Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Manzanita?

Yes, short-term rentals (STRs) are explicitly allowed in Manzanita, Oregon. However, operation is regulated through licensing, capped permits in specific zones, and mandatory compliance with city ordinances. STRs are defined as dwellings rented for less than 30 consecutive nights.

Critical Constraints:

• Zoning Caps: STR permits are capped in the R2, R3, and SR-R zones (see "STR License Requirements").
• Uncapped Zones: No permits or caps exist in R4, C-1 (commercial), or LC (limited commercial) zones.
• Active Waitlist: As of 9/12/2025, 13 applicants are on the waitlist for capped zones. Licenses are granted in the order of approved applications when permits become available.
• City Licensing Mandatory: Operating an STR requires a Manzanita Certificate of Authority (MCA), issued via city ordinance (Ordinance 10-03).

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Manzanita

1. Confirm Zoning Eligibility:

   • Review the City Zoning Map to determine your property’s zone.
   • If in R2, R3, or SR-R: Join the waitlist if permits are unavailable. No waitlist exists for R4, C-1, or LC zones.

2. Secure Licensing & Compliance:

   • Submit a complete STR Application Packet (Download Here) to the City.
   • Pass a city-conducted initial safety inspection (Oregon Residential Specialty Code compliant).
   • Obtain liability insurance (proof required at licensing and renewal).

3. Setup Operations:

   • Hire/Designate a Local Agent (must live within 10 miles, respond in-person within 20 mins).
   • Install required signage, parking plans, emergency info, and post the MCA license.
   • Register for Transient Lodging Tax (TLT) via Ordinance 16-03 (TLT Form).

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City of Manzanita (Core Requirements)

1. STR License (MCA #):

   • STR Application Packet (mandatory).
   • Proof of liability insurance.
   • Ownership documentation (title/land sale contract).
   • Initial inspection approval.

2. Posting & Emergency Compliance:

   • Emergency Information Posting (Resolution 21-18 + Appendix A).
   • Tsunami Maps (Small | Large).

3. Tax Compliance:

   • Transient Lodging Tax (TLT) registration and quarterly filing (Ordinance 16-03).

Tillamook County (Additional Rules for Unincorporated Areas)

• County STR License: Required for properties outside city limits.
  • Application: STR License Application
  • TLT Registration: Form (county administers TLT for unincorporated areas).
• Safety Inspections: Fire & Life Safety Checklist.
• Parking Verification: Application.

Specific Regulations: Manzanita (City), Tillamook County, and Oregon State

Manzanita City Ordinances (Ordinance 10-03)

• Occupancy Limits:
  • Max occupancy = 2 people per sleeping room + 4 additional people.
  • Non-compliant sleeping areas (e.g., no emergency egress) must be locked and excluded from occupancy counts.
• Parking:
  • Minimum: 2 off-street spaces.
  • Maximum: # bedrooms + 1 vehicle.
  • If insufficient off-street parking: only 1 on-street vehicle allowed.
  • Overnight RV parking prohibited.
• Noise:
  • Quiet hours: 10 PM – 7 AM (55 dBA limit).
  • Commercial zones (LC/C-1): 70 dBA allowed 10 PM–12 AM.
• Agent Requirements:
  • Must live within 10 miles, respond to complaints in 20 mins (phone or in-person).
• License Caps:
  • STR permits capped in R2, R3, SR-R zones per Ordinance 95-04 Section 6.030.3.
• Renewals:
  • Licenses expire Aug 31 annually. Renewal fees apply (Late Fee Resolution).
  • Re-inspection required every 3 years (or after fire/flood/damage).

Tillamook County

• STR Caps: Subarea waitlists for overcapacity communities (e.g., Rockaway Beach, Neskowin).
• Fees: Annual license fees set by Board Order #23-049.
• Safety: Mandatory compliance with state fire/life safety codes (see county checklist).

Oregon State

• Transient Lodging Tax (TLT): Statewide 1.8% tax on lodging revenue (administered locally).
• Building Codes: STRs must comply with Oregon Residential Specialty Code (see city/county inspections).

Contact Information: Local Authority for STRs

City of Manzanita

• Phone: (503) 812-2514
• Email/Website: Contact Form
• Address: 655 Manzanita Ave, Manzanita, OR 97130 (Mon–Thu: 9 AM–4 PM)
• STR Committee: STR Committee Page

Tillamook County Community Development

• Program Inquiries: (503) 842-3408 ext. 3315
• Inspection Line: (503) 842-1815
• Non-Emergency Hotline: (503) 850-0402
• Email: Community Development Dept. (via website form)
• Address: 201 Laurel Ave, Tillamook, OR 97141

Source Links

• Manzanita STR Info Hub: ci.manzanita.or.us/short-term-rental-info/
• Manzanita STR License Application: ci.manzanita.or.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/STR-Application-Instructions.pdf
• Manzanita STR Regulations (Ordinance 10-03): ci.manzanita.or.us/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Ordinance-10-03-STR-regulations-revised-09.08.2021.pdf
• Manzanita Transient Lodging Tax (TLT): ci.manzanita.or.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Ordinace-16-03-Transient-Lodging-Taxes.pdf
• Tillamook County STR Licensing: www.tillamookcounty.gov/commdev/page/short-term-rental-license-requirements
• Tillamook County STR Application: www.tillamookcounty.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/community_development/page/3481/new_applicationss.pdf
• Manzanita Zoning Map: ci.manzanita.or.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/ADDRESS-MAP-WITH-ZONING-2018.pdf

Note: State-level regulations are administered locally (e.g., TLT via city/county). Always confirm current rules with the city or county before proceeding.