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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in McMinnville, Oregon, with specific regulations and requirements. The city has established a comprehensive framework for short-term rental operations after a thorough evaluation period. The moratorium on short-term rental permits was officially lifted as of June 13, 2023, following amendments to the McMinnville Zoning Ordinance.

Short-term rentals are permitted in residential zones R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, and O-R (Office/Residential) zones as a permitted use, subject to the standards provided in Section 17.12.010(P) of the Zoning Ordinance. The city has implemented specific spacing requirements and buffering to balance the economic benefits of short-term rentals with neighborhood quality of life concerns.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in McMinnville

Step 1: Understand Your Zoning Eligibility

• Verify your property is in an eligible zone: R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, or O-R zones
• Check the 500-foot buffer map to ensure your property meets spacing requirements
• Determine if you're pursuing a Standard STR or Resident-Occupied STR

Step 2: Complete Neighborhood Meeting Requirements

Before applying for any permits, you must complete the Neighborhood Meeting Requirements as outlined by the city. This requirement ensures community engagement and addresses neighborhood concerns proactively.

Step 3: Application Process

1. Access the Applications & Fees page on the McMinnville city website
2. Download and complete the appropriate application forms
3. Submit required documentation and fees
4. Schedule and attend required meetings if applicable

Step 4: Ongoing Compliance

• Maintain active permits and renew as required
• Comply with all operational standards
• Respond to code compliance inquiries

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Required Permits

• Short-Term Rental Permit (for Standard STRs)
• Resident Occupied Short-Term Rental Permit (for properties where the owner resides on-site)

Documentation Requirements

• Completed application forms (available on Applications & Fees page)
• Proof of property ownership or lease agreement
• Neighborhood Meeting completion certificate
• Site plan or property documentation
• Payment of applicable fees

Guidelines and Standards

• Zoning Ordinance Section 17.12.010(P) - Primary STR standards
• 500-foot spacing requirement verification
• Neighborhood Meeting Guidelines (PDF document)
• Off-street parking provisions in Chapter 17.60

Fees

Application fees and ongoing permit fees are detailed on the city's Applications & Fees page.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Zoning and Location Requirements

• Permitted Zones: R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, and O-R zones
• Spacing Requirement: 500-foot buffer between short-term rentals (property line to property line)
• Single Dwelling Unit Requirement: Both STR and Resident-Occupied STR allowed only in single dwelling units

Types of Short-Term Rentals

1. Standard Short-Term Rentals: Whole house rented as lodging for stays less than 30 days
2. Resident Occupied Short-Term Rentals: Property owner resides on-site and rents out rooms

Operational Standards

• 30-day minimum stay requirement for lodging classification
• Single dwelling unit restriction applies to both types
• Parking requirements as specified in Chapter 17.60
• Neighborhood compatibility standards

Historical Context of Regulations

The city's STR regulations have evolved significantly:

• 2008: Initial regulations allowed vacation home rentals as conditional use permits with 660-foot buffer
• 2012: Spacing buffer removed due to lack of complaints
• 2014: Approval transferred from Planning Commission to Planning Director, became Type I permit
• 2017: Neighborhood concerns led to re-evaluation
• 2018: Differentiation between STR types and 200-foot buffer reinstated
• 2022-2023: Moratorium for comprehensive re-evaluation
• 2023: New standards implemented with 500-foot buffer

Current Statistics

As of the latest data, McMinnville has:

• 68 permitted Short-Term Rentals in residential zones
• 29 permitted Resident Occupied Short-Term Rentals
• Approximately 13,000 total housing units in the city

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contact

Community Development Department

• Community Development Director: Heather Richards
• Planning Phone: 503-434-7311
• Planning Email: planning@mcminnvilleoregon.gov

Physical Address

Community Development Center
231 NE Fifth Street
McMinnville, OR 97128

Hours

• Monday-Friday: 8am - 5pm
• Lobby Hours: 12pm - 5pm

Additional Contacts

• Main City Line: 503-434-2342
• Website: mcminnvilleoregon.gov/cd

Source Links

Primary Regulatory Documents

• Short-Term Rental Standards Amendment (G 1-23)
• Zoning Ordinance
• Current 500-foot Buffer Map

Application and Process Information

• Applications & Fees Page
• Neighborhood Meeting Guidelines

Supporting Documentation

• Amended Proposal with Planning Commission Revisions
• G 1-23 Short-Term Rental Proposed Amendments - 1/19/23 version

Historical Context

• Short-Term Rental Re-Evaluation (G 2-22)
• Planning Commission Work Session Documents

Department Information

• Community Development Center Staff Contact Information
• Code Compliance & Community Relations

This guide is based on current regulations as of 2023. Investors should verify current requirements with the McMinnville Planning Department before proceeding with any applications or investments.