Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Tillamook County, Oregon?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed and regulated in Tillamook County, Oregon. The county operates a comprehensive licensing and regulatory program for short-term rental properties. However, there are specific licensing requirements, capacity limitations by subarea, and extensive regulations that must be followed. Some popular coastal areas have reached capacity limits and maintain waitlists for new applications.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Tillamook County

Initial Steps

1. Verify Property Eligibility: Ensure your property is located in an area where STRs are permitted and check if the subarea has available capacity or requires joining a waitlist.

2. Schedule an Appointment: Due to staffing shortages, the county encourages making appointments for license inquiries and document submissions. Call (503) 842-3408 to schedule.

3. Complete Application Process: Submit a comprehensive application package with all required documentation and fees.

4. Pass Inspection: Your property must pass a detailed inspection covering fire and life safety requirements before receiving a license.

5. Register for Transient Lodging Tax: All STR operators must register with the Oregon Department of Revenue for transient lodging tax collection.

Capacity Limitations and Waitlists

Several popular coastal subareas have reached capacity limits and maintain waitlists:

• Nehalem
• Bar View/Twin Rocks/Watseco
• Tierra Del Mar
• Neskowin
• Oceanside
• Netarts
• Rockaway Beach UGB
• Pacific City/Woods

Prospective operators in these areas must join the appropriate waitlist using the STR Subarea Waitlist Form.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Application Documents

1. Short Term Rental Application - Complete new application required for all properties
2. Site Plan with Dimensions - Detailed property layout showing parking areas
3. Floor Plan with Dimensions - Interior layout with room measurements
4. Fire & Life Safety Checklist - Comprehensive safety compliance documentation
5. Hold Harmless Agreement - Legal liability protection document
6. Transient Lodging Tax Registration Form - Required for tax compliance
7. Parking Verification Application - Demonstrating adequate off-street parking
8. Proof of Liability Insurance Coverage - Must remain active throughout license period

Additional Requirements

• Emergency Information Posting - Required emergency response information for guests
• Tillamook Coast Pledge - Commitment to responsible hosting practices
• Contact Information - 24/7 accessible owner or local agent information
• Inspection Preparation - Property must meet all safety and operational standards

Fees

• Annual License Fee: $250 (non-refundable, non-prorated)
• License period: July 1 - June 30 annually
• Additional operator license fees may apply per Ordinance #86

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Operational Requirements

Property Identification

• Visible house number or address identifier from the street
• Identification sign listing license number, contact information (93.5-154 square inches)
• For condominiums: signage on main entrance door visible to other occupants

Parking Requirements

• Properties constructed prior to 7/30/1974: No off-street parking requirements
• Properties from 7/30/1974 – 3/24/1980: One off-street space per dwelling unit
• Properties on/after 3/25/1980: Two off-street spaces per dwelling unit
• Spaces must measure minimum 9' x 18'
• Garage spaces count if available to renters at all times
• Parking plan map must be posted conspicuously within rental

Waste Management

• Adequate covered and secured garbage containers required
• Weekly garbage removal minimum
• Evidence of garbage service must be provided to county
• Containers must be secured against animals

Noise Regulations

• No offensive noise between 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM weekdays
• No offensive noise between 10:00 PM - 10:00 AM weekends
• Noise restrictions measured at property line

Safety and Emergency Requirements

Fire and Life Safety

• Comprehensive fire and life safety checklist compliance
• Proper smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector installation
• Adequate egress requirements
• Proper handrail and guardrail installation where required

Emergency Preparedness

• Posted emergency information for natural disasters, power outages
• Emergency contact information available 24/7
• Owner/agent must respond within 30 minutes to complaints
• In-person response required within 30 minutes if phone resolution fails

Prohibited Activities

• No recreational vehicles as STRs unless properly permitted as dwelling units
• No temporary shelters used in conjunction with STRs
• No operation without valid license

Compliance and Enforcement

License Conditions

• Annual renewal required with continued compliance verification
• License non-transferable with property sale
• Outstanding fines prevent license renewal or new applications
• Third violation within 12 consecutive months results in 12-month license revocation

Penalties

• Civil penalties up to $500 per violation
• Each day of continuing violation constitutes separate violation
• Enhanced enforcement through agreements with Oregon Department of Revenue

Contact Information for Local STR Authority

Tillamook County Community Development Department

Primary Contacts:

• Lynn Tone, Permit Technician: (503) 842-3408 ext. 3315
• Joni Sauer-Folger, Accounting Technician: (503) 842-3408 ext. 3122

Specialized Contact Lines:

• STR Program Inquiries: (503) 842-3408 x 3315
• STR Inspection Line: (503) 842-1815
• STR Non-Emergency Hotline: (503) 850-0402

Physical Address: 1510-B Third Street
Tillamook, OR 97141
(Located inside the TLC Fibre Credit Union building)

Mailing Address: 201 Laurel Ave
Tillamook, OR 97141

Office Hours: Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Online Services:

• Online Payment Portal: Oregon Accela Portal
• Online Complaint Portal: Host Compliance Portal

Source Pages and Additional Resources

Primary Resource Pages:

• Short Term Rental License Requirements
• Lodging/Short Term Rental Resources

Key Regulatory Documents:

• Ordinance #84 Amendment 2
• STR Online Registry

Essential Forms and Applications:

• New STR License Application
• STR Subarea Waitlist Form

This comprehensive regulatory framework demonstrates Tillamook County's commitment to balancing tourism revenue with community livability concerns. Investors should carefully review all requirements and consider capacity limitations in desired areas before proceeding with property acquisition or license applications. The county's proactive approach includes extensive documentation requirements, regular inspections, and robust enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with all operational standards.