(1) facilitate the creation of Short-Term Rentals (STRs) to provide mechanisms towards homeownership and provide additional lodging options;

(2) establish regulations and procedures for permitting of STRs to ensure the safety and convenience of guests and owners;

(3) ensure compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood, address potential negative impacts, and enhance neighborhood character and appearance;

(4) ensure consistency with the RCW requirements for STRs and provide awareness to STR owners and operators of related City codes; and

(5) provide economic benefit to Pullman businesses, and realize lodging and sales tax revenues that help fund City Services. (Ord. 25-08 §1 (Att. A), 2025).

(1) Owner. Person that owns and holds legal and/or equitable title to the property.

(2) Short-Term. Means less than 30 consecutive nights per rental transaction.

(3) Violation. Any violation by the owner or guests of any provision of this chapter, any provision of the Pullman City Code, or any violation of state law. (Ord. 25-08 §1 (Att. A), 2025).

(1) Eligible Dwellings. An STR may be in a single-family dwelling, duplex, ADU, tiny home, townhouse, or manufactured home. STRs are not permitted in buildings with three (3) or more dwellings as these are a change of use under the International Building Code.

(2) Length of Stay. STRs are limited to less than 30 consecutive nights per transaction. (Ord. 25-08 §1 (Att. A), 2025).

(1) Business License Endorsement. A business license must be applied for prior to using the property as a STR. Endorsements are specific to the owner of the dwelling unit. When the holder of an endorsement sells or transfers the property, the new owner must obtain an endorsement before using the dwelling unit as a STR.

(2) Occupancy. Maximum occupancy of the STR will be no more than two (2) people per sleeping room plus two (2) additional people per unit, but at no time will the maximum number of occupants exceed 10 people.

The Director of Community Development may approve additional occupants for a STR, pursuant to PCC 17.130.040.

(3) Compliance. The STR must comply with the requirements of the International Residential Code (IRC), as adopted in Chapter 51-51 WAC.

(4) Parking and Vehicles. The total required off-street parking facilities must not be less than required for the underlying residential use. STR owners and operators must take reasonable steps to ensure their guests comply with neighborhood parking regulations.

(5) Signage. Signs must comply with PCC 17.50.050(1).

(6) Solid Waste Collection. Weekly solid waste collection is required during all months. If normal weekly collection is insufficient for the use, the property owner or local property representative must arrange for additional solid waste removal.

(7) Insurance. The owner of the STR must have property insurance and liability coverage for the STR in accordance with RCW 64.37.050 as it currently exists or is amended.

(8) Posted Information. Per RCW 64.37.030 as it currently exists or is amended, the following information must be clearly posted inside the STR:

(9) Safety Requirements.

(10) Pool. If a pool is on the same property as an STR, the pool must be fenced in accordance with the most current International Pool and Spa Code.

(11) Inspection. A dwelling unit proposed for an STR must be inspected by the Building Official to determine its conformance with the standards of this chapter and basic health and safety elements as required by all applicable codes. Any corrective action required must be completed before the dwelling unit can be rented. (Ord. 25-08 §1 (Att. A), 2025).

(1) STR permits are valid until January 31 of the following year, and must be renewed annually. An Affidavit of Conformance, signed by the applicant, to the original Authority Having Jurisdiction inspection standards and approval conditions will accompany the renewal.

(2) If an STR permit is not renewed by the expiration date, the owner will have 30 days to comply with the renewal process or the STR permit and endorsement will be revoked and a new application must be submitted for endorsement. (Ord. 25-08 §1 (Att. A), 2025).

(1) Advertising, renting, or using an STR where the owner does not hold a valid endorsement issued pursuant to this chapter.

(2) Advertising, renting, or using, an STR in a manner that does not comply with the endorsement requirements of PCC 17.109.050.

(3) Failure by the owner to pay the special excise tax required by Chapter 6.93 PCC, Lodging Tax.

(4) Failure of the owner’s designated contact to respond to guest or City complaints or inquiries. “Failure to respond” occurs if City staff is unable to reach the designated contact after three (3) attempts, using the information that the owner has on file with the City.

(5) Failure of the owner or any guest to comply with any of the provisions and/or requirements of PCC 17.109.040. (Ord. 25-08 §1 (Att. A), 2025).

(1) Enforcement. This chapter will be enforced as described in Chapter 17.10 PCC.

(2) Penalties.

(3) Appeal. Any owner wishing to appeal the revocation of the STR endorsement may request an appeal to the Hearing Examiner in accordance with PCC 17.185.030. Any endorsement that has been revoked cannot be reapplied for or issued for a period of at least one (1) year from the date the endorsement was revoked. (Ord. 25-08 §1 (Att. A), 2025).