Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Gresham, OR?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Gresham, Oregon. The city has established a comprehensive short-term rental program that permits both hosted and non-hosted STR operations within city limits. STRs are defined as portions of homes or entire homes rented for lodging purposes for periods of up to 30 consecutive nights, typically through online marketplaces such as Airbnb or VRBO.

The city offers two distinct registration categories:

1. Hosted Homeshare ($175 annually) - Owner-occupied homes where rooms and common areas are offered for short-term lodging
2. Vacation Home Rental ($375 annually) - Non-owner-occupied homes rented for short-term lodging

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Gresham

Step 1: Determine Your STR Type

Choose between the two registration categories based on your occupancy situation:

• Hosted Homeshare: You live in the property and rent out rooms
• Vacation Home Rental: You do not live in the property full-time

Step 2: Pre-Registration Preparation

For Both Types:

• Review owner information and requirements documents
• Understand good neighbor guidelines
• Complete the appropriate self-certified inspection checklist
• Gather required documentation (see Required Documents section)
• Identify primary and secondary contacts who can respond to complaints
• Secure liability insurance covering guests at $1 million

For Vacation Home Rentals:

• Be prepared for city inspection after application submission
• Understand that neighboring properties within 100 feet will be notified

Step 3: Apply and Register

• Submit application online through the city's portal
• Pay applicable registration fees
• For hosted homeshares: Receive registration certificate within two business days
• For vacation home rentals: City will contact you within two business days to schedule inspection

Step 4: Pre-Hosting Requirements

• Print and post the registration certificate in a visible location
• Post good neighbor guidelines in two distinct visible places within the STR
• Include registration number in all advertisements
• Verify that any third-party booking platforms will withhold and remit city taxes

Step 5: Ongoing Compliance

• Maintain registration (renew annually)
• Respond promptly to complaints
• Ensure continuous compliance with all city codes
• File quarterly tax returns when taxable rents are received

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Documents

1. Government-issued ID proving ownership
2. Liability insurance policy information covering guests for up to $1 million
3. Completed self-certified inspection checklist (specific to your STR type)
4. Primary and secondary contact information (including names, phone numbers, addresses)
5. Registration number for advertisement inclusion

Registration Fees

• Hosted Homeshare: $175 annually
• Vacation Home Rental: $375 annually

Required Postings

1. Registration Certificate - Must be printed and posted in a window facing the street or clearly visible location
2. Good Neighbor Guidelines - Must be posted in two distinct visible places within the STR and provided in online advertisements

Tax Requirements

• Transient Lodging Tax - Required quarterly tax filing for any quarter with taxable rents
• Registration with Finance Department - Must be completed before permit application submission

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals in Gresham

Occupancy Limitations

Hosted Homeshare:

• Overnight (10pm-7am): 2 guests per bedroom + 2 additional persons
• Daytime (7am-10pm): Overnight occupancy + 6 guests

Vacation Home Rental:

• Same occupancy limits as hosted homeshare
• Maximum occupancy must be clearly posted on registration certificate

Parking Requirements

• One code-compliant off-street parking space for every two bedrooms (rounded up)
• Garage spaces may be used to meet requirements if not available for other occupants
• All vehicles must be parked on hard surfaces (concrete, asphalt, compacted gravel)
• No parking on lawns, driveways, sidewalks, alleys, or mailboxes

Prohibited Activities

Events and Gatherings:

• STRs may not be used for events or social gatherings including:
  • Parties, weddings, reunions, company retreats
  • Ceremonial or business activities for invited guests
  • Any gathering primarily for socialization

City Code Compliance Requirements

Noise Control:

• Quiet hours strictly enforced: 10pm - 7am daily
• Must adhere to city's noise code regulations

Property Maintenance:

• Garbage: Must be secured in fly-proof, rodent-proof, water-tight covered containers
• Containers: Must be kept clean, in good repair, and emptied at intervals not exceeding seven days
• Vegetation: Must maintain planter strips and street-adjacent areas
• Parking Surfaces: Soil, loose rock, gravel, or stone prohibited as parking surfaces

Animal Control:

• Domesticated animal excrement must be cleaned up within reasonable time
• May not cause offensive odors or interfere with neighboring properties
• Unattended barking dogs prohibited by city code
• Must comply with local leash laws
• Pet food must be stored indoors in secure containers

Contact Response Requirements

• Owner or registered contacts must provide prompt response to STR complaints
• One contact must reside within Portland-metro area
• Change notifications must be submitted to city within 10 calendar days

Inspection Requirements

Hosted Homeshare:

• Self-certified inspection using city-provided checklist
• No city inspection required before registration

Vacation Home Rental:

• City inspection required before registration approval
• Re-inspection required if initial inspection fails
• Inspector will contact for re-inspection scheduling and fee payment

Registration and Advertisement Requirements

• Registration certificate must be posted before hosting begins
• Good neighbor guidelines must be posted in two distinct visible locations
• Registration number must be included in all marketplace advertisements
• Registration validity: One year from issue date
• Renewal required: Annual renewal necessary to continue operations

Neighborhood Notification (Vacation Home Rentals)

• City will mail notifications to neighboring properties within 100 feet
• Notification occurs after registration approval

Contact Information for Local STR Authority

City of Gresham Short-Term Rental Program

Email: ShortTermRentals@GreshamOregon.gov
Phone: 503-618-2248
Website: www.greshamoregon.gov/services/rental-housing-program/short-term-rental-program/

Mailing Address

City of Gresham
Community Revitalization
1333 NW Eastman Parkway
Gresham, OR 97030-3813

General City Information

Phone: 503-618-3000
Address: 1333 NW Eastman Parkway, Gresham, OR 97030

Online Resources

• Apply for Registration: greshamor-energovweb.tylerhost.net/apps/SelfService#/home
• Transient Lodging Tax Information: www.greshamoregon.gov/budget-and-finance/lodging-tax/
• Report Issues: www.greshamoregon.gov/services/report-an-issue/mygresham/

Additional Contacts

Code Compliance Issues: 503-618-2248
Report Online: Through My Gresham service portal

Links to Source Pages

Primary Sources

• Gresham STR Program Main Page: www.greshamoregon.gov/services/rental-housing-program/short-term-rental-program/
• Hosted Homeshare Owner Information: www.greshamoregon.gov/globalassets/services/housing/short-term-rental-program/short-term-rental-hosted-homeshare-owner-information.pdf?id=10817
• Good Neighbor Guidelines: www.greshamoregon.gov/globalassets/services/housing/short-term-rental-program/good-neighbor-guidelines.pdf?id=10756
• Hosted Homeshare Self-Certified Inspection Checklist: www.greshamoregon.gov/globalassets/services/housing/short-term-rental-program/checklist-for-hosted-homeshare.pdf?id=10757
• Vacation Home Rental Self-Certified Inspection Checklist: www.greshamoregon.gov/globalassets/services/housing/short-term-rental-program/checklist-for-vacation-home-rental.pdf?id=10757

City Code References

• Gresham Revised Code Chapter 7: www.greshamoregon.gov/globalassets/government/city-codes-and-policies/gresham-revised-code/gresham-revised-code-chapter-7.pdf?id=670
• Gresham Revised Code Chapter 8: www.greshamoregon.gov/globalassets/government/city-codes-and-policies/gresham-revised-code/gresham-revised-code-chapter-8.pdf?id=671
• Gresham Revised Code Chapter 9 (Article 9.56): www.greshamoregon.gov/globalassets/government/city-codes-and-policies/gresham-revised-code/gresham-revised-code-chapter-9.pdf?id=808

Related City Services

• Rental Housing Inspection Program: www.greshamoregon.gov/services/rental-housing-program/
• Transient Lodging Tax: www.greshamoregon.gov/budget-and-finance/lodging-tax/
• Code Compliance: www.greshamoregon.gov/services/code-compliance/
• Building Permits and Inspections: www.greshamoregon.gov/services/building-permits-and-inspections/

Important Note: This guide is based on current city regulations as of the provided content. STR regulations can change, and investors should verify current requirements with the City of Gresham before making investment decisions. The city reserves the right to modify requirements, fees, and procedures as needed to address community concerns and regulatory compliance.