Overview

Short-term rentals (STRs) are allowed in Silverton, Oregon. However, investors should expect to operate under a combination of Oregon state rules and any applicable county or local land use requirements. At the state level, Oregon’s 2023 legislation (HB 4203) significantly limits non-hosted rentals outside urban growth boundaries to a maximum of 45 days per year unless the host obtains a local permit that waives or modifies this limit. Hosts who are present during the guest’s stay (i.e., hosted rentals) are not subject to the 45-night cap. Statewide, certain safety and legal obligations apply to all transient lodging, including STRs.

Because Marion County and the City of Silverton may impose additional land use, zoning, safety, tax, and registration requirements, investors should verify city- and county-specific rules before launching or expanding operations.

Starting an STR Business in Silverton

• Confirm zoning and land use permissions at the property address. Ensure STR use is permitted under the current zoning and any applicable covenants or HOA rules. If you are outside Silverton’s city limits (i.e., within unincorporated Marion County), verify that STR use is allowed in the county’s land use code or obtains any necessary approvals. The 45-night limit under HB 4203 applies to non-hosted rentals outside urban growth boundaries; if the property is inside an urban growth boundary, this limit does not apply under HB 4203. Note that “hosted” vs “non-hosted” classification is determined by whether you, the host, are present during the guest’s stay. If you are not present for all guest stays, the rental is typically “non-hosted.”

• Determine business structure, insurance, and taxes. Decide on an entity type (LLC, sole proprietorship), obtain appropriate insurance (general liability and property coverage, and any additional coverage requested by platforms), and set up a system to collect and remit Oregon’s transient lodging tax. If the unit is in a residential building or an HOA community, ensure your insurance meets community or lender requirements and review any transient-lodging restrictions.

• Registration and licensing. If the City of Silverton requires a business license, pursue that through the City Hall. If your property is inside Marion County’s jurisdiction (outside city limits), follow the county business licensing process. If the unit is within an HOA, ensure compliance with HOA rules regarding rentals and short-term lodging.

• Create an operations plan. Establish booking calendars (consider a 45-night cap for non-hosted rentals outside UGBs), guest screening criteria, house rules, cleaning protocols, maintenance and turnover schedules, and an emergency response plan. For hosted listings, create house rules that ensure you are present during all guest stays.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• Business license (City of Silverton or Marion County). If the property is in the city, contact Silverton City Hall. If outside city limits, contact Marion County for business licensing.

• Land use and zoning verification. For the property’s zoning confirmation, contact Marion County Planning (if outside city limits) or the City of Silverton Planning Department (if inside city limits). Confirm whether STR use is allowed and if any permits or approvals are required.

• Safety and occupancy rules (state baseline). Follow Oregon’s statewide safety provisions for transient lodging:

  • Working smoke alarms in each sleeping room and on each level, and a minimum of one carbon monoxide alarm in structures with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages.
  • Access to two means of egress from all sleeping rooms or a ramp meeting building code for sleeping rooms above or below grade.
  • Exit doors that open outward unless the occupant load is fewer than 50.
  • A portable fire extinguisher (minimum 2A:10B:C) placed in the kitchen or utility area and visible/instructed for guests.

• Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) minimum building/fire code requirements. While typically associated with designated “visitor accommodations,” some base safety requirements may be relevant depending on how your local jurisdiction interprets transient lodging. If the local authority directs you to OHCS, obtain and follow any applicable safety standards (e.g., fire access, emergency egress). Always follow local fire and building code interpretations.

• Transient lodging tax registration and reporting. Oregon’s 1% state transient lodging tax applies. If your property is in unincorporated Marion County, you must register for the county’s countywide regional transient lodging tax and file returns with Marion County. The City of Silverton has an additional lodging tax; register and file with the city. File accurately and on time to avoid penalties.

• Insurance and platform compliance. Maintain adequate liability and property coverage. Comply with major booking platforms’ verification, safety, and insurance requirements.

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State

• State of Oregon (HB 4203): Non-hosted STRs outside urban growth boundaries are capped at 45 nights per year unless the local government issues a permit waiving or modifying that limit. Hosted rentals are not subject to the 45-night limit under HB 4203. Compliance with county regulations remains essential, and a 45-night cap may still apply absent a waiver. The state also imposes a baseline safety framework for transient lodging (see above) and requires transient lodging tax registration and reporting.

• Marion County (if outside city limits): County rules for non-hosted STRs may include local time restrictions or special approvals. County business licensing, land use compatibility, and transient lodging tax registration are required in unincorporated areas. Consult the Marion County Planning and Business Licensing offices to confirm any occupancy, zoning, or permit requirements.

• City of Silverton (if inside city limits): The city may impose its own lodging tax, and potentially additional safety or land use conditions or building/fire safety references to OHCS standards if designated as “visitor accommodations.” Contact the City for any business license or lodging tax registration requirements and verify any local operational constraints.

• Taxes: Oregon’s 1% state lodging tax, Marion County regional lodging tax (if the property is outside city limits), and Silverton city lodging tax (if inside city limits) apply. Register and remit lodging taxes monthly or quarterly as required by the relevant jurisdictions.

Contact Information

• City of Silverton (Business Licensing, Lodging Tax, Zoning)

  • Phone: (503) 874-2200
  • Website: www.silverton.or.us
  • Physical Address: 424 Third St, Silverton, OR 97381
  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

• Marion County Planning (Land Use/Building/Zoning — outside city limits)

  • Phone: (503) 588-5144
  • Website: www.co.marion.or.us
  • Physical Address: 555 Court St NE, Salem, OR 97301
  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

• Marion County Business Licensing (Unincorporated Areas)

  • Phone: (503) 588-5144
  • Website: www.co.marion.or.us
  • Physical Address: 555 Court St NE, Salem, OR 97301
  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

• Marion County Tax/Licensing (Regional Transient Lodging Tax)

  • Phone: (503) 588-5160
  • Website: www.co.marion.or.us
  • Physical Address: 555 Court St NE, Salem, OR 97301
  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

• Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS)

  • Phone: (503) 986-2000
  • Website: www.oregon.gov/ohcs
  • Note: Follow any OHCS visitor accommodation standards if directed by local authorities.

• Oregon Department of Revenue (Transient Lodging Tax)

  • Phone: (503) 378-4988 (or 1-800-356-4222)
  • Website: www.oregon.gov/dor
  • Note: State-level lodging tax guidance and registration support.

Links to Source Pages

• City of Silverton (Business Licensing, City Lodging Tax, Planning/Zoning contact): www.silverton.or.us
• Marion County (County-wide lodging tax, business licensing, planning and land use): www.co.marion.or.us
• Oregon Housing and Community Services (visitor accommodation/building safety programs): www.oregon.gov/ohcs
• Oregon Department of Revenue (transient lodging tax, statewide): www.oregon.gov/dor

Important: The state-level statutory text for HB 4203 and related lodging statutes (e.g., ORS chapter 90 provisions governing short-term rentals and lodging taxes) should be consulted directly. You may locate official session law and statutes via the Oregon Legislature’s website (www.oregonlegislature.gov) and the Department of Revenue’s lodging tax guidance on their site (www.oregon.gov/dor). Investors should verify city- and county-specific regulations with the authorities listed above to ensure full compliance before listing or operating an STR in Silverton.