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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Josephine County, OR

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

In Josephine County, detached living spaces cannot be rented on a short-term basis. In Grants Pass, vacation rentals are defined as stays of 27 days or less and require lodging tax registration. Cave Junction explicitly prohibits Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) from being used as short-term rentals.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. For properties in Grants Pass, register as a lodging operator within 15 days of starting business. 2. Submit the lodging tax registration form to the City of Grants Pass. 3. For county land use, apply for necessary permits via the Josephine County SmartGov portal.

Official Resources

Official Josephine County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Josephine County, OR?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Josephine County, OR, but with restrictions. In Josephine County, detached living spaces cannot be rented on a short-term basis. In Grants Pass, vacation rentals are defined as stays of 27 days or less and require lodging tax registration. Cave Junction explicitly prohibits Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) from being used as short-term rentals. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Josephine County, OR?
In Josephine County, detached living spaces cannot be rented on a short-term basis. In Grants Pass, vacation rentals are defined as stays of 27 days or less and require lodging tax registration. Cave Junction explicitly prohibits Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) from being used as short-term rentals.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Josephine County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Josephine County. 1. For properties in Grants Pass, register as a lodging operator within 15 days of starting business. 2. Submit the lodging tax registration form to the City of Grants Pass. 3. For county land use, apply for necessary permits via the Josephine County SmartGov portal.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Josephine County?
1. For properties in Grants Pass, register as a lodging operator within 15 days of starting business. 2. Submit the lodging tax registration form to the City of Grants Pass. 3. For county land use, apply for necessary permits via the Josephine County SmartGov portal.
Is Vrbo legal in Josephine County, OR?
Vrbo is permitted in Josephine County, OR under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Josephine County?
Short-term rental hosts in Josephine County are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Josephine County?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Josephine County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.

Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction