Is Airbnb legal in Bend?

Bend, Oregon, has implemented a comprehensive set of regulations governing short-term rentals (STRs), particularly targeting platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. As a response to the significant growth in STR listings, which exceeded 1,000 in 2022, the city aims to mitigate impacts on housing availability and neighborhood livability.

Permit Types

There are two primary permit pathways for operating an STR in Bend: 1. Type I Owner-Occupied Permit: Allows renting up to two bedrooms in a primary residence without spacing restrictions from other rentals. 2. Type II Non-Owner Occupied Permit: For those renting whole homes not used as their primary residence. These rentals must be located at least 500 feet away from any other Type II rental, a stringent rule that was increased from a previous 250-foot requirement.

Licensing Requirements

All STR operators must obtain: - Short-Term Rental Land Use Permit: Ensures compliance with zoning laws and requires site and floor plans, parking information, and proof of primary residency (for Type I permits). - Short-Term Rental Operating License: Functions as a business license with an initial fee of $275 and an annual renewal fee of $200.

Notably, these permits are not transferable upon the sale of the property, meaning new owners must apply for their own permits within 60 days.

Operational Rules

Bend has established several regulations for STRs, including: - An occupancy cap of two guests per bedroom plus two additional guests. - Mandatory off-street parking (one space per rented bedroom). - Designated quiet hours (10 PM to 7 AM) and restrictions against amplified noise during these hours. - Compliance with local waste management practices, including screened trash/recycling containers. - A minimum liability insurance of $500,000 for Type II rentals.

Taxation and Compliance

STRs are subject to local transient room taxes, comprising a 10.4% City of Bend tax and a 1.8% State of Oregon tax. Operators must register with the city’s Tax Division to ensure proper tax collection.

Enforcement

While Bend actively monitors and enforces STR regulations through a complaint-based system and regular audits, local sentiment suggests that current enforcement may not be stringent enough to deter illegal rentals. Violations can lead to fines and potential revocation of operating licenses.

Residents and hosts engaging in discussions across platforms like Reddit and real estate forums express mixed feelings about the regulations. While many see the need to preserve long-term housing, there are frustrations over the strict spacing requirements and annual fees compared to other Oregon locales.

In summary, while Bend accommodates STRs under a defined regulatory framework, the city prioritizes maintaining neighborhood integrity and housing availability, establishing some of the strictest regulations for short-term rentals in Oregon.