Dunes City, a coastal community of about 1,400 residents located six miles south of Florence, Oregon, is heading to the polls this November with a decisive question on short‑term vacation rentals. Measure 20-386, introduced by resident Linda John, seeks to bar the city from issuing permits for any new rentals and to impose stricter requirements on the 26 existing rentals, including the mandate that each property have an on‑site host living on the premises.
What the measure would change
If approved, the city could no longer grant permits for new short‑term rentals such as those listed on Airbnb or VRBO. Existing rentals would be required to have a resident host—either in the main house or an accessory dwelling unit—present for the entire guest stay. The measure also shifts complaint handling from the city to the property owner, on‑site host, or emergency contact, giving them 60 minutes to address a violation rather than the current 30‑minute response window.
City officials weigh in
Mayor Ed McGuire described the debate as “very polarizing” and noted that the issue has become the focal point of this election season. City Administrator James Divis highlighted that the short‑term rental program currently generates roughly $88,000 annually from application fees, permit fees, and a 5 % monthly fee on gross rental revenue. He also pointed out that the program consumes significant staff time, noting the part‑time compliance officer tasked with enforcement.
Divis cautioned that only one of the city’s dozens of rentals—specifically the property across the street from John—has been consistently problematic, describing complaints as “subjective” unless they rise to a clear ordinance violation.
Neighbors’ concerns
Linda John, who authored the measure, lives across the street from the contentious rental whose permit was recently revoked for multiple violations. She recounted repeated noise, overcrowding, trash, and traffic issues, saying, “I just feel like a lot of them don’t care about the neighbors. They just want the money.” John and her husband, Chris John, who is challenging Mayor McGuire in the upcoming mayoral race, argue that the current rules are insufficient to protect residents’ quality of life.
Opposition perspective
Vacation‑rental owner Mike Worsham, an accountant who runs a four‑acre property on Woahink Lake, opposes the measure. He noted five substantiated violations in 2026, four of which involved the rental opposite John’s home. Worsham praised the city’s existing regulations, saying, “I don’t agree with everything they do, but honestly, I think they’re doing a pretty darn good job.” He warned that requiring an on‑site host would deter guests and could cripple the short‑term rental market in Dunes City.
Worsham also disputed claims of a “septic danger,” noting that the city has had no septic system leaks or overflows for years. While John cited a single septic leak incident in 2024‑2025, Divis said he was not familiar with that event.
Potential impact
Supporters argue the measure would restore the residential character of Dunes City, which, despite its tourism reliance, is primarily a housing community. Critics contend that the restrictions could reduce tourism revenue and limit homeowners’ ability to generate supplemental income.
Should Measure 20-386 pass, the new rules would take effect within 30 days of the election and could not be amended, revised, or repealed without another voter‑approved ballot measure. Existing rental owners would have a year to come into compliance.
What’s next
Voters will receive a sample ballot in the coming weeks, and both sides are expected to intensify outreach as the November election approaches. The outcome will determine whether Dunes City tightens control over short‑term rentals or maintains its current regulatory framework.
Original reporting: Homepage – Lookout Eugene-Springfield — read the source article.
