WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VACATION RENTALS IN CLATSOP COUNTY, OREGON IN 2026
Vacation rentals on the North Oregon Coast have long been part of the ownership conversation. For many buyers, the ability to offset taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs with short-term rental income makes coastal homeownership possible. For others, it's purely a lifestyle decision with income as a bonus.
But the regulatory landscape across Clatsop County has changed significantly in the past 5-10 years, and in several communities it has shifted dramatically. Clatsop County Ordinance 24-19 puts a 10% cap on vacation rentals in unincorporated areas west of Hwy 101. The City of Cannon Beach now limits short-term rental permits to 14 days per year for new applicants. Gearhart implemented an outright STR ban through municipal ordinance for most single family homes. These rules are in effect right now.
Disclaimer up front: regulations in this area are actively evolving. Always confirm current rules directly with the relevant city or county planning department before making any purchase decision based on rental income projections.
Importantly, the cities of Astoria, Cannon Beach, Gearhart, Seaside, and Warrenton each administer their own STR rules independently. County regulations apply only to unincorporated areas.
Here's where each community stands right now.
Cannon Beach has regulated short-term rentals since the 1980s, one of the longest-running STR programs on the Oregon Coast. The city permits three categories of short-term rentals: lifetime unlimited permits and 14-day permits.
Cannon Beach now limits short-term rental permits to 14 days per year for new applicants. The limited number of "unlimited" licenses has been fully allocated, so only transfers from existing license holders are possible at this time. Cannon Beach is also actively considering a formal cap ordinance as of early 2026, with its Planning Commission reviewing a cap draft in February 2026.
All permit types are issued to a specific owner of a specific dwelling; the rental permit becomes void when the property is sold or transferred. This is a critical point for buyers: you cannot assume an existing STR permit conveys with a property purchase.
Please refer to the Cannon Beach Short Term Rental Page for the Most current information about Short Term Rentals Rules & Regulations: https://www.ci.cannon-beach.or.us/planning/page/short-term-rentals
→ Browse Cannon Beach properties with Saltaire: saltairehomes.com/neighborhoods/cannon-beach
Seaside takes a zoning-based approach with percentage caps in designated areas. The city drew geographic lines: closer-in neighborhoods near the beach and downtown, zoned for potential short term rental use, while more inland residential areas ban new STRs. In practical terms: STRs are permitted west of US-101 (known as the "Red Line"), subject to saturation limits and local requirements.
Properties in Seaside must obtain a STR business license, comply with occupancy, parking, and safety standards, designate a local contact in Clatsop County, and post required guidelines and maps. Eligibility, inspections, and fees are regulated by Ordinances 2024-04 and 2025-01.
Seaside's STR landscape may see further changes in 2026. The city could see a major change in permit process and requirements in 2026, so buyers should verify current status with the City of Seaside Planning Department before proceeding.
Please refer to the City of Seaside Short Term Rental Page for the Most current information about Short Term Rentals Rules & Regulations:
https://www.cityofseaside.us/236/Short-Term-Rental-Application-and-Inform
→ Browse Seaside properties with Saltaire: saltairehomes.com/neighborhoods/seaside
Astoria only allows STRs in commercial zones. The city created an STR overlay zone; only specific blocks, generally in or near downtown and along certain commercial corridors, allow short-term rentals as a permitted use. If the cap is reached, new applicants go on a waitlist. Astoria also disallows two STRs next door to each other (spacing requirement).
Astoria's program is known for being strict but transparent; the city publicizes the current permit list and enforces unpermitted rentals with fines.
Astoria does not allow vacation rentals in residential zones and has been more closely tracking and licensing homestay lodging. For investors seeking a traditional whole-home vacation rental in Astoria, options are limited to commercially zoned or overlay-eligible properties.
Please refer to the City of Astoria Short Term Rental Page for the Most current information about Short Term Rentals Rules & Regulations:
https://www.astoria.gov/Vacation_Rental_License_Program.aspx
Astoria’s Homestay Lodging Information: https://www.astoria.gov/homestay_lodging.aspx
→ Browse Astoria properties with Saltaire: saltairehomes.com/neighborhoods/astoria
Gearhart implemented an outright STR ban in single family homes through municipal ordinance. The city is not taking any new applications. It allows people who already have a vacation rental to pass it on to their family, but not with a sale.
If you buy a house in Gearhart now, you cannot get an STR permit unless it's one of the few legacy ones, and even then, permits do not transfer with a property sale.
Key takeaway for buyers: Do not purchase a stand alone house in Gearhart with vacation rental income as part of your ownership plan. The ban is in place, new permits are not being issued, and existing permits do not transfer on sale.
Short Term Rentals are however, allowed in certain condominium buildings in Gearhart. As of the writing of this blog, the following condo buildings in Gearhart allow short term rentals.
Please refer to the City of Gearhart Short Term Rental Page for the Most current information about Short Term Rentals Rules & Regulations:
https://www.cityofgearhart.com/1203/Vacation-Rentals-STR
→ Browse Gearhart properties with Saltaire: saltairehomes.com/neighborhoods/gearhart
Warrenton's approach considers an ongoing concern about housing supply. With the exemption of a number of previously permitted vacation rentals, stand alone vacation rentals are not allowed in residential areas. Vacation Rental dwellings are restricted to commercial zones that also allow hotels and motels.
Please refer to the City of Warrenton Short Term Rental Page for the Most current information about Short Term Rentals Rules & Regulations: https://www.warrentonoregon.us/92/short-term-rentals
→ Browse Warrenton properties: saltairehomes.com/neighborhoods/warrenton
There is a 10% cap on vacation rentals in unincorporated areas of Clatsop County located West of Hwy 101 and in the entire community of Arch Cape. STR permits are issued for two-year periods. Owners must follow the Clatsop County Good Neighbor policy, all health and safety standards, and pay all applicable county and transient room taxes in full.
Arch Cape has its own distinct set of rules within the county framework. Since 2003, short-term rentals in Arch Cape have been governed by their own operating requirements. In the Arch Cape Rural Community Residential zone, STRs are limited no more than one rental within any seven-night period. There are currently no new available permits for Arch Cape.
County-wide STR rules require: no more than one dwelling unit rented per lot, 10pm–7am quiet hours, payment of all applicable county transient room taxes, and all safety and egress standards per the
Please refer to the Clatsop County Short Term Rental Page for the Most current information about Short Term Rentals Rules & Regulations: Oregon Residential Specialty Code.
https://www.clatsopcounty.gov/360/Short-Term-Rental
→ Explore all North Coast communities Saltaire serves: saltairehomes.com/coastcommunities
The regulatory tightening across Clatsop County has real implications for anyone considering a purchase with vacation rental income as part of the plan:
The single most important step: contact the relevant city or county planning department to confirm STR eligibility for any specific property address before submitting an offer. Zoning, overlay zones, saturation caps, and permit transferability all vary, not just by city, but sometimes by block.
STR permits are issued to a specific owner and do not automatically transfer when a property sells. In Cannon Beach, Gearhart, Seaside and Warrenton this means a buyer effectively starts from scratch on the permitting process and there is no guarantee that the property will be allowed to be a short term rental moving forward.
The income that many owners built into their ownership model has been significantly reduced, capped, or eliminated entirely, depending on when they purchased, what permits they hold, and where their property sits relative to city limits and county zoning lines. Build your ownership case on the home's value to you as a residence or long-term investment, not on rental income projections that may no longer be achievable.
Several cities have active regulatory processes underway. What is true in May 2026 may not be true in January 2027. Monitor local planning commission agendas if STR income is part of your ongoing ownership plan.
Q: Can I operate a vacation rental in Cannon Beach?
A: Yes, but with significant restrictions for new buyers in 2026. New applicants are limited to a 14-day permit. Always confirm current availability directly with the Cannon Beach City Planning Division before purchasing with rental income in mind.
Q: Are vacation rentals allowed in Astoria?
A: Only in certain commercially zoned properties or within the city's designated STR overlay zone, which covers limited blocks near downtown and commercial corridors. This is subject to caps. Residential-zone STRs are not permitted in Astoria. The city enforces compliance actively and publishes a current permit list.
Q: Can I buy a house and continue to use it as a vacation rental in Gearhart?
A: No, Gearhart has implemented an outright ban on new STR permits in residential areas. Existing legacy permits can pass to family but do not transfer on a property sale. Do not purchase a house Gearhart with rental income as part of your plan. Certain condo buildings to allow short term rentals and are subject to the individual HOA regulations and potential future caps or bans.
Q: What are the STR rules in Seaside?
A: STRs are permitted west of US-101 in zones designated for vacation use, subject to saturation limits, a business license, and compliance with Ordinances 2024-04 and 2025-01. Properties east of US-101 in purely residential zones are not eligible. Verify the specific address with the City of Seaside before purchasing.
Q: How do I know if a specific property is STR-eligible?
A: The only reliable answer is direct confirmation from the relevant planning department.
If you're looking for a Seaside property already positioned in a 100% Density STR-eligible zone, here are two active Saltaire listings worth a close look:
saltairehomes.com/properties/1021-s-prom-seaside-or-us-97138-619074575
One of the most significant STR-eligible properties currently on the North Oregon Coast. Designed in 1926 by O.M. Akers for Thomas Autzen, the pioneering industrialist and namesake of Autzen Stadium, The Reunion House sits directly on Seaside's Historic Promenade with sweeping Pacific Ocean and Tillamook Head views.
5 beds | 4 baths | 4,532 sq. ft. | Two lots extending from the Promenade to Beach Street
The home is offered turnkey furnished and is currently an operational vacation rental with an established management relationship from day one. Hand-hewn beams, a cobblestone fireplace, wrought iron hardware, and original built-ins reflect its Arts and Crafts origins. Outside: a concrete pebble stone patio, detached game pavilion with sauna, hot tub, and gazebo, all just steps from the sand and four blocks from downtown Seaside.
For investors: this is the rare oceanfront promenade property with legitimate legacy STR history and a turnkey ownership handoff. Verify current permit status and transferability with the City of Seaside before purchase.
→ View full listing: saltairehomes.com/properties/1021-s-prom-seaside-or-us-97138-619074575
saltairehomes.com/properties/2977-sunset-blvd-seaside-or-us-97138-765784886
A strategically positioned coastal investment opportunity west of US-101. This mid-century beach cottage sits on a generous 0.27-acre lot directly across from one of the last remaining ocean view corridors in Seaside, with pathways through mature wind-shaped trees, raised garden beds, an elevated back deck, and a fire pit.
1 bed | 1 bath | 748 sq. ft. | 0.27 acres | Built 1955
The property has been well-maintained and improved. Terra Firma supports installed, updated electrical, a newer roof, a newer heat pump, upgraded double-pane windows, and ocean view clearance work already completed. Sold turnkey furnished and, critically, located in the 100% density short-term rental zone by the City of Seaside. Whether you enhance the existing structure, develop a custom coastal retreat, or hold as a long-term investment, the fundamentals here are strong.
For investors: the explicit 100% density STR zoning designation makes this one of the cleaner investment cases in the current Seaside market.
→ View full listing: saltairehomes.com/properties/2977-sunset-blvd-seaside-or-us-97138-76578488
Vacation rental regulations across Clatsop County are actively evolving. Saltaire Coastal Homes stays current on STR rules in every community we serve, and we'll make sure you have the full picture before you make an offer.
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DISCLAIMER:
This article is intended for general informational purposes only. Short-term rental regulations across Clatsop County are subject to change. Always verify current rules, permit availability, and transferability directly with the relevant city or county planning department before making any real estate purchase decision based on rental income projections. Saltaire Coastal Homes makes no representation regarding the current or future permissibility of short-term rentals for any specific property.
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