City reminds of short-term rental permit requirements

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The following is a press release from the City of Klamath Falls.

KLAMATH FALLS, OR – Today, via a press release, the City of Klamath Falls reminds entrepreneurs that every short-term rental inside the city limits will require a special permit by September 30, 2024.

In Fall 2023, the Klamath Falls City Council approved standards for licensing and operating Short-Term Rentals (STRs) within City limits. STRs are commonly known as vacation rentals and may be referred to by their online booking company names, such as Airbnb and Vrbo.

STRs are dwelling units or portions of units rented for less than 30 consecutive days. Any dwellings rented for more than 30 consecutive days are excluded from these requirements. 

Like many Oregon communities, the City of Klamath Falls has experienced rapid STR growth in recent years. The majority of STRs operate in low-density residential neighborhoods. “The City has strived to create local standards allowing diverse visitor accommodation types while considering neighborhood impacts and overall community housing availability.” said the city in the press release.

The press release also stated, “Per the approved standards, all properties utilized as STRs must have a Short-Term Rental Permit and maintain an active City Business License. An extended compliance date of September 30, 2024, approximately one year from the approval of standards, was enacted.”

The Short-Term Rental Permit application packet can be found on the City’s website at www.klamathfalls.city 

The total fee for the first year is $200. This applies to both the Short-Term Rental Permit and Business License. In subsequent years, owners will pay a $50 fee annually for a business license renewal only.

Any questions related to the permit application or approved STR standards can be directed to the City Planning Division by phone at (541) 883-4950, by email at devservices@klamathfalls.city, or in person at 226 S 5th Street.

City staff is available for guidance if applicants require assistance completing the permit application. The complete listing of STR standards can be found within Sections 12.700 to 12.745 of the Klamath Falls Community Development Ordinance (CDO), Article 18.5 Short-Term Rentals City of Klamath Falls, OR SHORT-TERM RENTALS (ecode360.com). 

“A big thank you to the many property owners and operators who have already applied for and received their Short-Term Rental Permits,” concluded the press release.