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

The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners voted to adopt a revised fee schedule for short-term rental permits, setting the two-year permit fee at $1,000 effective May 1, 2025. The board approved the increase by voice vote after staff presented a cost analysis and operational changes that reduced processing expenses.

Gail Henriksen, the county’s community development director, told the board that staff had originally recommended a $1,500 fee but identified operational savings after processing changes and recommended $1,000 instead. Henriksen said the county held three work sessions since July and that building codes staff had evaluated whether a sliding scale tied to bedroom count would be feasible. She reported that building codes advised that inspection time depends more on the age of a structure than on bedroom count and that the board did not direct staff to develop a sliding scale based on structure age.

Commissioners discussed keeping the fee structure simple to minimize administrative burden. Commissioner Thompson confirmed staff had met with the commissioner who requested a possible sliding scale and that his concerns were addressed. The motion to adopt the fee schedule passed by voice vote.

The fee will be reviewed every two years per the board’s prior direction.