Clackamas County is calling on residents to weigh in on the future of short-term rentals (STRs). Since the inception of its STR pilot program in 2023, the county has been without formal STR regulations. The Board of County Commissioners is now hitting the pause button, extending the pilot until June 30 to get a better grasp on public opinion. They're rolling out a survey and hosting town hall meetings, according to an announcement on the county's website.
The survey was launched recently and is open to all interested locals. Being sought after for their perspectives, residents are in a prime position to voice their thoughts on current STR regulations, fees, and any ongoing issues with STRs in the area. People wanting to participate in the survey have until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 11, to submit their feedback, as per Clackamas County.
For those who prefer a more direct dialogue, two town halls are on the books. A virtual event is set for Wednesday, Feb. 18, offering convenience for the digital crowd, while an in-person gathering is scheduled for Wednesday, April 1, explicitly targeting residents around Mt. Hood who have had the most say about the STR program's impacts.
Before making their voices heard, the Commissioners encourage residents to familiarize themselves with the existing STR rules detailed on the STR program's website. The feedback collected from the survey and town hall meetings will play a crucial role in shaping the county's next steps regarding short-term rentals. Clearly, the Commissioners are banking on wide participation – they wish to collect as many different viewpoints as possible before deliberating on any further decisions.
