Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Ashland, OR?

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Ashland, Oregon, but with significant restrictions. Short-term rentals are legally defined as "Traveler's Accommodations" in Ashland's municipal code.

Key Restrictions:

• Prohibited in single-family residential zones (R-1)
• Permitted only in multi-family residential zones (R-2 and R-3) with a Conditional Use Permit (CUP)
• Owner must reside on the property
• Primary residence must be at least 20 years old
• Property must be located within 200 feet of arterial or collector streets

This creates a very limited regulatory environment for STR investors, with most residential properties in Ashland's predominantly single-family neighborhoods being ineligible for short-term rental operations.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Ashland, OR

Step 1: Verify Property Eligibility

1. Confirm zoning: Property must be in R-2 or R-3 zones only (not R-1)
2. Check property age: Primary residence must be 20+ years old
3. Verify location: Property must be within 200 feet of arterial or collector streets
4. Confirm owner residence: You must live on the property

Major arterial streets include: Siskiyou, North and East Main, Wimer, Iowa, Wightman, Ashland, Mountain, Beach Street, and Morton

Step 2: Obtain Conditional Use Permit (CUP)

• Submit CUP application through Community Development Department
• Requires public notice to surrounding properties
• Processing includes review of compliance with all applicable codes

Step 3: Meet Safety and Building Requirements

• Complete fire department inspection before occupancy
• Ensure compliance with all building, fire, and related safety codes
• Address any code violations or safety concerns

Step 4: Obtain Business License and Tax Registration

• Maintain valid city business license
• Register for and pay Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)
• Include Planning Action number in all advertisements

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Land Use Approvals

1. Conditional Use Permit (CUP) - Required for all traveler's accommodations
   • Application through Community Development Department
   • Public noticing requirements
   • Approval required before other permits

Safety and Building Compliance

1. Fire Department Inspection - Required before occupancy
2. Building Permits - If any modifications are needed
3. Compliance with all building, fire, and safety codes

Business Operations

1. City Business License
2. Transient Occupancy Tax Registration
3. Planning Action Number - Must be included in all advertising

Advertising Requirements

• All advertisements must include City of Ashland Planning Action number
• Offering residential property for traveler's accommodation without valid CUP, business license, and TOT registration is prohibited

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Zoning Restrictions (Ashland Municipal Code)

• R-1 Zones: STRs prohibited
• R-2 and R-3 Zones: Permitted with CUP only

Operational Requirements

1. Owner Residence: Business owner must reside on the property
2. Property Age: Primary residence must be 20+ years old
3. Location: Must be within 200 feet of arterial or collector streets
4. Safety Compliance: Must meet all building, fire, and safety codes
5. Inspection: Fire department inspection required before occupancy

Financial Obligations

1. Transient Occupancy Tax: Must be collected and remitted
2. Business License: Annual renewal required
3. CUP Compliance: Ongoing compliance with permit conditions

Advertising Requirements

• Planning Action number must be displayed in all advertisements
• Advertising without valid permits is prohibited

Contact Information for Local Authority

Community Development Department (Planning Division)

Phone: 541-488-5305
Email: planning@ashlandoregon.gov
Physical Address: 51 Winburn Way, Ashland, OR 97520
Website: ashlandoregon.gov

Key Departments

• Planning Division: Zoning questions, CUP applications
• Building Division: Building permits, safety code compliance
• Fire Department: Safety inspections, fire code compliance

Links to Source Pages

1. Ashland Municipal Code - Traveler's Accommodations in R-2 and R-3
2. Ashland Municipal Code - Conditional Use Permits
3. Ashland Zoning Map
4. Jackson County Property Data Online

Important Considerations for STR Investors

Ashland's regulatory environment presents significant challenges for short-term rental investment:

1. Limited Market Access: Most residential properties in Ashland are R-1 zoned and ineligible
2. Owner-Residence Requirement: Eliminates investment property opportunities for non-resident investors
3. Location Restrictions: Properties must be near major streets, further limiting options
4. Age Requirement: 20+ year old structures only
5. Public Process: CUP process requires public notification and potential neighbor opposition

Given these restrictions, viable STR opportunities in Ashland are extremely limited, primarily existing in older multi-family properties located along major traffic corridors where the owner can reside on-site. Investors should carefully evaluate whether any potential property meets all regulatory requirements before proceeding with acquisition or development plans.