Short-term rentals (STRs) are allowed in Oregon. State law (ORS 90.243, ORS 90.245, ORS 90.247) prevents local governments from banning STRs and restricts the extent to which local rules can limit STRs. However, all STR operators in Oregon are subject to statewide licensing and registration, as well as state taxes and compliance with building, fire, life-safety, and disability access requirements. Based on the content provided, no Coos Bay–specific STR regulations were identified; therefore, this guide defaults to Oregon state-level requirements and notes any applicable county-level notes where available. Investors should verify local ordinances and contacts directly with the City of Coos Bay and Coos County.

Important limitations:

• No City of Coos Bay or Coos County STR-specific bylaws, permits, or contacts were provided in the source content. State-level references are included; for city/county specifics, confirm directly with local authorities.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in This Market (Oregon, no city-specific details found)

1. Determine the regulatory framework

• Operating structure: Assess whether you will operate as a traditional STR (entire dwelling or rooms), a hosted bed-and-breakfast (if applicable), or a manufactured dwelling / floating home rental, each with differing legal baselines under Oregon law.
• Jurisdiction: Confirm that the property is not in a restricted category (e.g., parts of the coastal shoreline zone under OAR 660-037-0000 et seq., where lodging can be regulated differently). If the subject property is in a special coastal overlay or resource area, verify coastal commission or state land use compatibility.

2. Secure property entitlements and legal basis

• Verify allowed uses: Confirm zoning and property entitlements for lodging use; the Oregon framework prevents outright bans, but some land use overlays may still affect coastal lodging. Obtain written confirmation from planning or building departments if needed.
• CC&Rs and leases: Review any covenants, CC&Rs, HOA rules, or lease terms that may restrict STR use. Oregon law preempts some local restrictions, but private agreements can still limit STR operations.

3. Obtain state-level STR registration and licensing

• State STR Registry (OregonHousingAndCommunityServices.gov/Short-TermRentals):
  • All hosts must register before listing or operating.
  • Platforms must collect and remit certain taxes and share host registration data with the state.
  • Complete the application, upload any required documentation, pay registration fees, and renew annually.
• Licensing and life-safety: For properties with three or more guest rooms or 10+ occupants, obtain a commercial lodging license through Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) per OAR 837-012-0000 et seq. A fire and life safety inspection is typically required.

4. Tax registration and compliance

• Oregon transient lodging tax: Register through the Oregon Department of Revenue (DOR) and obtain a TLT account. File and pay TLT monthly or per DOR instruction.
• Local lodging taxes: Confirm whether Coos County or the City of Coos Bay imposes any additional transient room taxes or county lodging assessments. If so, register with the applicable collector and remit accordingly.

5. Building, zoning, safety, and accessibility

• Building code: Confirm compliance with Oregon Residential and Commercial Codes for the intended occupancy. ADA/AB123476 compliance applies to common areas in new construction or substantial alterations; it does not require retrofits in existing residential units.
• Fire/life safety: Meet OSFM commercial lodging standards for properties meeting thresholds (3+ rooms or 10+ occupants). Obtain required inspections and maintain certificates (e.g., fire suppression and detection systems as applicable).
• Utilities and infrastructure: Ensure wastewater and water service are legal and adequate. If using onsite systems, confirm capacity and compliance.

6. Recordkeeping and platform obligations

• Maintain records: Retain guest logs (names, addresses, check-in/out dates), occupancy counts, and proof of tax remittance.
• Platform compliance: STR listings must display required host information (e.g., state-issued STR registration number). Platforms must remove noncompliant listings.

7. Establish operational protocols

• House rules: Implement occupancy limits, quiet hours, parking, smoking, pets, waste/recycling procedures, and occupancy tax remittance policies.
• Guest communication: Provide clear check-in instructions, local emergency information, and rules.
• Insurance: Carry appropriate liability coverage, and ensure coverage is STR-compatible.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• State STR registration/permit (Oregon Housing and Community Services).
• Commercial lodging license (OSFM) for qualifying properties (3+ guest rooms or 10+ occupants) with fire/life safety inspection.
• Oregon transient lodging tax registration and account (Oregon Department of Revenue).
• Fire and life safety inspection reports/certificates (if applicable).
• Zoning confirmation/approval (if local overlay applies).
• ADA/AB123476 design documentation for newly constructed or substantially altered common areas.
• Property insurance demonstrating adequate STR coverage.
• Guest registry and records (occupancy logs).
• Marketing content (listings must display required disclosures/registration numbers where required by law).
• Utility and infrastructure capacity confirmation (septic/well or wastewater service compatibility).

Specific Regulations: Short-Term Rentals in Oregon (City-specific rules unknown)

• State regulatory framework (ORS 90.243/245/247):
  • STRs are permitted statewide; local governments cannot ban them, but may regulate safety, occupancy, and parking, and may implement registration or licensing if consistent with state law.
  • Hosting “nontransient” rentals of 30 days or more is generally treated as a tenancy under the Oregon Residential Tenancies Act.
• Coastal and special land use overlays:
  • Lodging in coastal shoreline zones and certain resource areas may be subject to additional review under OAR 660-037-0000 et seq. Verify site-specific compatibility with coastal commission requirements.
• Commercial lodging and fire/life safety (OAR 837-012-0000 et seq.):
  • Properties with three or more guest rooms or that accommodate 10 or more persons require OSFM commercial lodging licensing and inspections.
• Taxes:
  • Oregon transient lodging tax is collected at the state level; certain local lodging taxes may also apply.
• Accessibility (ADA/AB123476):
  • Newly constructed or substantially altered common areas must comply with accessibility standards. Existing residential units are not required to retrofit for accessibility.

County-level notes:

• No county-specific STR regulatory details were provided. Coos County may administer land use, building, and fire inspections in unincorporated areas; contact the county directly for details.

City-specific notes:

• No City of Coos Bay STR-specific ordinance or contact details were provided. Confirm any municipal registration, parking, occupancy, or business license requirements directly with Coos Bay City Hall.

Contact Information (State-Level)

• Oregon Housing and Community Services — STR Registration:
  • Website: OregonHousingAndCommunityServices.gov/Short-TermRentals
• Oregon State Fire Marshal — Commercial Lodging Licensing:
  • Phone: 503-373-1548
  • Website: Oregon.gov/osp/sfm
• Oregon Department of Revenue — Transient Lodging Tax:
  • Phone: 503-945-8115
  • Website: Oregon.gov/dor
• Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (coastal/shoreland overlays):
  • Website: Oregon.gov/DLCD

City/County:

• City of Coos Bay: Contact City Hall (website and phone not provided in source content). Verify whether a city business license, registration, or local lodging tax applies.
• Coos County: Contact Coos County Planning and Building Department (phone/email not provided in source content) for zoning and building/fire requirements in unincorporated areas.

Links to Source Pages

• STR registration and overview: www.oregon.gov/ohcs/housing/programs/Pages/short-term-rentals.aspx
• Oregon Department of Revenue (Transient Lodging Tax): www.oregon.gov/dor
• Oregon State Fire Marshal (Commercial Lodging Licensing): www.oregon.gov/osp/sfm
• Oregon DLCD (Coastal Shoreland Guidelines): www.oregon.gov/dled/programs/LR/CoastalLandUseProgram/Pages/default.aspx

Practical next steps:

• Obtain state STR registration and, if applicable, OSFM lodging license.
• Confirm coastal or land use overlays with DLCD and the City/County.
• Register for and remit state and applicable local lodging taxes.
• Complete any necessary inspections, maintain safety records, and display required disclosures on listings.
• For city/county specifics (business license, local taxes, parking or occupancy caps), contact Coos Bay City Hall and Coos County directly.