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

YES, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in West Linn, Oregon, but they must operate as home occupations under strict regulatory requirements. The City permits short-term rentals (defined as occupancy of 30 days or less) only when the property owner resides in the primary structure on the property. This is a critical distinction: non-owner-occupied properties cannot operate as short-term rentals in West Linn.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in West Linn

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

• Primary Residence Requirement: You must reside in the primary structure on the property where you intend to operate the short-term rental
• Property Zoning: Ensure your property is appropriately zoned for residential use
• Secondary Use Status: The short-term rental must remain secondary to the primary residential use

Step 2: Obtain Required Permits and Licenses

1. City Business License (mandatory)
2. Home Occupation Permit (mandatory)
3. Compliance with Chapter 37 of Community Development Code

Step 3: Prepare Your Property

• Onsite Parking: Provide adequate parking for guests
• Safety Compliance: Ensure the property meets all applicable safety standards
• Insurance: Obtain appropriate liability coverage

Step 4: Set Up Tax Compliance

• 6% Transient Lodging Tax: Implement tax collection procedures
• Monthly Reporting: File lodging tax reports by the 15th of each month

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Mandatory Permits/Licenses

1. City Business License

   • Contact: Finance Department
   • Application process through city business licensing portal
   • Annual renewal required

2. Home Occupation Permit

   • Application through Planning Department
   • Specific to short-term rental operations
   • Must be obtained before beginning operations

Compliance Requirements

• Chapter 37 of Community Development Code: Primary regulatory framework
• Owner-Residency Documentation: Proof of primary residence on property
• Parking Plan: Documentation of onsite parking availability
• Tax Registration: Setup for transient lodging tax collection and remittance

Documentation Checklist

• Property ownership documentation
• Proof of primary residence
• Business license application
• Home occupation permit application
• Parking arrangement documentation
• Tax account setup for lodging taxes

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals in West Linn

City-Level Regulations (West Linn)

Operational Requirements

• Owner-Occupied Only: Property owner must reside in primary structure
• Secondary Use Status: STR cannot be the primary use of the property
• Onsite Parking Required: Adequate parking must be provided for guests
• No Rental Night Limits: City code does not specify maximum rental nights per year

Tax Obligations

• 6% Transient Lodging Tax Rate on all short-term rental receipts
• 5% Collection Expense Deduction allowed from total taxes due
• Monthly Filing: Taxes due by 15th of each month for prior month's receipts
• Current Collection Method: Direct payment to City of West Linn (transition to state collection pending)

Definition and Scope

• Short-Term Rental Definition: Occupancy of 30 days or less
• Long-Term Rental Exception: Rentals over 30 days exempt from STR regulations and transient lodging tax
• Multi-Unit Considerations: Long-term rentals of 2+ units require business license

County-Level Regulations

No specific Clackamas County short-term rental regulations were identified in the provided content. County-level rules may apply but are not detailed in the source material.

State-Level Regulations (Oregon)

No specific Oregon state short-term rental regulations were detailed in the provided content beyond the mention of pending state-level tax collection transition.

Enforcement and Compliance

Code Enforcement Process

• Complaint-Driven System: City does not actively search for illegal STRs
• Investigation Protocol: Research and follow-up conducted on received complaints
• Enforcement Contact: Non-Emergency Police Dispatch at 503-635-0238

Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Operating without required permits
• Non-compliance with primary residence requirement
• Failure to collect/remit transient lodging taxes
• Violation of parking or secondary use requirements

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contact - Planning Department

• Address: 22500 Salamo Road, West Linn, OR 97068
• Phone: 503-656-3535
• Email: contactplanning@westlinnoregon.gov
• Counter Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM to Noon

Planning Staff

• Steve Koper, Community Development Director
• Darren Wyss, Principal Planner
• Chris Myers, Associate Planner
• Aaron Gudelj, Associate Planner

Code Enforcement

• Non-Emergency Police Dispatch: 503-635-0238
• Process: Call to request code enforcement for illegal STR operations

Finance Department (Business Licensing & Taxes)

• Business Licensing: Through Finance Department
• Lodging Tax Questions: Use lodging tax report form and submission process

Source Pages

Primary Sources

1. West Linn Short-Term Rentals Official Page - Main regulatory information and requirements
2. Chapter 37 Community Development Code - Legal framework and detailed regulations
3. Business Licensing Portal - License application and renewal
4. Home Occupation Application - Permit application process
5. Short-Term Lodging Tax Information - Tax forms and payment procedures

Important Note for Investors: West Linn's STR regulations are among the most restrictive in Oregon, requiring owner-occupancy and limiting investment opportunities for non-resident property owners. The city's complaint-driven enforcement approach and clear primary residence requirement should be carefully considered before investment. Always verify current regulations and tax requirements, as the city is transitioning lodging tax collection to state oversight.