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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Lincoln City, OR

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

STRs are allowed in various zones subject to land-use and licensing requirements. Specific caps exist for the R1-5 zone (194 licenses) and R1-RE Roads End zone (91 licenses), both of which have been reached; existing non-conforming STRs in Roads End may continue if licenses are kept current.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Submit a complete land-use application including owner and local representative information and pay the required fee. 2. Pass required inspections by the North Lincoln Fire District and city planning/building staff. 3. Obtain a business occupation tax permit and renew the vacation rental license annually.

Regulatory Updates — Lincoln City

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedAugust 2024

Lincoln City STR Business License Compliance Enforcement

Lincoln City increased enforcement of business license requirements for STR operators, cross-referencing listings on Airbnb and VRBO against the licensed business database.

Under ReviewJanuary 2025

Lincoln County STR Housing Impact Study

Lincoln County commissioned a study on the impact of STRs on housing availability in coastal communities including Lincoln City.

Under ReviewNovember 2024

Oregon Coastal STR Coordination Effort

Oregon coastal communities including Lincoln City, Newport, and Cannon Beach began coordinating STR regulations to create more consistent rules along the coast.

Official Resources

Official Lincoln City STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Oregon Rental Housing AssociationStatewide

Statewide rental housing association monitoring STR and rental regulations across Oregon.

Lincoln City Visitor & Convention BureauLocal

Destination marketing organization for Lincoln City, supporting tourism and vacation rental operators.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade organization for professional vacation rental managers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Lincoln City, OR?
STRs are allowed in various zones subject to land-use and licensing requirements. Specific caps exist for the R1-5 zone (194 licenses) and R1-RE Roads End zone (91 licenses), both of which have been reached; existing non-conforming STRs in Roads End may continue if licenses are kept current.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Lincoln City?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Lincoln City. 1. Submit a complete land-use application including owner and local representative information and pay the required fee. 2. Pass required inspections by the North Lincoln Fire District and city planning/building staff. 3. Obtain a business occupation tax permit and renew the vacation rental license annually.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Lincoln City?
1. Submit a complete land-use application including owner and local representative information and pay the required fee. 2. Pass required inspections by the North Lincoln Fire District and city planning/building staff. 3. Obtain a business occupation tax permit and renew the vacation rental license annually.
What does Lincoln City require to legally operate an STR?
You need a Lincoln City business license, compliance with the city's transient lodging tax requirements, and adherence to occupancy, parking, and noise rules. Oregon's transient lodging tax also applies statewide.
Is Lincoln City likely to introduce STR caps or stricter rules?
Possibly. Lincoln County's housing impact study and the Oregon coastal coordination effort indicate that tighter regulations are under active consideration. The direction is toward more requirements, not fewer.
Does Oregon have a statewide STR preemption law?
No. Oregon has no statewide STR preemption. Each city and county sets its own rules. Lincoln City has full authority to restrict or ban STRs, though no ban has been enacted yet.
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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: March 2026 · Suggest a correction