Thinking about turning a backyard cottage or garage conversion into income in Entiat? You are not alone. Many owners want a clear path that fits local rules and keeps costs in check. In this guide, you will learn exactly what Entiat allows, how to permit an ADU, and whether long-term or short-term renting makes more sense for your property. Let’s dive in.
The short answer for Entiat
Yes. Entiat allows accessory dwelling units and does not require you to live on the property for general ADU use, so long-term renting is allowed. Using an ADU as a short-term rental is possible only in zones that permit STRs and only with an approved STR permit plus required taxes and a business license. You can confirm the ADU standards in the city’s ADU rules and STR section in the zoning code and the District Use Chart that shows where STRs are allowed (ADU and STR standards, District Use Chart).
ADU basics in Entiat
What counts as an ADU
Entiat allows ADUs that are attached, created within, or detached from the main home. The code allows up to two ADUs per lot, subject to the zoning chart and other requirements. See the full standards in the city’s ADU section (Entiat ADU code).
Owner occupancy requirements
You are not required to live in either the main home or the ADU for general ADU use. That makes long-term renting straightforward once you meet building and health approvals. If you plan a short-term rental, additional STR rules apply and you must be in a zone that permits STRs (ADU rules and STR section).
Utilities and addresses
Detached ADUs may have separate water and sewer connections, and a detached ADU must have its own street address. All units must follow the city sewer use code for connections and service boundaries (ADU utilities standards, Sewer use code). Separate connections can add fees, so check with Entiat Public Works early.
Long-term vs. short-term rentals
Long-term ADU rentals
Long-term renting is allowed and there is no general owner occupancy requirement for ADUs. Make sure your ADU was built or converted with permits and has final inspections before you lease it. Parking rules in Title 18 still apply to the property, so confirm on-site parking when you design the unit (Entiat zoning and use chart).
Short-term ADU rentals in Entiat
Short-term rentals are allowed only in zones that permit STRs and only with an approved STR permit. You must meet operational standards that include one off-street parking space per bedroom plus one extra, occupancy limits, trash service, property insurance, and a local 24-hour contact within 25 miles if you are not on-site. STR operators also need a city business license and must collect and remit state sales and B&O tax plus Entiat’s 2 percent transient rental excise tax (STR standards, District Use Chart, Washington DOR lodging guide).
Permits and steps to get started
- Verify your zoning and whether STRs are allowed on your parcel using the District Use Chart. If STRs are not allowed, consider a long-term rental instead (District Use Chart).
- Meet with the city about permits. Any new ADU or conversion that creates habitable space requires a building permit and inspections. Applications go through the city’s building department per EMC 15.08 (Building permit process).
- Contact Chelan-Douglas Health District early if you are on septic or a shared well, or if you are adding plumbing. They will determine capacity, needed permits, and inspections (CDHD project review).
- If you plan an STR and your zone allows it, apply for Entiat’s STR permit, obtain a city business license, and set up your tax accounts. Follow Washington DOR’s lodging guidance for filings and taxes (STR standards, DOR lodging guide).
- Build to code and schedule inspections. Do not rent the unit until you pass final inspections and receive occupancy approval (Building permit process).
Costs, revenue and local context
Entiat is a small river city with a compact rental market. Long-term rentals can provide steadier income with lower turnover. Short-term rentals can see higher peak rates in recreation season, but costs and workload are higher and demand is seasonal. Entiat’s location on the Columbia and Entiat rivers draws visitors for boating, fishing, and hiking, which can support STRs during peak months, but performance will vary with supply and season (local context).
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Septic or water limits. An older or undersized septic system may not support an ADU. Engage CDHD before you design or invest (CDHD project review).
- Zoning and STR mismatches. If your zone does not allow STRs, you cannot operate nightly rentals even if the ADU is permitted. Confirm zoning first (District Use Chart).
- Private covenants. HOAs and CC&Rs may restrict ADUs or STRs even when the city allows them. Review your covenants and note that recent state law changes affect some new restrictions but existing CC&Rs can still apply (MRSC summary of changes).
- Parking and operations. STR rules require specific parking ratios, trash service, and a local contact for non-owner-occupied units. Plan for these costs and logistics up front (STR standards).
Is an ADU rental right for your property?
If you want steady, lower-touch income, a permitted ADU leased long term can be a practical fit. If you are in a zone that allows nightly stays and you want to maximize seasonal revenue, an STR can work with the right permits, parking, utilities, and tax setup. Either way, start with zoning and septic capacity, then line up permits and pro-level operations.
Considering an ADU purchase, build, or rental strategy in the Lake Chelan valley? Connect with Valley & View for local guidance on acquisition, resale positioning, and full-service vacation rental management if you choose the STR path.
FAQs
Do Entiat ADUs require owner occupancy?
- No. Entiat’s general ADU rules do not require you to live on the property, so long-term renting is allowed once permits and inspections are complete (ADU rules).
Can I run my ADU as an Airbnb in Entiat?
- Only if your zoning allows STRs and you obtain an STR permit, meet parking and operational standards, and handle required taxes and licensing (District Use Chart, STR standards).
What permits do I need to build or convert an ADU?
- You will need a building permit with plan review and inspections, and health district approvals if you add plumbing or use septic; complete all final inspections before renting (Building permit process, CDHD review).
How much parking is required for an STR ADU in Entiat?
- The city requires one off-street parking space per bedroom plus one additional space for STRs, along with other operating conditions (STR standards).
What taxes apply to a short-term rental ADU in Entiat?
- STRs must collect and remit Washington sales and B&O taxes and pay Entiat’s 2 percent transient rental excise tax, and they require a city business license endorsement (DOR lodging guide).
Can a detached ADU have its own utilities and address?
- Yes. Detached ADUs can have separate water and sewer connections and must have a distinct street address, subject to city approvals and fees (ADU utilities standards, Sewer code).
