Short-Term Vacation Rental Program

Short-Term Rental Ordinance

Home on the waters of lake tahoe Opens in new window

Short-term rentals are residential units rented for 30 days or less, typically advertised as vacation rentals. The ordinance adopted in April 2022 is intended to preserve residential neighborhood character and address community concerns regarding nuisances caused by STR operations. It includes updates to noise, trash, parking, and occupancy, increased penalties and fines, and additional requirements to ensure each STR is operating in compliance with building and fire codes. The ordinance also contains new cap provisions limiting the quantity of STR operations in East Placer County. Anyone operating or advertising an STR without an issued permit will be subject to the penalties as defined in section 9.42.100 (A) of the STR Ordinance.



  1. STR Permit Applications
  2. STR Permit Renewals
  3. Fire Inspections
  4. Helpful STR Info
  5. Update Permit

STR Permit Application Requirements 

 Let's make sure you have everything you need to apply for an STR Permit.  

1 Proof of STR Fire Life Safety and Defensible Space Inspection

The Board of Supervisors have brought a minor amendment forward that states that beginning March 31, 2024, all short-term rentals shall provide a passing fire-life safety inspection upon permit application or renewal (required annually for privately managed STRs or every three years for professionally managed STRs). This gives an extension on inspections until 3/31/24. Please get both passing inspections uploaded to your permit before that date.  New homeowners must acquire new fire inspections; the previous homeowner’s inspections report will not be accepted.  Please contact your local fire district to schedule a Fire Life Safety and Defensible Space Inspection appointment.  Please see the "Fire Inspections" tab for specific Fire District contact information.

2 Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Certificate

You must hold a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Certificate to use your property as a short-term rental. To apply for a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Certificate, please visit here 

3 Business License Number

The requirement for STR permit holders to obtain a business license is removed.  (Please note: STR units outside of the Tahoe region are not subject to the STR program; therefore, those units are still required to obtain a business license). 

4 Proof of Bear Bin/Dumpster

Photo evidence of an installed bear box trash enclosure or dumpster is required for all STR Permit applications. If you have a bear bin, please ensure the photo includes the STR property with the address in the background or has the address on the bear bin.

5 Proof of Primary Homeowner Exemption (copy of the property tax bill with the correct homeowner exemption designation) 

If you propose to use your primary residence as a short-term rental, a copy of your property taxes is required to document a homeowner's exemption. If this is NOT your primary residence, you can skip this step. For information about how to apply for the homeowner exemption, please visit here.

6 Payment Fee

There is a Short-Term Rental Application fee of $306 that is applicable for both privately and professionally managed properties.

7 Renting without a STR permit

You may not rent on a short-term basis while your STR permit application is pending. If you do so, you are in violation of the STR ordinance and may be cited.

Ok, now you're ready to apply, please follow this link to the online application

Apply here for your STR Permit


 

Complaints

It is important for our Code Compliance team to witness violations so please call the hotline for the fastest response.

1. For the fastest response, please call our 24/7 hotline at 530-448-8003 to report a violation. Be sure to include your name, phone number, address of the property you are reporting and a description of the violation occurring. 

2. As a backup option, you may also submit complaints via email to [email protected]. Be sure to include your name, phone number, address of the property you are reporting and a description of the violation occurring.  


*NOTE: All complaints are kept confidential. If you choose to submit an anonymous complaint it will not be addressed by Placer County staff.


Contact Us:

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 530-581-6234

Hours
Office Hours: Monday through Friday - 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Public Counter Posting Pickup Hours: Monday through Thursday - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m

Address
Tahoe City Office

PO Box 1909
775 North Lake Blvd.
Tahoe City, CA 96145