The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners adopted Ordinances #487 and #490 to establish conditions for the operation of short-term-rental dwelling units in unincorporated Lincoln County and to implement a licensing program to ensure compliance with those standards.  The ordinance went into effect on  December 1, 2016, with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office as the designated licensing authority.

For individuals or businesses operating dwelling units as short term rentals within the unincorporated areas of Lincoln County, a license is now required to continue operating in this manner.  There are a limited number of exceptions applying to hotels, motels, bed & breakfast inns, lodges, resorts, RV parks or campgrounds.  Any dwelling unit rented for any period of time less than 30 consecutive nights, must be licensed, unless it meets the criteria for any of the exceptions.

What this means for owners of short term rentals:

• You must fill out an application for a Short Term Rental License.
• You must pay the $250.00 initial application fee (yearly renewals are $125.00).
• You must have the property inspected by a compliance deputy.

The inspection is a simple viewing of the property to confirm the information provided on the application, to verify all signage requirements have been met, to verify sanitary services are being provided, and to verify local fire departments have been notified of pertinent rental information.  After a successful inspection, a maximum occupancy for the property is calculated and a license is issued to the owner of the property.

Under the ordinance, property owners are expected to make sure that renters are aware of and abiding by the established quiet time of 10:00 pm – 7:00 am.  They also must assure that tenants know the requirements for garbage service and approved parking areas.  Owners are also tasked with assuring that maximum occupancy is not exceeded. 

What this means for neighbors of short term rental properties:

• You will have access to 24/7 contact information for the owner and/or a local contact person designated for the property. 

• You will have complaint procedures.

More information regarding the Lincoln County Short Term Rental Licensing Program can be found on the Sheriff’s Office website, www.lincolncountysheriff.net, under short-term-rental-licensing.  The site contains a copy of the ordinance and all information and forms needed for owners and neighbors.  For additional questions, email us at sheriffstrlicensing@co.lincoln.or.us or call us at 541-265-4912.