Short-Term Rental Laws in Bend, Oregon

Bend operates a density-cap framework: STRs are subject to a 250-ft minimum spacing requirement between STR-permitted parcels and additional zoning-overlay caps. Existing permits transfer with the property; new permit issuance is limited in areas where the 250-ft separation rule is already at capacity. STR-allowed zones: RH (High Density Residential), RM (Medium Density Residential), and commercial overlays. Pure single-family residential (RS) zones do NOT allow STR. The 250-ft rule effectively prevents new STR clustering in popular Bend neighborhoods (Northwest, Old Mill District).

STR allowed in RH (High Density Residential), RM (Medium Density Residential), Commercial Mixed-Use, and Commercial overlay zones. The 250-ft minimum spacing between STR-permitted parcels is enforced city-wide. RS (single-family residential) zones categorically prohibit STR — most pre-2015 grandfathered STRs in RS zones have transitioned out. Deschutes County (unincorporated Sunriver, Tumalo) has its own parallel framework with resort-overlay carve-outs.

Operators must hold a short-term rental permit before listing. See the official permit portal.

Bend Community Development Department + Code Enforcement jointly administer. Annual permit renewal with re-verification of 250-ft separation (which can change as nearby permits issue/lapse). Operating without permit: $1,000+ first violation + cease-rental order + back-tax to Oregon Department of Revenue. Permit transfers with property sale but reset to current ordinance terms — secondary-market value embedded in property pricing for STR-permitted parcels.

Combined short-term lodging tax in Bend is approximately 13.500% of gross nightly revenue (state sales + state TRT + local TRT + applicable resort/city options).

Oregon State Lodging Tax 1.5% + Deschutes County 8% + Bend city Transient Room Tax 4% — combined ~13.5% on transient lodging

Verify the current combined rate via the Utah State Tax Commission before remitting — rates drift quarterly.