Clatsop County raises short-term rental permit fee to $1,000 for two-year permit, effective May 1

The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners voted to raise the short-term rental (STR) permit application fee to $1,000 for a two-year permit, effective May 1, 2025.

Gail Henriksen, Clatsop County community development director, told the board staff had recommended a higher fee in January but identified operational savings after additional review. "We are asking tonight that you approve an increase to $1,000 for a 2 year permit, and that would become effective May 1," Henriksen said.

Henriksen said staff originally proposed $1,500 based on cost analysis but adjusted to $1,000 after changes to how permits are processed and after meeting with other departments. She also reported building codes staff found inspection time and required work are more closely tied to the overall age of a structure than to bedroom count, which led staff to recommend against a bedroom-based sliding scale. "The older the structure, the more likely it is to not pass on its first inspection," Henriksen said, summarizing the building codes response.

Commissioners discussed simplicity and staff capacity when weighing a sliding scale and confirmed they will review the cost of permitting every two years. The board adopted the fee schedule by motion; no commissioner voiced opposition during the recorded vote.

The motion passed; the county clerk will implement the new fee on May 1 and notify applicants. The action adjusts the application fee only; it does not change inspection standards or permit terms beyond the fee schedule.