Dunes City Voters to Decide on Short-Term Rental Ban

Dunes City Voters to Decide on Short-Term Rental Ban

Quick answer: Measure 20-386, on Dunes City's November 2026 ballot, would ban any new short-term rentals and require existing ones to have on-site hosts, address complaints within an hour, and comply with homeowners association rules. The ordinance applies to units rented for less than 30 days.

Key Facts

Fact Detail
Jurisdiction Dunes City, Oregon, United States
What changed Proposed ban on new short-term rentals; existing ones must have on-site host, respond to complaints within one hour, and comply with HOA rules
Who it affects All hosts renting units for less than 30 days, including those using Airbnb and Vrbo
Status Proposed
Effective date 30 days after voter approval (if Measure 20-386 passes on November 3, 2026)
Penalties Fines and permit revocation for non-compliance
Governing body Dunes City voters and city officials

What Changed

Dunes City, a coastal vacation town south of Florence, Oregon, will put Measure 20-386 before voters on November 3, 2026. The proposed ordinance would ban any new short-term rentals and require existing ones to meet stricter rules when their annual permits are renewed, according to www.klcc.org.

The new regulations would require hosts to be on-site at the property, address complaints within one hour, and abide by homeowners association rules. The ordinance defines short-term rentals as any unit rented for less than 30 days, including properties listed on Airbnb or Vrbo.

Measure 20-386 was co-authored by Linda John, who has testified to city officials about problems including late-night parties, littering, strained septic systems, and confrontational guest behavior. If approved, the ordinance takes effect 30 days after the election and cannot be changed or repealed unless voters approve future amendments.

Who Is Affected

The ordinance applies to all property owners offering short-term rentals in Dunes City for periods under 30 days. Existing hosts would need to comply with new rules when they renew their annual permits. New short-term rentals would be prohibited entirely.

Properties rented through any platform, including Airbnb and Vrbo, fall under the ordinance. Property owners who fail to follow the new rules face fines and permit revocation if a complaint is filed with Dunes City.

What Hosts Should Do Now

  1. Monitor the election results on November 3, 2026 to see if Measure 20-386 passes.
  2. Review the proposed rules to understand the on-site host requirement, complaint response timeline, and homeowners association compliance obligations.
  3. Consult your homeowners association if your property is subject to HOA rules to ensure you can meet the new compliance requirement.
  4. Prepare for permit renewal by gathering documentation of past compliance if you currently operate a short-term rental.
  5. Assess your business model to determine whether you can meet the on-site host requirement if the measure passes.

The Bigger Picture

Dunes City's proposed measure reflects growing tension in coastal vacation towns between residential neighbors and short-term rental operations. Proponents argue that existing enforcement has been insufficient and that property owners should bear responsibility for guest behavior rather than placing that burden on neighbors. John told KLCC: "We just want our residential neighborhoods to be for neighbors. We're tired of the parties, we're tired of the traffic, we're tired of the disrespect."

Opposition to the measure comes from the Dunes City Property Rights Coalition PAC, which argues the ordinance fundamentally changes how vacation rentals operate and affects owners already following existing rules. Mike Worsham of the coalition stated that the current regulations simply need better enforcement rather than new restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be on-site for my short-term rental in Dunes City?

If Measure 20-386 passes in November 2026, yes. The proposed ordinance requires hosts to be on-site at their properties. This means you would need to physically live and reside inside the home while guests are present.

Can I rent out a property for less than 30 days in Dunes City after the new rules?

If Measure 20-386 passes, new short-term rentals would be banned. Existing rentals could continue only if they comply with new regulations, including having an on-site host and responding to complaints within one hour.

When do the Dunes City short-term rental rules take effect?

If voters approve Measure 20-386 on November 3, 2026, the ordinance takes effect 30 days later. Existing hosts must comply with new regulations when they renew their annual permits.

What happens if I don't follow the new Dunes City short-term rental rules?

If a complaint is filed against your property, Dunes City can impose fines and revoke your permit if you do not comply with the regulations.

Does the Dunes City ordinance apply to Airbnb and Vrbo?

Yes. Measure 20-386 applies to all short-term rentals of less than 30 days, regardless of which platform or listing service is used.

Sources

Check the current rules for your area in the LawfulStay database.

Check current Dunes City STR regulations: View Dunes City rules on LawfulStay

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