Overview: STR Status in Tualatin, OR

Short-term rentals are not explicitly addressed in the provided Tualatin municipal code content. However, Tualatin's rental housing standards (TMC 6-13) do apply to all residential rental properties, including short-term rentals. The city requires a Rental Housing License for all residential rental units, with an annual fee of $10 per dwelling unit.

Oregon state law does not impose a comprehensive statewide ban on short-term rentals, but hosts must comply with state tax obligations and local regulations. Since Tualatin does not appear to have specific STR ordinances in the provided content, hosts must follow Oregon's general rental housing standards and state tax requirements.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Tualatin

Step 1: Verify Property Eligibility

• Confirm your property is zoned for residential rental use
• Review homeowners association (HOA) rules if applicable
• Ensure the property meets habitability standards under TMC 6-13

Step 2: Obtain Required Licensing

• Apply for Tualatin's Rental Housing License ($10 per dwelling unit annually)
• Complete the application through the Finance Department
• Maintain compliance with annual renewal requirements

Step 3: Meet State Tax Obligations

• Register with the Oregon Department of Revenue for transient lodging tax collection
• Collect and remit the 1.5% state transient lodging tax on all stays under 30 nights
• File quarterly tax returns unless using platforms that handle tax collection

Step 4: Ensure Safety Compliance

• Install smoke detectors in all sleeping rooms and common areas
• Verify carbon monoxide detectors are present if property has gas appliances or attached garage
• Maintain structural integrity, weatherproofing, plumbing, electrical, and heating systems
• Ensure adequate heating capability (68°F at three feet above floor level)

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Tualatin Requirements:

1. Rental Housing License - Required for all residential rental units

   • Annual fee: $10 per dwelling unit
   • Application through Finance Department
   • License must be displayed in each rental unit

2. Property Standards Compliance (TMC 6-13):

   • Structural integrity certification
   • Weatherproofing maintenance
   • Safe plumbing systems
   • Adequate electrical systems
   • Proper heating installation
   • Working smoke detectors

Oregon State Requirements:

1. Transient Lodging Tax Registration

   • Register with Oregon Department of Revenue
   • 1.5% tax rate on gross rental income for stays under 30 nights
   • Quarterly filing requirement

2. Business Registration (if applicable)

   • Register business entity with Oregon Secretary of State
   • Obtain necessary tax identification numbers

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Tualatin Municipal Requirements:

Since specific STR regulations are not provided in the content, Tualatin operators must comply with general rental housing standards:

• Property Maintenance: All structural components must resist reasonable loads and stresses
• Weatherproofing: Roof, exterior walls, windows, and doors must prevent water leakage
• Plumbing: Systems must be safe, sanitary, and free of defects
• Electrical: All habitable rooms must have operable outlets and lighting
• Heating: Permanently installed heat source capable of maintaining 68°F
• Emergency Safety: Working smoke detectors in all sleeping areas and common spaces

Oregon State-Level Regulations:

• Tax Obligations: 1.5% transient lodging tax on all STR bookings under 30 nights
• Safety Standards: Working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as required
• Business Compliance: Standard business registration requirements if operating as formal business entity

Local Context:

Major Oregon cities have varying STR regulations:

• Portland: Requires ASTR permits with residency requirements
• Eugene: Simple registration system with transient room tax
• Bend: Two-tier permit system with density limits

Tualatin appears to follow a more general rental housing approach without specific STR prohibitions or requirements beyond standard licensing.

Contact Information for Local Authority

Tualatin Code Compliance and Building Department:

Bryan LaVigne
Code Compliance Officer
Phone: 503-691-3675
Email: blavigne@tualatin.gov

General Building Questions:
Email: building@tualatin.gov
Phone: 503-691-3044

Inspection Request Voicemail:
Phone: 503-691-3040

Building Officials and Staff:

• Samantha Vandagriff, Building Official: 503-691-3042, svandagriff@tualatin.gov
• Darius Ontiveros, Building Inspector: 503-691-3046, dontiveros@ci.tualatin.or.us
• Johannes Lambert, Building Inspector: 503-691-3045, jlambert@tualatin.gov

Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Address:
Building Department
10699 SW Herman Rd
Tualatin, OR 97062

Oregon State Tax Information:

Oregon Department of Revenue
Transient Lodging Tax Program
Website: oregon.gov/dor
Phone: 503-378-4988

Links to Source Pages

1. Tualatin Rental Housing Standards
2. Tualatin Municipal Code - Rental Housing Maintenance Standards
3. Tualatin Rental Housing License Information
4. Oregon Transient Lodging Tax Information

Important Notes for STR Investors

1. No Specific STR Ban: Tualatin does not appear to prohibit short-term rentals in the provided municipal code content
2. General Rental Rules Apply: Standard Tualatin rental housing standards (TMC 6-13) govern all rental properties
3. State Tax Compliance: Ensure compliance with Oregon's 1.5% transient lodging tax
4. Ongoing Monitoring: Regulations may evolve; maintain regular contact with local authorities
5. Insurance Considerations: Verify that standard homeowners insurance covers short-term rental activities or obtain appropriate commercial coverage

The regulatory landscape for short-term rentals in Tualatin appears to be less restrictive than larger Oregon cities like Portland or Bend, making it potentially more accessible for STR investors while still requiring compliance with basic safety and tax obligations.