This spring, the City of Portland’s Planning Commission is participating in its tenth revision to Portland’s regulatory code in a process known as RICAP-10.

RICAP-10 is intended to make many changes to the code while allowing them to be voted on as one BIG ordinance. We’re bringing this to your attention because there are changes that will affect short-term rental hosts. Specifically, pages 83-95 address many changes for STRs. The proposed draft has been released for public review.

Proposals include:

• Expanding the allowance for home businesses in locations with ADU-type spaces.
• Type B permits will be restricted in C, E, and I zones. Operating in these zones may require approval as Retail Sales and Service classification instead.
• Applications for STR approval will no longer require notarization.
• Hosts cannot advertise the ability to lodge more than the maximum number of bedrooms they have been permitted for.
• Permit application process simplification including elimination of a need to list every neighbor receiving notification of application submittal.
• When a Type A permit authorization is revoked, it cannot be reissued to the same applicant and there is a two-year waiting period before that dwelling can be permitted again.
• Instead of requiring hosts to maintain a guest logbook, the City may request a list of transactions from the listing platform showing guest names, guest home addresses, guest phone numbers, dates of stay, and number of guests in each reservation. This information must be provided within 30 days or risk permit revocation.

We encourage you to review the proposed changes to see how they could affect your ability to host. If you have any concerns, submit them here and watch this site for more details about implementation.

If you enjoy staying abreast of regulatory changes and helping your fellow hosts navigate them successfully, consider joining the Host2Host Advocacy Committee.