What should Salem hosts know about short-term rentals are strictly prohibited?

Short-term rentals are strictly prohibited in properties with an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU).

Are there rental limits in Salem?

Accessory STRs are limited to 95 days per year if the host is not present.

What are the key requirements for Salem hosts?

The city-issued license number must be included on every online listing and advertisement.

What should Salem hosts know about rentals in multi-family buildings (3+?

Rentals in multi-family buildings (3+ units) are not permitted as STRs in Salem.

Salem, OR Short-Term Rental Rules &...

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Verified: Feb 12, 2026

Summary

Salem requires annual licensing for all short-term rentals, distinguishing between Accessory STRs (primary residence) and standard STRs (often requiring a conditional use permit).

Restriction Level

⛔

Strict

Score: 56 (moderate)

Why this classification:

•Primary residence required
•Moderate night cap: 95 nights/year
•Standard permit fee: $180
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•Safety standards required
•Tenants can host

In Plain English

Hosts must obtain an annual license and register to pay a 9% city lodging tax. If you live in the property for at least 270 days a year, you can get an Accessory STR license; otherwise, you likely need a special land-use permit. Rentals are strictly prohibited in properties with Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

95/year

Primary Residence

Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$180

Processing Time

30-45 days

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(7)

•Salem: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Salem: Short-term rentals are strictly prohibited in properties with an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU).

Requirements(13)

•Salem STR warning: Rentals in multi-family buildings (3+ units) are not permitted as STRs in Salem.

Application Process(9)

•Salem STR permit - Step 4: Submit License Application. Submit the formal application including floor plans, insurance proof, and safety certification to the Permit Application Center. Required documents: Floor plan, Insurance certificate, Residency proof. Time: 2-4 weeks. Cost: 180.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Salem charges a registration fee of $180 (annual).

Taxes(2)

•Salem charges a Transient Occupancy Tax of 0.09%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit the 9% TOT directly to the City of Salem.
•Oregon has a state sales tax of 0.015% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(6)

•Salem limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
•Salem: Accessory STRs are limited to 95 days per year if the host is not present.
•Salem limits STRs to a maximum of 10 guests. Formula: Maximum 2 guests per guest room, with a cap of 10 total (excluding children under 12).
•Salem enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Salem requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Conformance with Housing Code (SRC Chapter 59), Safety certification signature upon application, Physical inspection after license issuance.

Penalties(2)

•Salem enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $500 fine. Second offense: $1000 fine. Third offense: Potential license revocation. Permit may be revoked for violations.
•Salem: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(3)

•Salem exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Hotels and Motels, Hospital/Medical facility lodging.
•Salem: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•Salem: If you are present during the guest's stay (hosted rental), night caps may not apply to you.

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Other Oregon Markets

Bandon

Oregon

Strict

The City of Bandon strictly regulates short-term rentals through Chapter 5.44 of the Municipal Code, including a total city-wide cap of 100 permits. Permits are restricted to certain residential and commercial zones, prohibit the use of ADUs, and require a high initial application fee of $1,000.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Tillamook County

Oregon

Moderate

Short-term rentals in unincorporated Tillamook County are strictly regulated under Ordinance 84, requiring an annual permit and a fire/life safety inspection. The county enforces a one-STR-per-person ownership limit and a maximum occupancy cap based on bedroom count.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Lincoln City

Oregon

Strict

Lincoln City has a highly regulated short-term rental market with a hard cap on the number of licenses issued in residential zones. New hosts should expect to be placed on a waitlist as the current license limit is frequently reached.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Rockaway Beach

Oregon

Strict

Rockaway Beach strictly regulates short-term rentals through a licensing system capped at a specific number of units, currently resulting in a waiting list. Hosts must comply with a 10% Transient Room Tax and pass annual safety inspections.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Salem

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Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(7)

Requirements(13)

Application Process(9)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(6)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(3)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Salem

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Salem?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Salem?

3Are there rental night limits in Salem?

4What are the penalties for non-compliance in Salem?

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