The Dalles, Oregon Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in The Dalles, Oregon. The city has established a comprehensive regulatory framework that permits STR operations while implementing measures to balance community livability with economic opportunities. As of the latest available information, The Dalles maintains an active licensing program for short-term rentals, with 45 currently licensed units within city limits. However, the city is actively considering significant regulatory amendments that investors should monitor closely.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in The Dalles?

The Dalles hosts earn a median $26,188/year with $193 ADR and 51% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $40,424+ per year.

See the full The Dalles market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in The Dalles

Step 1: Understand Current Licensing Status

The Dalles currently operates under a licensing system for short-term rentals. All operators must obtain an annual, non-transferable license that is valid from January 1 to December 31.

Step 2: Navigate Current Restrictions

Currently, there is a moratorium on new licenses for non-owner-occupied STRs in residential zones, unless modified or repealed by the City Council. Operators with valid, grandfathered licenses and in good standing can reapply to continue operations.

Step 3: Prepare for Proposed Changes

The City Council is considering several amendments that may significantly impact new applications, including:

A maximum license cap (proposed at 71 total listings based on 1% of housing inventory)
Implementation of a lottery system for awarding licenses
Enhanced transient room tax compliance requirements
Proximity requirements (300 feet from existing STRs in residential zones)

Step 4: Complete Annual Licensing Process

Apply for annual license renewal by December 31 each year
Submit required documentation and fees
Ensure compliance with all operating standards

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City-Level Requirements

Annual STR License ($90)
- Non-transferable license valid January 1 - December 31
- Application requires current contact information
- License void upon property transfer
Transient Room Tax Compliance
- Submit proof of past year's Transient Room Tax payment
- Non-compliance results in license denial
Good Neighbor Guidelines Acknowledgment
- Must acknowledge receipt of guidelines
- Required to provide guidelines to all STR guests
Waste Disposal Documentation
- Weekly waste disposal is mandatory
- Provide proof of garbage service

Safety and Building Compliance

Safety Checklist Completion
- Complete safety requirements before obtaining license
- Properties must have smoke detectors and fire alarms
- Compliance with all building safety codes
Food Service License (if applicable)
- Required if offering food services
- Must secure license from Oregon Department of Human Services

State-Level Requirements (Oregon)

Business Registration
- Register as business with appropriate state agencies
- Obtain necessary tax identification numbers
Liquor Liability Insurance (if applicable)
- If providing liquor at property
- Insurance professionals recommend including liquor liability in policy

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of The Dalles Regulations

Length of Stay

Maximum 30 consecutive days per guest stay

Occupancy Restrictions

Maximum two people per bedroom
Occupancy limits must be clearly posted near main entrance
Compliance with zoning occupancy rules

Special Events

Prohibition on special events (weddings, corporate functions, commercial gatherings)
Proposed amendment may allow special events in non-residential zones

Parking Requirements

Off-street parking required based on number of guest rooms
Historic properties may apply for parking exemptions
Proposed minimum parking: one space per guest room

Proximity Requirements (Proposed)

New STRs in residential zones cannot be within 300 feet of existing licensed STRs
Applies to Low, Medium, and High Density Residential zoning districts

Yard Screening (Proposed)

Currently required if STR shares yard/common area with neighboring property
Proposed expansion to screen yards that abut unscreened neighboring yards

Wasco County Regulations

County-level building codes apply to all STR properties
Reference Wasco County Building Codes for property-specific requirements

State of Oregon Regulations

Oregon state lodging tax obligations apply to all STR operators
State-level health and safety standards for accommodations

Contact Information for Local Authority

City of The Dalles Community Development Department

Email: cdd@ci.the-dalles.or.us
Physical Address: City Hall, 313 Court Street, The Dalles, OR 97058
Phone: (541) 296-5481
Director: Joshua Chandler, Community Development Director

Planning Commission

Contact: Through Community Development Department
Meeting Information: Available on city website meetings & agendas section

Enforcement Policies and Appeals

Current Enforcement

Violations result in fines up to $250 per infraction per day
License revocation for recurrent violations or public health/safety risks
Operating without a license subject to enforcement action

Proposed Enhancements

Stricter compliance verification for transient room tax obligations
Enhanced accountability measures for licensees

Appeals Process

License denials and enforcement actions subject to appeal
Contact Community Development Department for appeal procedures

Links to Source Pages

Important Considerations for Investors

Regulatory Environment: The Dalles is actively reviewing and potentially tightening STR regulations, with proposals including license caps, lottery systems, and enhanced compliance requirements.
Current Capacity: With only 45 licensed STRs and a proposed cap of 71, competition may increase as regulations potentially tighten.
Compliance Requirements: The city places significant emphasis on transient room tax compliance, good neighbor guidelines, and safety requirements.
Future Planning: Monitor City Council meetings and proposed amendments, as the regulatory environment is expected to evolve significantly in the near term.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview based on available information as of the latest update. Given the ongoing regulatory discussions and proposed amendments, investors should maintain regular contact with the Community Development Department for the most current requirements and application procedures.

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Ask the AI Advisor about The Dalles

The Dalles is a small city in north-central Oregon that serves as the county seat of Wasco County, with a population of roughly 15,000 residents. Straddling the Columbia River about 80 miles east of Portland, the town has long functioned as a regional hub for agriculture, river commerce, and travel through the Columbia River Gorge. Its name derives from the French word for the flagstone-like basalt rapids that once roared through the river here, and the city today carries a blend of historic small-town character, working agricultural roots, and a strong outdoors-and-wine-country identity. It is best known as a gateway to the Columbia River Gorge, the surrounding wheat country, and the wineries of the Columbia Valley.

One of the most visited destinations near The Dalles is the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, which begins just west of the city and stretches for more than 70 miles along the river. The scenic area is famous for its towering basalt cliffs, dozens of waterfalls, windsurfing beaches, and the famous Historic Columbia River Highway, all within a roughly 15- to 90-minute drive depending on how far into the gorge visitors travel. A more compact but compelling stop is the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum, located just west of downtown, which interprets the natural and cultural history of the gorge through interpretive exhibits and an adjacent nature trail. The center is about a 10-minute drive from the city center and serves as a useful orientation point for travelers arriving from the east.

A short drive east of The Dalles, near the community of Maryhill in Washington State, sits the Maryhill Museum of Art, an eclectic museum housed in a former mansion overlooking the Columbia River, about 45 minutes from the city. The surrounding Maryhill State Park and the nearby full-scale Stonehenge replica memorial, a World War I monument built by the same entrepreneur who created the museum, draw additional visitors to the area. Closer to town, the historic downtown core of The Dalles includes well-preserved late-19th and early-20th-century buildings, riverfront walking paths, and a small but active arts and dining scene, while the nearby Fort Dalles Museum and surrounding park offer a glimpse into the region's pioneer and military past.

For short-term-rental owners and guests, The Dalles offers an appealing combination of small-city amenities, walkable historic streets, and quick access to some of the Pacific Northwest's most recognizable outdoor destinations, including Mount Hood, the wineries of the Columbia Gorge, and the waterfalls of the scenic area. Its position as a halfway stopover between Portland and eastern Oregon also gives it a steady flow of road-trippers, cyclists, and outdoor travelers who appreciate a comfortable base within reach of waterfalls, vineyards, and river vistas.