Lincoln City, Oregon
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Lincoln City, OR
Challenging To Investors
Local STR Agent
STR Regulations for Lincoln City, Oregon
Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Lincoln City, OR?
Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Lincoln City, Oregon but with significant restrictions and caps. STRs are permitted in specific zoning districts, subject to comprehensive land use, building, and licensing requirements. The city has implemented strict caps on the number of STR licenses in residential zones, with both primary residential zones currently at maximum capacity.
How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Lincoln City
1. Zone Analysis and Pre-Application Research
Before purchasing or converting any property, you must first determine if STRs are allowed in your desired location. Lincoln City permits STRs in the following zones:
Commercial Zones (No Caps):
- General Commercial (GC)
- Recreation Commercial (RC)
- Nelscott Business District (NBD)
- Taft Village Core (TVC)
- Nescott Mixed Use (NBMU)
- Oceanlake Main Street (OP MSH)
- Oceanlake Oceanfront (OP OF)
Residential Zones (Strict Caps in Place):
- Single-Unit Residential (R1-5) - Cap: 194 licenses (CURRENTLY REACHED)
- Single-Unit Residential Roads End (R1-RE) - Cap: 91 licenses (CURRENTLY REACHED)
2. Application Process for New STR License
For Commercial Zones:
- Submit complete Lincoln City Short Term Rental Application Packet
- Complete fire inspection with North Lincoln Fire & Rescue ($100 fee)
- Designate a local representative with 24/7 response capability
- Pay applicable licensing fees
- Await inspection and approval
For Residential Zones (R1-5 and R1-RE):
- Applications are currently suspended due to reached caps
- Monitor city announcements for availability
- Consider joining waitlists when opens
3. Required Documentation and Forms
Core Application Documents:
- Lincoln City Short Term Rental Application Packet
- Lincoln City STR Local Representative Form
- Lincoln City STR Change in Local Representative Form (if applicable)
- Credit Card Authorization Form
- Log for STR Representative
- Lincoln City Fireworks Poster (safety requirement)
Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines
City-Level Requirements (Lincoln City)
1. Business License and Zoning Compliance:
- STR License from Planning & Community Development
- Zoning verification for permitted use
- Compliance with density requirements
2. Safety Inspections:
- Fire inspection by North Lincoln Fire & Rescue District #1
- Safety compliance verification
- Reinspection if violations found
3. Local Representative Requirements:
- Must designate local contact person
- 24/7 response capability within reasonable time
- Contact information must be posted at property
4. Insurance and Liability:
- Proof of liability insurance (amount varies by property type)
- Property insurance verification
County-Level Requirements (Lincoln County - Unincorporated Areas)
For properties outside city limits:
- Separate Lincoln County STR license required
- $900 new application fee, $650 renewal
- Regional caps and waitlist system
- Different inspection requirements
Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals
City of Lincoln City Regulations
Occupancy Limits:
- Maximum occupancy calculated based on sleeping areas
- Two persons per sleeping area, maximum 12 persons total
- Sleeping areas must meet egress standards
Operational Requirements:
- No STR advertising without valid license
- Local contact must be available 24/7
- Emergency contact information required
- Compliance with all city codes and ordinances
Zoning-Specific Rules:
- Commercial zones: No occupancy caps beyond safety standards
- Residential zones: Strict density limits and caps in place
- No signs permitted for STRs in residential zones (AG, AGR, R-1 through R-8)
Property Maintenance:
- Regular maintenance standards apply
- Waste management requirements
- Parking regulations must be followed
Lincoln County Regulations (Unincorporated Areas)
Regional License System:
- Seven geographic regions with individual caps
- License availability varies by region
- Waitlist system when caps reached
Inspection Requirements:
- Safety standards compliance
- Septic system evaluation where applicable
- Multiple inspection opportunities
Operational Standards:
- 24/7 local contact requirement
- Noise and disturbance limitations
- Parking and waste management standards
State of Oregon Regulations
While Oregon has relatively permissive state-level regulations for STRs, local jurisdictions maintain significant authority:
- Transient Room Tax: Applicable to all short-term rentals
- Building Safety: All properties must meet state building codes
- Health Regulations: Compliance with state health department requirements
- Tax Collection: State requirements for tax collection and remittance
Contact Information for Local Authority
City of Lincoln City - Planning & Community Development
Primary Contact:
- Address: City Hall, Third Floor, 801 SW Hwy 101, Lincoln City, OR 97367
- Phone: 541-996-2153
- Website: lincolncity.org
STR Application Specialist:
- Austin Hull, Assistant Planner
- Phone: 541-996-1227
- Email: ahull@lincolncity.org
Fire Inspection Authority:
- North Lincoln Fire & Rescue District #1
- Address: 2525 NW Hwy 101, Lincoln City OR 97367
- Phone: (541) 996-2233
- Website: nlfr.org/short-term-rental-inspection
Lincoln County - Sheriff's Office (Unincorporated Areas)
Licensing Authority:
- Address: Lincoln County Courthouse, 225 W Olive Street, Room 203, Newport, OR 97365
- Phone: 541-265-0675
- Email: sheriffstrlicensing@co.lincoln.or.us
Business Hours:
- Monday through Thursday, 8 am to Noon and 1 pm to 5 pm
Complaint Hotline:
- 24/7 Complaint Hotline: 541-265-0666
- Non-Emergency Dispatch: 541-265-0777
Links to Source Pages
Primary Regulatory Pages:
- Lincoln City STR Information
- STRs in R1-5 Zone
- STRs in R1-RE Zone
- Lincoln County STR Licensing
- Fire Inspection Requirements
Application Forms:
Regulatory Background:
Investment Considerations and Market Reality
Current Market Status (as of late 2025):
- Commercial zone STRs remain available for licensing
- Residential zone caps have been reached in both R1-5 and R1-RE zones
- High demand for STR licenses in residential areas creates competitive waitlists
- Strong tourism market supports viable STR operations in compliant zones
Key Investment Risks:
- Regulatory changes may further restrict STR operations
- Zoning caps may prevent expansion in desirable residential areas
- Compliance requirements continue to evolve
- Competition from legal lodging establishments
Success Factors:
- Properties in commercially zoned areas offer best licensing availability
- Professional property management essential for compliance
- Investment in safety and guest experience yields better returns
- Understanding and proactive compliance with all regulations critical
This regulatory environment requires careful due diligence and ongoing compliance management, but viable opportunities exist for compliant operators, particularly in commercially zoned properties.
Lincoln City
Market Saturation Score
Photos of Lincoln City
Overview of Lincoln City
Lincoln City, Oregon, is a coastal community situated on the Pacific Ocean in the central part of the state. With a population of approximately 9,000 residents, it is considered a small, yet vibrant town. Lincoln City is about 85 miles southwest of Portland, Oregon’s largest city, making it accessible for both short-term visits and extended stays.
Lincoln City is particularly appealing for short-term rentals due to its rich array of natural and recreational attractions. The town is known for its seven miles of sandy beaches, perfect for beachcombing, kite flying, and tide-pooling. The nearby Devils Lake offers opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. Nature enthusiasts can also explore the Drift Creek Falls and its notable suspension bridge, a popular hiking destination.
For cultural and historical experiences, visitors can visit the Lincoln City Cultural Center, which hosts various events, workshops, and art exhibits. The North Lincoln County Historical Museum provides insights into the area's heritage. Additionally, Lincoln City's culinary scene is highlighted by its annual culinary festivals, including the Chowder and Brewfest.
One of the unique features of Lincoln City is that it regularly hosts glass float hunts, where handcrafted glass floats are hidden along the beaches, awaiting discovery by lucky beachgoers.
For more information on these landmarks and events, you can visit:
- Lincoln City Cultural Center
- Drift Creek Falls
- North Lincoln County Historical Museum
- Lincoln City Glass Center
These attractions, combined with the town’s scenic beauty and proximity to Portland, make Lincoln City an attractive destination for short-term rentals.
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