Portland

The city of Portland, Oregon allows Accessory Short-Term Rentals. The term accessory emphasizes that the primary use of the property (or rental) is a long term occupancy, and only part of the property is used for renting.

The regulation allows for partial home rentals lasting fewer than 30 days, or in other buildings on the land where the long term occupant resides. Whole home rentals are not permitted. The owner must reside permanently on the property for at least 270 days of the year and they are permitted to rent through an agent or property management company. The owner must apply for a permit and will need this approved permit number when registering for the state Transient Lodging Tax. There are differing permitting processes based on the number of bedrooms for rent.

• Type A (1-2 bedrooms) – a rental in a long term property is permitted for up to two bedrooms for overnight guests. A Type A Short Term Rental permit is required and you will need to submit to an inspection to ensure the home meets all safety and building codes. You must also take part in a neighborhood notification process.
  • Long term occupancy
    • The owner (or resident) of the short term rental must live on site for at least 9 months of the year. During times when the long term occupant is away, the property may be rented, though no more than 2 bedrooms can be rented.
  • Business Registration
    • Any owner or owners agent must register their business with the City or Portland Revenue Bureau and collect and remit Transient Lodging Taxes.
  • Bureau of Development Services Inspection
    • Permit fees are $178.08 initially and include the cost of the inspection. Renewals are $62.00.
    • Permit renewals are every two years and owners or owner agents can self-certify compliance with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors during the renewal process. Bureau of Development Services (or BDS) will perform a site inspection initially and every 6 years after.
    • BDS will ensure all building codes and detectors are in compliance.
    • A smoke detector must be present in the bedroom for rent and be interconnected with a smoke detector in an adjacent hallway, a connected room or living area.
    • The bedrooms for rent must be located on a floor with a functional carbon monoxide detector. The carbon monoxide detector must be located in the rented room or within 15 feet outside of each bedroom door.
  • Neighborhood Notice
    • All owners and owners agents must submit a Neighborhood Notice form to the Neighborhood Association & District Coalition of Neighborhoods associated with the neighborhood the accessory short term rental is located. This same form must be sent to all property owners with properties abutting, diagonally and across the street from the rental.
  • Advertising and Posted Notices
    • The assigned Accessory Short Term Rental permit id must be present in any and all advertising of the rental unit.
    • Owners and operators must post their Accessory Short Term Rental permit and applicable house rules that promote a quiet and peaceful stay and to be courteous of neighboring residents.
  • Food and alcohol information
    • The guests and visitors may be served food and alcohol permitting all relevant laws are adhered to, however, a paid vendor is not permitted onsite to serve food and beverages to guests. This ordinance was enacted to sway large parties or get-togethers. Large functions, parties, fundraising events are not permitted in Type A short term properties.
  • Occupancy limits & tracking
    • All zoning enforcement must be adhered to when setting occupancy for renting. No more than 5 guests allowed at any one time (for two rooms).
    • Owners or owners agents are expected to keep a guest log book with all guests names, addresses, contact information, license plate numbers for those using vehicles and their assigned room. This information must be kept up to date as best possible and made available to BDS should they require it.
• Type B (3-5 bedrooms)
  •  A Type B Accessory Short Term Rental permit allows the owner or owners agent to rent 3-5 bedrooms in a long-term occupied property (at least 270 days of the year) and they must consent to a Conditional Use Review by BDS.
    • Project Description
      • You must submit a proposal to include the number of bedrooms you are looking to rent, the frequency of rentals and any code violations you are aware of at the time of application.
    • Plans
      • Scaled site and floor plans are required with your application packet. The scaled site plan should identify the location of the dwelling unit, onsite parking, detached structures present on the property, fencing and landscaping details.
      • Floor plans should designate the rooms intended for rent and clearly show the rooms occupied by long-term occupants.
      • It is recommended to include site and building photos with your application packet.
    • Narrative
      • The narrative is an overview of the project and should demonstrate how the property included with the application is in compliance and will adhere to any and all ordinances, zoning laws and the intent to collect applicable transient lodging taxes.
      • Information such as a set of house rules and a required transportation analysis impact study will help your inspector determine eligibility.
    • Things to consider
      • Neighborhood feedback – you are strongly encouraged to notify any neighboring owners within 150 feet of your property. Should there be any neighbor concerns, it is best to address them prior to the inspector arriving.
      • Conditions of approval – these special use approvals usually come with conditions, so be prepared to work with and supply as much information as your inspector requires through this process. They typically will ask for a contact person should there be maintenance or any noise complaints.
      •  Required alterations – It is common for the inspector to require certain conditions be met in order to obtain approval, things such as landscape screening, lighting, and fencing are a few things that may require attention prior to the release of any approvals.
      • No guarantee of approval – not all applicants will be able to meet the requirements as designated by the inspector and by law.
      • Right to appeal – The conditional review is a discretionary review process. The applicant, neighbors or neighborhood associations can appeal the inspector’s decision with the City Hearings Officer. This officer will hold a public hearing and accept testimony and any evidence prior to making a final decision.

Portland, Oregon Resources 

• • Portland Oregon – Accessory Short Term Rental Permits – Applications & Handouts 
  • Accessory Short Term Rental Permits – Frequently Asked Questions