Park City vs Portland

Utah Legal with Permit | Oregon Legal but Limited

Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.

Park City, Utah
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $149 administrative fee + $28.74/bedroom (annual)
Tax Rate ~8.6% combined (state + local sales + 1% municipal TRT + 0.32% state TRT)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Daily fines per violation; license revocation for repeat offenses
Portland, Oregon
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling)
Tax Rate 11.5% Transient Lodging Tax (6% city + 5.5% county) + 3% TID + 1.5% state
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $26,201 across five violation types; permit revocation with 2-year ban

Park City has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

Park City charges $149 administrative fee + $28.74/bedroom (annual) for STR licensing, while Portland charges $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling). Park City renewal is annual, and Portland renewal is every 2 years. Overall, Park City has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal with Permit) compared to Portland (Legal but Limited).

Tax Obligations

In Park City, hosts pay ~8.6% combined (state + local sales + 1% municipal TRT + 0.32% state TRT). In Portland, hosts pay 11.5% Transient Lodging Tax (6% city + 5.5% county) + 3% TID + 1.5% state. Both cities benefit from automatic platform tax collection through Airbnb and similar services, simplifying compliance for hosts.

Day Limits & Restrictions

Neither city imposes an annual day limit on short-term rentals, giving hosts year-round flexibility.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in Park City face penalties including Daily fines per violation; license revocation for repeat offenses. In Portland, violations can result in Up to $26,201 across five violation types; permit revocation with 2-year ban. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

Park City Overview

Nightly Rental License required; only certain zones allow STRs (e.g., Old Town, Canyons Village). Areas like Prospector and Meadows Estates prohibit nightly rentals. Must pass building inspection and designate 24/7 local contact.

Contact: Park City Finance Department — (435) 615-5231

Full Park City guide →

Portland Overview

Only accessory (hosted) short-term rentals allowed; resident must occupy the dwelling at least 270 days/year. Type A permits allow up to 2 bedrooms and 5 guests. Whole-home unhosted rentals are prohibited.

Contact: Portland Permitting & Development — (503) 823-2633

Full Portland guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Park City or Portland?
Park City is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Portland is "Legal but Limited." Park City's permit fee is $149 administrative fee + $28.74/bedroom (annual) compared to $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling) in Portland. Overall, Park City has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Park City or Portland?
Park City charges ~8.6% combined (state + local sales + 1% municipal TRT + 0.32% state TRT), while Portland charges 11.5% Transient Lodging Tax (6% city + 5.5% county) + 3% TID + 1.5% state.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Park City: Daily fines per violation; license revocation for repeat offenses. Portland: Up to $26,201 across five violation types; permit revocation with 2-year ban. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Park City and Portland have day limits for Airbnb?
Park City has no annual day limit. Portland has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Park City or Portland?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Park City charges $149 administrative fee + $28.74/bedroom (annual) for permits with ~8.6% combined (state + local sales + 1% municipal TRT + 0.32% state TRT) in taxes. Portland charges $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling) with 11.5% Transient Lodging Tax (6% city + 5.5% county) + 3% TID + 1.5% state. Automatic tax collection in Park City and Portland makes compliance easier for beginners.