How to Get Your Portland Type A Short-Term Rental Permit
Portland requires a Type A Accessory Short-Term Rental (ASTR) permit if you’re planning to rent out up to two bedrooms to five overnight guests while living on-site for at least 270 days a year. Here’s your step-by-step guide.
1. Determine Eligibility
• You can rent one or two bedrooms to a maximum of five guests per night.
• You must live in the property at least 270 days per year. You can rent while away for up to 95 days per year.
2. Prepare Documentation & Neighborhood Notice
Required items include:
• Proof of residency, such as an Oregon license or ID showing the STR address.
• Completed neighborhood notice mailed to adjacent properties and the neighborhood association, with delivery proof.
• Sleep-room inspections to confirm interconnected smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Sleep spaces must meet code requirements.
3. Apply Online via Civic Portal
• Create a free Civic Portal account and begin your Type A ASTR application.
• Upload your ID, neighborhood notice documentation, and pay the fee.
• Expect city review to take a few weeks. If approved, you’ll receive an official permit number via email.
4. Pay Fees & Register
• City fee is approximately $154 for single-dwelling units or $115 for multi-unit buildings. Renewals every two years cost $154 or $68.
• Additional registration steps:
• Obtain a City of Portland business license (you’re exempt if earning under $50,000 per year).
• List your permit number in all ads and prominently display it in the rental unit.
5. Post-Approval Responsibilities
• Maintain logs of guest details (names, addresses, dates, nights stayed) to share with the city upon request.
• Advertising must match the approved bedrooms and guest limits. Any inconsistency could lead to enforcement.
• Signs are permitted only if following City sign codes.
• Your permit is valid for two years, after which you must renew.
Important Changes
• Listings must accurately reflect approved bedrooms, guest limits, and photo depictions.
• Notarization of signatures is no longer required; digital submissions are accepted.
• Physical guest logbooks are no longer required, but you must maintain digital guest data and provide it to the city upon request.
• If your permit is revoked, you cannot reapply for two years for that property.
6. Best Practices
• Be a respectful neighbor by establishing parking rules, noise guidelines, and quiet hours. Most complaints stem from parking and noise disruptions.
• Keep copies of all notices, guest logs, and tax filings.
• Ensure your advertisements match the specifics approved in your permit to avoid enforcement or delisting.
Summary
Bedrooms / Guests: Up to 2 bedrooms, max 5 overnight guests
Residency Requirement: Reside ≥ 270 days/year (≤ 95 days away)
Fee Structure: $154 initial / renewal (single-unit)
Application Time: Approx. 2–4 weeks
Validity: 2 years; renewal required
Final Thoughts
Obtaining your Type A permit demonstrates your commitment to legally operating your short-term rental, ensuring compliance with zoning, safety, and tax regulations. With the acceptance of new rules like stricter advertising requirements and easier digital submissions, it’s simpler than ever to stay compliant and reduce homeowner stress.
At Simply, we are experts in the Portland short-term rental market and can assist you throughout the entire permitting process. Reach out to us for help getting your permits approved smoothly and efficiently – and to funnel your property straight into successful, professional management.