Astoria council holds first reading of amended vacation-rental ordinance after heated public comment and targeted amendments

John Roberts, community development director, presented a proposed ordinance to license and regulate vacation rentals at the Astoria City Council meeting on May 19, 2025. Roberts told the council, "What's before you is a proposed ordinance to license vacation rentals," and outlined the city's work since 2014 to develop rules to monitor impacts and help preserve long-term housing.

The ordinance would establish a two-year licensing cycle, require fire/life-safety standards, create a wait list tied to a proposed cap of 50 vacation-rental units, and include an initial application fee staff proposed at $500 with a $150 renewal fee. Roberts said the fee recommendations follow Oregon statute ORS 215.416 and mock inspections that showed lower staff time than previously estimated.

The proposal drew extended public comment. Daryl Moore, a resident and former planning commission member, said he…