They are fairly process focused and promptly communicate with me that needs my involvement, so I am surprised of your situation.

BDS has a good Change of Use or Occupancy flyer - https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bds/article/125287 - that lists the exact situation I'm curious about: "changing a house or duplex in a non-residential zone to a short-term vacation rental," but I can't find more detail about it anywhere else.The City has no shortage of info about accessory short-term rentals that Airbnb will partner with Portland to enforce permits for next year, but I'm interested in requirements for non-accessory short-term vacation rentals (as articulated in that link) located in non-residential zones.

In short, we are seeking advice from anyone who has been in a similar situation.

@Karen SchimpfThank you for helping me understand the situation.

Just avoiding the situation and being hopeful for the best outcome isn't going to get either of you anywhere.

Barbara,It's important in a situation like this to CYA and follow the right procedure. 

This ignores two common situations:1.

In this particular situation, no easements would be required as the lot stretches along the street. 

I still haven’t worked out our exit strategy as I don’t foresee being able to afford a home in the area without other income from tenets for a while but we are starting a family and would like to have a more private living situation.

They had been in a good tier for their mortgage at the beginning of the process, and were in B paper, with a high interest rate.Prepare your financial situation so that you have some extra money set aside for emergencies.