Cle Elum, Washington

Cle Elum permits short-term rentals, and a city permit is required. Operating without one is unlawful. The rules were adopted in March 2021 under CEMC Chapter 17.160 (Ordinance 1601), and no major changes have been identified since adoption as of mid-2026. The total permit fee is $1,000 per year, made up of an $880 permit and $120 in licensing and processing, and a separate City business license is also required. Permits run on a calendar year and renewals are due by December 15 annually. Fees are not prorated. There is no owner-occupancy or primary-residence requirement. If the applicant does not live in the dwelling, a Type 2 review applies, which includes notice to nearby property owners. Zoning is the main constraint. Unlimited STRs are allowed in commercial zones. In residential districts, permits are limited by a 250-foot spacing requirement between STR property boundaries, which caps density. Each owner or host may operate a maximum of three STRs. Properties may alternate between STR and full-time residence use. Camping, RVs and tents are not allowed as STR accommodations. Operating standards include quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, at least two off-street hard-surface parking spaces, mandatory city garbage service, a local emergency contact, and fire and building safety inspections before a permit issues. Maximum occupancy follows Fire Department guidelines. There is no annual night cap. Guests pay about 8.4% Washington sales tax plus the city lodging tax of 2%. Enforcement is moderate and administered by the planning and building departments.