Building cabins for short term rental?

Question

I've been I've been toying with the idea of purchasing a few acres of land in the Pacific Northwest and building a several small cabins to rent out as airbnb's. I've done a bit of research on a few towns and a couple counties in the region, and it seems that zoning laws might prevent this plan from becoming a reality. Either they do not allow multiple structures to be built or they require any short-term tenants to reside in the primary dwelling.

Does anyone know of a place where this idea might work? The ideal location would be rural but close enough to some local attractions to avoid high vacancy rates.

Any advice is much appreciated!

-Andy

Does anyone know of a place where this idea might work? The ideal location would be rural but close enough to some local attractions to avoid high vacancy rates.

Any advice is much appreciated!

-Andy

Paul Sandhu · Answer

@Sourabh Bora  "Attached" probably means they are a 4-plex, 6-plex or 8-plex.  What is a "X-plex" you are wondering?  Think of a duplex, but 2-4 times as many units.

Bill S. · Answer

@Andy Rothermich I would suggest Wyoming. Just by reputation and without any first hand knowledge it probably wouldn't work in Teton County (Jackson Hole) or Big Horn County (Sheridan). That said, most parts of Wyoming have a pretty laissez-faire approach to regulation.

The real challenge is water, sewer, power and communication related to the cost to get these services to the site.

Jennifer Slaughter · Answer

@Michael Greenberg, we are working on a side project that is similar but what I think will make ours easier from the bureaucratic side is that our units are attached.  Not nearly as charming as cabins but we will use them for short and long term rentals.  Our project is in central Colorado and I agree, it's a lengthy process of hoops and county/state requirements.

Shannon Vistisen · Answer

@Luke Carl Did you build the cabins from the ground up? Or did you purchase them already built and furnished?

Nitin Vaghela · Answer

Does anyone know how many cabins fit in one acre of land ?

Jennifer Slaughter · Answer

@Sourabh Bora, sure, a du-, tri-, or quad-, plex or any multi-family housing is typically "attached". As opposed to single family homes, attached units share a wall.

Sourabh Bora · Answer

I wonder what zoning issues you will run into. I have been to a farm in upstate new york, ZONE residential, but grandfathered into having 57 acres of wood and farmland. They build all kinds of structures, tiny homes, yurts, tents ... cabins, even the barn, and put them up on airbnb, without bothering to ask the county/city, because, there is no neighbor to complain..@Andy Rothermich I wonder if you can do the same with a big enough land.

Sourabh Bora · Answer

@Jennifer Slaughter, Can you please educate me what you meant by "attached"  ? Thanks

Jerry W. · Answer

I think your biggest problem with multiple units will be sewer.  You pretty much have to get a septic permit to build any kind of septic system and then the bureaucracy sets in.

Building cabins for short term rental?

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