Executive Summary

Yes, short-term rentals ARE allowed in Astoria, OR, but with significant restrictions. The City operates a dual-system for short-term lodging: "Home Stay Lodging" for owner-occupied properties and "Vacation Rentals" limited to commercial zones only. This guide provides comprehensive information for investors considering STR operations in Astoria.

Overview: STR Landscape in Astoria

Astoria, Oregon allows short-term rentals under a regulated framework designed to balance economic opportunities with housing preservation. The city distinguishes between two types of short-term lodging:

1. Home Stay Lodging: Owner-occupied facilities with maximum 2 bedrooms
2. Vacation Rentals: Permitted only in commercial zones (no residential areas)

The city prioritizes long-term housing availability and actively monitors compliance through dedicated code enforcement efforts. Violators face significant penalties including fines and potential license revocation.

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Astoria

Home Stay Lodging Path (Residential)

• Eligibility: Owner-occupied properties with maximum 2 bedrooms
• Requirements: Property must be your primary residence
• Application: Contact Planning Division directly
• Zoning: Residential zones permitted (with owner-occupancy requirement)

Vacation Rental Path (Commercial)

• Eligibility: Properties in commercial zones only
• Requirements: Must comply with commercial zoning regulations
• Status: The city references a "Proposed Vacation Rental License Program" suggesting ongoing regulatory development
• Restrictions: Currently prohibited in residential zones

Key Prerequisites

1. Owner Occupancy: Essential for Home Stay Lodging designation
2. Property Type: Maximum 2 bedrooms for Home Stay Lodging
3. Kitchen Prohibition: Guest rooms cannot include kitchen facilities
4. Zoning Compliance: Vacation rentals restricted to commercial zones only

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Home Stay Lodging License Requirements

• Application Process: Direct contact with Planning Division
• No Online Application: Manual application via planning@astoria.gov
• Documentation: Specific requirements not detailed in available content
• Compliance: Must adhere to City Code Section 8.755

General Compliance Requirements

• Safety Standards: Must comply with all applicable building and fire codes
• Insurance: Property insurance recommendations (specific requirements not detailed)
• Guest Limitations: Maximum occupancy restrictions apply
• Record Keeping: Compliance monitoring by city officials

Application Contact

Planning Division

• Email: planning@astoria.gov
• Phone: (503) 325-5824
• Address: 1095 Duane St, Astoria, Oregon 97103

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State Level

City of Astoria Regulations

Home Stay Lodging (Residential)

• Definition: Transient lodging facility with no more than 2 bedrooms
• Occupancy Requirement: Must be owner-occupied
• Kitchen Restriction: Guest rooms shall not include kitchens
• Platform Coverage: Includes Airbnb, VRBO, and similar platforms
• Meal Service: May or may not provide morning meals
• Legal Basis: City Code Section 8.755

Vacation Rentals (Commercial)

• Location: Permitted only in commercial zones
• Residential Prohibition: Not allowed in residential areas
• Program Status: "Proposed Vacation Rental License Program" referenced

Enforcement and Compliance

• Monitoring: Active tracking through code compliance efforts
• Complaint System: Residents can report violations via online complaint form
• Penalties: Fines and potential license revocation for violations
• Authority: Code Compliance Specialist investigates violations

Clatsop County Regulations

No specific county-level STR regulations identified in provided content.

Oregon State Regulations

No specific state-level STR regulations identified in provided content. The available information focuses exclusively on city-level regulations.

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contact

City of Astoria - Planning Division

• Department: Community Development Department
• Email: planning@astoria.gov
• Phone: (503) 325-5824 (Main city line: (503) 325-5821)
• Physical Address: 1095 Duane St, Astoria, Oregon 97103
• Website: www.astoria.gov

Application Process

• Home Stay Lodging: Contact Planning Division directly via email
• Vacation Rentals: Refer to "Proposed Vacation Rental License Program" (status to be confirmed with Planning Division)

Code Compliance

• Complaints: Online complaint form available through city website
• Investigation: Code Compliance Specialist handles enforcement
• Penalties: Violators face fines and potential license revocation

Source Links

Primary Sources

1. City of Astoria - Home Stay Lodging: www.astoria.gov/homestay_lodging.aspx
2. City of Astoria - Complaint Form: www.astoria.gov/Community_Development_Complaint_Form.aspx
3. City of Astoria - Proposed Vacation Rental License Program: www.astoria.gov/Proposed_Vacation_Rental_License_Program.aspx
4. City of Astoria - Community Development: www.astoria.gov/dept/Community_Development
5. City of Astoria - Forms & Applications: www.astoria.gov/City_of_Astoria_Forms.aspx

Important Considerations for Investors

Market Limitations

• Residential Restrictions: Vacation rentals prohibited in residential zones
• Bedroom Limits: Home Stay Lodging limited to maximum 2 bedrooms
• Owner Occupancy: Required for residential Home Stay Lodging operations
• Commercial Requirement: Non-owner-occupied rentals must locate in commercial zones

Compliance Risks

• Active Monitoring: City tracks violations through dedicated compliance efforts
• Enforcement Action: Fines and license revocation for violations
• Complaint-Driven: Residents can easily report violations online
• Zoning Critical: Ensure proper zoning before investing

Recommended Action Plan

1. Contact Planning Division: Email planning@astoria.gov to clarify current regulations
2. Confirm Commercial Status: If not owner-occupied, verify commercial zoning requirements
3. Review Proposed Program: Check status of Vacation Rental License Program
4. Legal Consultation: Consider local legal advice for complex zoning situations

This guide reflects the regulatory landscape as documented. Given the reference to a "Proposed Vacation Rental License Program," investors should confirm current program status with city officials before making investment decisions.