Hood River, Oregon Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

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.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Hood River?

Hood River hosts earn a median $37,464/year with $298 ADR and 56% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $60,609+ per year.

See the full Hood River market breakdown

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

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.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Hood River

Hood River is a small city of roughly 8,000 residents tucked into the Columbia River Gorge in north-central Oregon, where it serves as the seat of Hood River County. Straddling the Columbia River at the mouth of the Hood River, the town has a distinctly outdoorsy, agricultural-meets-adventure-sport feel, with fruit orchards and vineyards climbing the slopes behind downtown and windsurfers carving across the river in front of it. It is best known as a recreation hub and a gateway to Mount Hood and the larger Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, sitting about 60 miles east of Portland along Interstate 84 and roughly an hour's drive from the slopes of Oregon's tallest peak.

Just south of town, the slopes, forests, and wildflower meadows of Mount Hood draw visitors year-round. In summer the area offers hiking and mountain biking on trails like those in the Mount Hood National Forest, while in winter several ski areas — including Timberline and Mt. Hood Meadows — open for skiing and snowboarding, generally within a 60- to 90-minute drive west and south of the city. The mountain's snow-capped silhouette dominates the southern skyline and anchors much of the regional identity.

To the west, the Historic Columbia River Highway threads through the gorge toward some of the most photographed waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest. Multnomah Falls, the tallest year-round waterfall in the United States at 611 feet, is roughly 45 minutes west of Hood River and serves as the marquee stop along this stretch, with smaller falls such as Horsetail and Bridal Veil clustered nearby. The same corridor leads to the broader Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, a protected landscape of basalt cliffs, hiking trails, and wind-swept viewpoints that spans both Oregon and Washington.

Closer to home, the river itself is the headline attraction. The Columbia's strong, consistent winds make Hood River one of the world's premier windsurfing and kiteboarding destinations, and the Event Site waterfront park buzzes with sailors, paddlers, and families throughout the warmer months. On calmer days, visitors rent stand-up paddleboards or take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront path that links the city's marinas, breweries, and restaurants.

Hood River is a compelling base for short-term rentals precisely because it packages so many distinct experiences into a compact, walkable town. Guests can sail in the morning, drive to a waterfall or alpine trail by afternoon, and return to a downtown dotted with tasting rooms, cideries, and farm-to-table eateries by evening — all while framed by the ever-present backdrop of Mount Hood and the Columbia River.