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Short-Term Vacation Rental Program
Short-Term Rental Ordinance
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.
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 Version OptionsShort-Term Vacation Rental ProgramHeadline
Version OptionsShort-Term Vacation Rental ProgramHeadline
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 Version OptionsShort-Term Vacation Rental ProgramHeadline.
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
You can only renew your permit 30 days prior to your permit expiration date. Please make sure to renew before your expiration date, or your permit will expire and you will have to reapply.
Let's make sure you have everything you need to renew your Short-Term Rental (STR) Permit.
1 Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Certificate
You must hold a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Certificate to use your property as a short-term rental.
2 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).
3 Proof of Bear Bin/Dumpster
You will need a Bear Box photo that includes the front of the house (or house number on the bear box), with the address showing if possible. If not, simply a pic of the bear box with the front of house in the background should suffice. If you have a condo, a picture of the closest dumpster will suffice.
4 Local Contact Person
A Local Contact Person is an individual who is personally available by telephone on a twenty-four (24)-hour basis and who maintains the ability to be onsite within sixty (60) minutes (25 driving miles, considering weather and traffic) and who has access and authority to assume management of the unit. An agent or professional property management company that meets the availability requirements can serve as the local contact person.
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. For information about how to apply for the homeowner exemption, please visit here.
6 Proof of STR Fire Life Safety and Defensible Space Inspection
We are allowing STR permit holders to renew their STR permits until March 31, 2024 without proof that your STR property has passed either or both of the required inspections. After that date, all STR renewal applications will require passing inspections. Your STR permit will be revoked if you fail to provide proof of passing both your fire inspections by the end of day on March 31, 2024. If your STR permit is revoked because you failed to complete your fire inspection requirement, you may not apply for a new permit for two years.
7 Payment Fee
There is a Short-Term Rental Application fee of $306 that is applicable for both privately and professionally managed properties.
Ok, now you're ready to renew, please follow this link to the online renewal application: Renew your permit here!
Fire Inspections
The deadline to provide proof of passing the fire life safety and defensible space inspections is 4/1/2024 for all new applicants and permit renewals. Please complete both of your fire inspections and upload them to your STR permit before that time. To upload your passing inspections, please go here Version OptionsShort-Term Vacation Rental ProgramHeadline.
North Tahoe Fire Departments and Truckee Fire Departments (areas not including Northstar or Olympic Valley) will be collecting their own fees and conducting their own inspections as of 4/1/23. Please go to the links below to pay and schedule your inspections.
North Tahoe Fire District: www.ntfire.net
Truckee Fire Department www.truckeefire.org
Northstar and Olympic Valley will have Placer County collecting their fees and conducting the fire life safety inspections for Northstar and Olympic Valley STR operators for the 2023 permit cycle. The Northstar and OV Fire Departments will collect and conduct the Defensible Space inspections for this same area.
Northstar and Olympic Valley Fire Life Safety Inspections: Schedule Fire Life Safety Inspection for Northstar and OV
Northstar Fire District Defensible Space inspection: Schedule Northstar Defensible Space
Olympic Valley Fire District Defensible Space Inspection: Please contact them at (530) 583-4692 to schedule an inspection.
Please use this checklist to prepare for your Fire Life Safety Inspection:
Fire Fees
Please reach out to your individual Fire District for their current inspection fees.
- STR Ordinance
- STR Ordinance Fact Sheet
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Eastern Placer Boundary for STR Ordinance (Map)
STR Owners/Managers
It is the owner's responsibility to ensure the short-term rental unit and all guests comply with the ordinance and that all mandatory postings are posted in each unit in accordance with the ordinance requirements. Fines may be cited towards the owner and guests for noncompliance.
Mandatory Postings
Sticker or bear box magnet (available for pick up at Tahoe City office after your STR permit has been issued)
Supplemental Optional Postings
Access your STR Portal
If you need to update any of your permit information, such as a change in your Property Manager or Local Contact, use the link below. You can also upload any documents such as passing Fire Inspections, Bear Bin Photo, or a Primary Homeowner documentation.
Please use this link: Update 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