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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Hood River, Oregon. The City of Hood River permits and regulates two distinct types of short-term rentals: Hosted Homeshares and Vacation Home Rentals. However, STRs are only permitted in specific zoning districts and require comprehensive licensing, safety inspections, and ongoing compliance with municipal regulations.

The city implemented STR regulations with the primary policy goal of retaining long-term housing options while allowing homeowners to generate income from their properties. Property owners can operate both a Hosted Homeshare and Vacation Home Rental at the same property, subject to all applicable regulations.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Hood River

Starting a STR business in Hood River requires a systematic approach following city regulations:

1. Initial Assessment and Planning

• Verify your property's zoning using the City's Map Viewer under "Layers" → "City Zoning"
• Confirm with the Planning Department whether STRs are permissible in your specific zone
• Determine if your property qualifies as your primary residence (required for R-1, R-2, and R-3 zones)

2. Licensing Application Process

• Access the STR Management Portal for online application
• Review the STR Application Options document before beginning your application
• Submit required documentation through the online portal (paper applications are no longer accepted)

3. Safety Inspection

• Schedule and complete a Short-Term Rental Inspection with a licensed home inspection company
• Address any safety deficiencies identified during inspection

4. Site and Parking Planning

• Develop a to-scale site and parking plan showing property boundaries, structures, and parking areas
• Ensure compliance with parking requirements (one hard-surfaced off-street space per two bedrooms)
• Consider shared parking agreements if parking is located on a different lot within 250 feet

5. Neighborhood Notification (for Vacation Home Rentals)

• Provide neighborhood notices or install a street-visible placard with 24-hour contact information
• Complete and submit an Affidavit of Completion after notification

6. County Registration and Garbage Services

• Register with the Hood River County Assessor's Office
• Establish assisted garbage collection services (required for Vacation Home Rentals)

7. Tax Registration

• Register for Transient Lodging Tax (TLT) collection and reporting
• Set up monthly TLT filing procedures

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Licensing Requirements

• Annual STR Operating License issued by the City of Hood River Planning Department
• Short-Term Rental Inspection conducted by a licensed home inspection company
• Site and Parking Plan drawn to scale showing all required details

Documentation Requirements

• Proof of Residency (for R-1, R-2, R-3 zones):
  • Voter Registration
  • Oregon Driver's License/ID Card
  • Previous year's federal tax return (page 1 only, financial data redacted)
• Proof of Garbage Service (for Vacation Home Rentals):
  • Most recent garbage bill showing weekly solid waste collection with assisted pickup
• Registration with Hood River County Assessor
• 24-Hour Contact Representative Information:
  • Name, email address, and phone number
  • Must be available 24/7 during rental periods
  • Changes require 14-day advance notice via Change of Information Form

Posting Requirements

• Display STR license prominently inside the rental unit near the front door
• Provide renters access to:
  • Good Neighbor Guidelines
  • Off-street parking plan
  • Maximum occupancy limits
  • Garbage collection days
  • Noise ordinance restrictions

Tax Requirements

• Transient Lodging Tax Registration and monthly filing
• TLT Remittance Forms submitted by the 15th of each month
• Multi-Property Addendum Reporting Form for property management companies

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Zoning and Location Restrictions

• STRs are prohibited in some zoning districts
• In residential zones (R-1, R-2, R-3), STRs must be the property owner's primary residence
• Commercial zones (C-1, C-2) have different requirements than residential zones

Ownership Limitations

• One License Per Owner: No owner may hold more than one STR license at a time HRMC 5.10.080.B.4
• One License Per Dwelling: Each separate dwelling unit requires its own operating license
• Prospective Effect: These limitations apply only to licenses issued after September 26, 2022

Occupancy Limits

• Overnight Occupancy (10:00pm - 7:00am): Limited to two persons per bedroom plus two additional persons (maximum six for a two-bedroom dwelling)
• Daytime Occupancy (7:00am - 10:00pm): Permits six additional persons beyond overnight limits

Operational Restrictions

• No Events: STRs cannot host weddings, rehearsal dinners, company retreats, receptions, parties, or similar events [HRMC 5.10.090.D](https://hoodriver.municipal.codes/HRMC/5.10.090(D)]
• Noise Limitations: Must comply with the Hood River Noise Ordinance
• 24-Hour Responsiveness: Qualified person must be available by phone and respond to complaints within 30 minutes

Parking Requirements

• Minimum Spaces: One hard-surfaced off-street parking space (9' x 18') required for every two bedrooms
• Remote Parking: Permitted on a different lot within 250 feet with shared parking agreement
• Garage Requirements: If using a garage, provide dated photographs of interior parking spaces

Use Restrictions in Residential Zones

• Primary Residence Requirement: STRs in R-1, R-2, R-3 zones must be the owner's primary residence
• 90-Day Limit: STRs in these zones are limited to 90 days/nights per calendar year

Advertising Requirements

• License Number: Must include issued license number on all advertisements HRMC 5.10.110

Violation Consequences

• Immediate Revocation: License can be revoked for providing false information or three or more violations within 12 months HRMC 5.10.110.C

Renewal Requirements

• Annual Renewal: STR licenses must be renewed annually
• Simplified Renewals: Allowed for operating years 2-5 with reduced documentation
• Full Re-Application: Required before the 6th operational year with complete updated documentation

Contact Information for Local STR Authorities

City of Hood River Planning Department

• Address: 211 2nd Street, Hood River, OR 97031
• Phone: (541) 387-5210
• Email: planning@cityofhoodriver.gov
• STR-Specific Email: STRLicense@cityofhoodriver.gov
• Website: https://cityofhoodriver.gov/planning/short-term-rentals/

Hood River County Assessor's Office

• Phone: (541) 386-4522
• Email: personalproperty@hoodrivercounty.gov
• Website: https://www.hoodrivercounty.gov/businesspersonalproperty

Hood River Garbage Service

• Phone: (541) 386-2272
• Website: https://www.hoodrivergarbage.com/

Transient Lodging Tax

• Phone: (541) 387-5260
• Email: tltreturns@cityofhoodriver.gov

Additional Resources

• STR Management Portal: https://portal.deckard.com/or-hood_river-city_of_hood_river-str-portal
• Customer Portal User Guide: https://cityofhoodriver.gov/wp-content/uploads/bsk-pdf-manager/2025/08/UserGuide_ExpressCustomerPortal-CityofHR.pdf

Links to Source Pages

• City of Hood River Short-Term Rentals Page
• Hood River Municipal Code Chapter 5.10
• Hood River Municipal Code Title 17.04.115
• Ordinance No. 2070 - STR License Limitations
• City Zoning Map Viewer
• STR Application Requirements
• Short-Term Rental Inspection Forms
• Good Neighbor Guidelines
• Neighborhood Notice Requirements
• STR Fee Schedule
• Change of Information Form
• Transient Lodging Tax Forms
• STR Management Portal

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of short-term rental regulations in Hood River, Oregon. Prospective STR operators should carefully review all requirements and maintain ongoing compliance with city regulations to avoid penalties or license revocation.