On September 7, 2023, the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners approved new regulations for short-term rentals (STRs) in unincorporated areas of the county. These regulations will take effect after 90 days, on December 6, 2023.
We are pleased that the county has taken this first step. These regulations are only for a 2-year trial period and we believe overall the regulations lack in key areas of enforcement. We will continue to work with the county as they roll out and monitor these regulations.
Here are some key points:
- Registration: All STRs in unincorporated Clackamas County must register with the county. The registration process is free and does not require an in-home inspection.
- Safety Standards: When registering, the property owner and/or manager must certify that the property meets safety standards and that they will abide by the STR program rules.
- Transient Lodging Tax: STR owners will continue to pay the county’s transient lodging tax (6%).
- User Fee: The proposed STR regulations impose a 0.85% user fee on the total rental amount.
- Advertising: No STR may be publicly advertised for rent unless it has been registered with Clackamas County.
- Building and Fire Standards: STRs must comply with all building and fire standards.
- Contact Information: Contact information of a party responsible for the STR must be posted at all times while paying guests are on the property, in an area and size readily visible from the nearest public roadway.
The Board of County Commissioners plans to revisit these regulations in two years to evaluate their cost and efficacy. They will then determine whether to continue, amend, or discontinue the regulations. The county encourages residents to review these regulations.
These regulations only affect STRs located within unincorporated areas of Clackamas County and have no effect on STRs located within city limits.
You can find a link to the proposed regulations here.