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.

Let's make sure you have everything you need to apply for 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. To apply for a TOT certificate please use this link.

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.

3 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.

STR Fire Life Safety and Defensible Space Inspection 

We are allowing STR homeowners to apply for 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 applicants will be required to have both passing fire inspections. BOTH interior and exterior fire inspections will be verified at time of 2024 permit renewal. If you do not have both passing inspections at the time of renewal your permit will not be renewed. You will have to reapply once your inspections are completed. 

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.

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 apply for your STR permit. Please follow this link to the online STR permit applicationApply for your STR permit here

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.  

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 4 p.m

Address
Tahoe City Office

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