is essential to stay informed about any updates to local regulations and to prioritize the safety and satisfaction of your guests to build a positive reputation in the short-term rental market in Pasco, Washington.ShareRewrite

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Pasco

Pasco, Washington, has specific regulations for short-term rentals (STRs) like those found on platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO. To operate a short-term rental in Pasco, hosts must obtain a conditional use permit from the planning director. This permit ensures compliance with specific standards set by the city, including:

• Property Insurance and Liability Coverage: The owner must have property insurance and liability coverage for the short-term rental.
• Local Contact: If the unit is not owner-occupied, a local contact must be provided who can respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week to any complaints.
• Safety Features: Functioning carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors must be kept in operating order and installed as required by the International Residential Code (IRC).
• Fire Extinguishers: Functioning fire extinguisher(s) must be installed within the short-term rental, with the number and location determined based on the size of the structure during the application and permitting process.
• Pool Safety: If the short-term rental property has a pool, it must be fenced meeting the requirements of the IRC.

Conclusion

Pasco's regulations for short-term rentals are designed to ensure that these operations are compatible with surrounding residential areas while promoting tourism and economic development. By understanding and complying with these regulations, hosts can operate successful short-term rental businesses while contributing to the city's tourism economy responsibly.

Required Documents for Pasco Short Term Rentals

To operate a short-term rental in Pasco, Washington, hosts must provide several documents to ensure compliance with local regulations. These documents include:

• Property Insurance and Liability Coverage: Proof of insurance to cover damages and liabilities during guest stays.
• Local Contact Information: Designation of a local contact who can respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week to any complaints.
• Safety Features: Functioning carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors must be kept in operating order and installed as required by the International Residential Code (IRC).
• Fire Extinguishers: Functioning fire extinguisher(s) must be installed within the short-term rental, with the number and location determined based on the size of the structure during the application and permitting process.
• Pool Safety: If the short-term rental property has a pool, it must be fenced meeting the requirements of the IRC.
• Registration with the Pasco County Growth Management/Zoning Department: Registration of each rental unit annually with the Pasco County Growth Management/Zoning Department, including payment of a registration fee and obtaining an occupational license from the Tax Collector.
• Chapter 509 License: A copy of the Chapter 509 license and the County occupational license for both the short-term rental and the management company for the unit must be displayed on the back of the main entrance/exit door to the unit.
• Notice of Short-Term Rentals: A document entitled "Notice of Short-Term Rentals" that boldly notes that short-term rentals are allowed within the subdivision, including a sworn statement signed and dated by the seller indicating that the seller has advised the prospective purchaser of the presence of short-term rentals in the subdivision, and a sworn statement signed and dated by the prospective purchaser indicating that the purchaser has been advised of the presence of short-term rentals in the subdivision.

These documents are essential for ensuring compliance with Pasco's regulations for short-term rentals and for maintaining a safe and enjoyable experience for guests.

Pasco Short Term Rental Taxes

Pasco County, Florida, has specific tax regulations for short-term rentals that hosts must be aware of and comply with. These taxes are in place to ensure that short-term rental operators contribute their fair share to the local and state tax revenue, which can be used to fund public services and infrastructure improvements that benefit both residents and visitors alike.

Tourist Development Tax

All short-term rentals in Pasco County are subject to the County's Tourist Development Tax and collections, as outlined in Chapter 102 of the Pasco County Code and Section 125.0104, Florida Statutes. This tax is imposed on the total rental amount charged by a host for the lease or rental of any living quarters or accommodations in any hotel, motel, resort motel, apartment, apartment hotel, rooming house, mobile home park, recreational vehicle park, or condominium for a term of six months or less.

Combined Tax Rate

The combined tax rate for Pasco County transient rentals is 11%, composed of:

• 6% state sales tax
• 4% tourist development tax
• 1% local option sales tax

This tax rate applies to the total rental amount charged by the host, including any fees or charges that are part of the rental transaction.

Tax Collection and Remittance

Hosts are responsible for collecting the applicable taxes from their guests at the time of rental and remitting these taxes to the Florida Department of Revenue on a monthly basis. Failure to collect and remit these taxes can result in penalties and interest charges, as well as potential legal action by the state and local authorities.

Exemptions and Exclusions

There are certain exemptions and exclusions from the tourist development tax, such as rentals to certain government employees on official business and rentals to students enrolled in educational institutions. However, these exemptions are limited, and hosts should consult with a tax professional or the Florida Department of Revenue to determine if their rental transactions qualify for any exemptions.

Pasco Wide Short Term Rental Rules

Pasco, Washington, has specific regulations for short-term rentals (STRs) to ensure they are compatible with surrounding residential areas while promoting tourism and economic development. These regulations are outlined in the Columbia County Code, specifically in Chapter 18.126.

General Requirements

• No Owner or Property: No owner or property within unincorporated Columbia County may offer, operate, rent, or advertise for rent a dwelling unit without first obtaining a conditional use permit.
• Property Insurance and Liability Coverage: The owner must have property insurance and liability coverage for the short-term rental.
• Local Contact: If the unit is not owner-occupied, a local contact must be provided who can respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week to any complaints.
• Safety Features: Functioning carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors must be kept in operating order and installed as required by the International Residential Code (IRC).
• Fire Extinguishers: Functioning fire extinguisher(s) must be installed within the short-term rental, with the number and location determined based on the size of the structure during the application and permitting process.
• Pool Safety: If the short-term rental property has a pool, it must be fenced meeting the requirements of the IRC.

Development Standards

• Parking: One designated parking space must be provided specifically for the renter and cannot be used by the authorized agent, local contact, and/or the owner during the entire length of stay by the renter.
• Recreational Vehicles: Recreational vehicles and other similar vehicles, machines, or devices are not permitted to be parked on site or within the public right-of-way related to short-term rentals.

Operating Without Permit and Nuisance Complaints

• Unlawful to Rent or Advertise: It is unlawful to rent, offer for rent, or advertise for rent a dwelling unit located on any property within unincorporated Columbia County without first obtaining a conditional use permit.
• Nuisance Complaints: Nuisance complaints will be processed as follows: first complaint - citation with applicable fee, second complaint - citation with applicable fee, and third complaint - citation with applicable fee and immediate revocation of conditional use permit by the planning director.

Conclusion

Pasco's regulations for short-term rentals are designed to ensure that these operations are compatible with surrounding residential areas while promoting tourism and economic development. By understanding and complying with these regulations, hosts can operate successful short-term rental businesses while contributing to the city's tourism economy responsibly.

Does Pasco Strictly Enforce STR Rules? Is Pasco Airbnb Friendly?

Pasco strictly enforces its short-term rental regulations. Hosts must comply with specific standards, including:

• Property Insurance and Liability Coverage: The owner must have property insurance and liability coverage for the short-term rental.
• Local Contact: If the unit is not owner-occupied, a local contact must be provided who can respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week to any complaints.
• Safety Features: Functioning carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors must be kept in operating order and installed as required by the International Residential Code (IRC).
• Fire Extinguishers: Functioning fire extinguisher(s) must be installed within the short-term rental, with the number and location determined based on the size of the structure during the application and permitting process.
• Pool Safety: If the short-term rental property has a pool, it must be fenced meeting the requirements of the IRC.

Is Pasco Airbnb Friendly?

Pasco is considered relatively Airbnb-friendly compared to other cities. While it does not allow short-term rentals under 30 days, hosts can operate within the established guidelines to ensure a positive experience for guests and residents alike. Hosts generally comply with the rules, appreciating the city's efforts to maintain a balance between tourism promotion and residential harmony.

Conclusion

Pasco's regulations for short-term rentals are designed to ensure that these operations are compatible with surrounding residential areas while promoting tourism and economic development. By understanding and complying with these regulations, hosts can operate successful short-term rental businesses while contributing to the city's tourism economy responsibly.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Pasco

Starting a short-term rental business in Pasco, Washington, involves several key steps to ensure compliance with local regulations and to set up a successful operation. Here is a detailed guide to help you navigate the process effectively:

Verify Zoning

• Check Zoning Laws: Ensure that your property is zoned for short-term rentals in Pasco. Zoning regulations dictate where short-term rentals are permitted within the city.

Obtain Necessary Permits and Licenses

• Conditional Use Permit: Apply for a conditional use permit from the planning director. This permit ensures compliance with specific standards set by the city, including property insurance and liability coverage, local contact information, safety features, and pool safety.
• Occupational License: Obtain an occupational license from the Tax Collector’s office. This license is necessary for operating a short-term rental business in Pasco.

Prepare Required Documents

• Property Insurance and Liability Coverage: Obtain property insurance and liability coverage for the short-term rental.
• Local Contact Information: Designate a local contact who can respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week to any complaints.
• Safety Features: Ensure that the rental property has functioning carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors, and functioning fire extinguisher(s) installed based on the size of the structure during the application and permitting process.
• Pool Safety: If the short-term rental property has a pool, it must be fenced meeting the requirements of the IRC.

Determine Pricing

• Determine Pricing: Determine how you will price your short-term rental. You want to be competitive, but you also need to cover your expenses.

Register with Authorities

• Registration with the Pasco County Growth Management/Zoning Department: Register each rental unit annually with the Pasco County Growth Management/Zoning Department, including payment of a registration fee and obtaining an occupational license from the Tax Collector.

Understand Tax Obligations

• Tourist Development Tax: All short-term rentals in Pasco are subject to the County’s Tourist Development Tax and collections, as outlined in Chapter 102 of the Pasco County Code and Section 125.0104, Florida Statutes.

Conclusion

By following these steps and maintaining compliance with Pasco’s regulations, you can establish a successful short-term rental business while contributing to the city’s tourism economy responsibly.

Who to Contact in Pasco about Short Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

To contact Pasco about short-term rental regulations and zoning, you can reach out to the following authorities:

• Planning Director: For information on short-term rental regulations and zoning, contact the Planning Director at the Pasco County Government. The Planning Director is responsible for overseeing the conditional use permit process and ensuring compliance with local regulations.
• Tax Collector: For information on occupational licenses and registration fees for short-term rentals, contact the Tax Collector's office. The Tax Collector is responsible for issuing occupational licenses and collecting registration fees for short-term rentals.
• Code Enforcement: For information on code enforcement and nuisance complaints related to short-term rentals, contact the Code Enforcement division. Code Enforcement handles complaints about short-term rentals and ensures compliance with local regulations.
• Animal Control: For information on animal control and nuisance complaints related to short-term rentals, contact Animal Control. Animal Control handles complaints about animals "at large" or loose in the city limits.

These authorities can provide detailed information on Pasco's regulations for short-term rentals, including zoning requirements, licensing and registration processes, and code enforcement procedures.

What do Airbnb Hosts in Pasco on Reddit and Bigger Pockets Think about Local Regulations?

While there is no specific information on what Airbnb hosts in Pasco, Washington, think about local regulations on platforms like Reddit and Bigger Pockets, we can explore general opinions and concerns shared by hosts on these platforms.

Reddit

On Reddit, hosts often discuss local regulations and zoning laws in various subreddits, such as r/Airbnb, r/shorttermrentals, and r/real estate. Here are some general insights:

• Regulatory Compliance: Hosts often emphasize the importance of complying with local regulations, including zoning laws, permits, and tax obligations. They share their experiences with navigating these regulations and the challenges they face in ensuring compliance.
• Zoning Laws: Hosts discuss the impact of zoning laws on their businesses, including restrictions on short-term rentals in certain areas and the need for special permits or licenses.
• Tax Obligations: Hosts often discuss tax obligations, including the need to collect and remit taxes on rental income, and the challenges of navigating tax laws and regulations.

Bigger Pockets

On Bigger Pockets, a real estate investing forum, hosts often discuss local regulations and zoning laws in the context of short-term rentals. Here are some general insights:

• Regulatory Compliance: Hosts emphasize the importance of complying with local regulations, including zoning laws, permits, and tax obligations. They share their experiences with navigating these regulations and the challenges they face in ensuring compliance.
• Zoning Laws: Hosts discuss the impact of zoning laws on their businesses, including restrictions on short-term rentals in certain areas and the need for special permits or licenses.
• Tax Obligations: Hosts often discuss tax obligations, including the need to collect and remit taxes on rental income, and the challenges of navigating tax laws and regulations.

Conclusion

While there is no specific information on what Airbnb hosts in Pasco, Washington, think about local regulations on platforms like Reddit and Bigger Pockets, these platforms provide valuable insights into the concerns and experiences of hosts regarding local regulations. Hosts emphasize the importance of regulatory compliance, zoning laws, and tax obligations, highlighting the need for careful planning and navigation of local regulations to ensure successful short-term rental operations.

Disclaimer: While we here at BNBCalc strive to keep all of our city regulation guides updated and accurate with all the latest local laws, we still do not suggest using them as your sole or primary source for local regulations. We also do not recommend you rely on the third-party sources we link to or reference, and we are not responsible for any of the information on these third-party sites. These guides are for entertainment purposes only and only provide basic information and should not be considered as legal advice.

We highly recommend directly contacting the responsible parties for each city and hearing what their officials have to say. Ultimately, it's your responsibility as an investor to ensure you fully comply with the local laws, and it's best to speak with professionals before making an investment decision.