Short-Term Rental Investor's Guide: Pacific City, Oregon

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

YES — Short-term rentals are allowed in Pacific City, Oregon, but with significant restrictions and requirements. Pacific City is located within Tillamook County, which governs STR regulations for this area. The county operates a managed system that includes license requirements, inspection protocols, occupancy limits, and area-specific regulations. Currently, Pacific City/Woods operates under a waitlist system for new STR licenses, indicating capacity constraints in this popular coastal destination.

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Pacific City

Initial Assessment Steps

Subarea Verification: Confirm your property is within the Pacific City/Woods subarea
Waitlist Status: Check if a new license is available or join the waitlist
Zoning Compliance: Verify the property meets residential STR zoning requirements
Capacity Planning: Assess maximum occupancy based on bedroom count and local regulations

Application Timeline

New licenses are subject to availability and waitlist priority
Processing typically takes 3-4 weeks after complete application submission
Annual renewals required by specified deadlines

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

Primary Licensing Requirements

Tillamook County STR License

New License Application with property documentation
Annual Renewal with compliance verification
Transfer Application (if selling property with active license)
Alteration Application (for property modifications)

Supporting Documentation

Fire & Life Safety Checklist - Mandatory safety compliance
Inspection Preparation Documentation - Pre-inspection materials
Site Plan with Dimensions - Property layout requirements
Floor Plan with Dimensions - Interior layout specifications
Parking Verification Application - Off-street parking confirmation
Hold Harmless Agreement - Liability indemnification
Transient Lodging Tax (TLT) Registration - State tax compliance

Safety and Compliance Documents

Smoke Alarm/Carbon Monoxide Certification
Handrail and Guardrail Documentation
Egress Requirements Certification
Recycling Information Acknowledgment

Specific Regulations

County-Level STR Regulations

Occupancy Limits

Maximum overnight occupants: 2 per bedroom plus 1 additional person per site
Daytime occupants: Limited to 1.5 times overnight occupancy
Age restrictions may apply for certain age groups

Property Requirements

Must meet all building safety codes
Adequate off-street parking required
Compliance with fire and life safety standards
Proper waste management and recycling protocols

Operational Restrictions

No amplified sound audible beyond property boundaries
No commercial functions or events
No signs indicating STR use
Compliance with local noise ordinances

Pacific City/Woods Subarea Specifics

License Availability

Active Waitlist System in place for new licenses
Limited number of annual licenses issued
Priority based on application date and subarea allocation

Geographic Limitations

Must comply with tsunami hazard overlay zone requirements
Coastal development restrictions may apply
Environmental protection compliance required

Transient Lodging Tax (TLT)

State-level requirement for all Oregon STRs
Registration mandatory before operations
Monthly filing and payment requirements
Current rate determined by state legislation

Contact Information

Tillamook County Community Development

Physical Address:
1510-B Third Street
Tillamook, OR 97141
(Located inside the TLC Fibre Credit Union building)

Phone: (503) 842-3408
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

STR-Specific Contacts

STR Program Inquiries: (503) 842-3408 ext. 3315
STR Inspection Line: (503) 842-1815
STR Non-Emergency Hotline: (503) 850-0402

Key Staff:

Paige Nearman, Permit Technician - (503) 842-3408 ext. 3122
Lynn Tone, Accounting Technician - (503) 842-3408 ext. 3315

Online Resources

STR Online Registry: Available through county website
Online Payment Portal: Oregon ACCELA system
Complaint Portal: HostCompliance system (link provided in source)

State-Level Regulations (Oregon)

Oregon Short-Term Rental Laws

Statewide Requirements:

Registration with Oregon State Legislature for platforms
Transient Lodging Tax compliance
Safety standard adherence
Local ordinance compliance

Consumer Protection:

Accurate listing requirements
Guest protection policies
Emergency contact obligations

Source Documentation

Primary Regulatory Documents

Application Resources

Waitlist and Monitoring

Important Note: Pacific City STR regulations are subject to periodic updates through county ordinances and board orders. Investors should verify current requirements with Tillamook County Community Development before making investment decisions. The waitlist system indicates high demand and limited availability, so early application and relationship building with local officials is advisable for successful market entry.

Pacific City, Oregon, is a small coastal town located in Tillamook County, with a population of approximately 1,076 residents as of the 2020 Census. This picturesque community is situated roughly 75 miles west of Salem, the closest major city, and about 100 miles southwest of Portland. Known for its stunning natural landscapes and recreational opportunities, Pacific City has become an attractive destination for short-term rentals.

One of the key landmarks in Pacific City is Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area, renowned for its sandy dunes and scenic viewpoints that provide excellent opportunities for hiking, tide-pooling, and photography. Visitors can learn more about Cape Kiwanda here: Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area.

Another iconic feature of Pacific City is Haystack Rock, not to be confused with the more famous Haystack Rock near Cannon Beach. This sea stack is a popular spot for bird watching and serves as a beacon for surfers drawn to the city's great wave conditions. More information can be found at Haystack Rock.

The Nestucca River, flowing through Pacific City, offers boating, kayaking, and fishing opportunities, enriching the appeal for outdoor enthusiasts. More about the river and its activities can be read here: Nestucca River.

Additionally, the revitalized downtown area features various shops, restaurants, and breweries. Notably, the Pelican Brewing Company, located right on the beach, allows visitors to enjoy locally crafted beers with a view of the Pacific Ocean. They also offer lodging, which can be explored here: Pelican Brewing Company.

Given these attractions and its serene coastal ambiance, Pacific City has emerged as a favorable spot for short-term rental properties, catering to those seeking a combination of relaxation and outdoor adventure.

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Pacific City, Oregon

Challenging To Investors

STR Regulations for Pacific City, Oregon