A federal judge has upheld a requirement in the City of Hood River’s short-term rental ordinances requiring that STR license holders in residential zones either reside on the property as their primary residence or have a designated lessee who does. A group of homeowners challenged the law, arguing the ordinance’s residency requirement violates the Dormant Commerce Clause by discriminating against out-of-state homeowners, thereby limiting their ability to participate in the vacation rental market. Federal District Court Judge Adrienne Nelson ruled the threshold requirement of showing that the ordinances impose a substantial burden on interstate commerce was not reached. She added the Court “accepts the explanation provided in the ordinances that their purpose is to ensure housing supply, promote quality of life, avoid clusters of vacation rentals, and reduce hardship on out-of-state property owners.” Mayor Paul Blackburn said the City was pleased with the court’s decision.