Short-Term Vacation Rental Program

Permit Costs

Maximum Occupancy

Maximum occupancy is defined as two people per bedroom, plus two additional people, excluding children under 16 years of age. A “bedroom” means a room containing a minimum of 70 square feet that meets all requirements of the California Residential Code and contains a window or opening for emergency egress structures. 

Renewal

Renewal of the 12-month permit must occur prior to the expiration date unless revoked or suspended earlier. The permit and renewal fees are non-refundable. To be eligible for renewal the unit must have a bear bin installed by March 31, 2021.

Permit Exemptions

Short-term rentals within existing resorts and residential associations may be exempt from permit requirements at the discretion of the Community Development Resource Agency Director. To determine if the resort or association is exempt from permit requirements, please call 530-581-6234 or email str@placer.ca.gov to schedule an appointment with County staff.  Interested parties (i.e. resort or HOA representative) should bring a written exemption request and the supplemental information described in the list of required information for staff to review, discuss and render a decision if satisfactory information is provided to support the requested exemption. 

HOA’s may collectively represent the parcels within the association if so desired. In these instances, a representative of the association is to remit a schedule of parcels/addresses represented along with the items identified above for exemption consideration.

Property Management

A participating property management company must be a licensed firm to request inspections, pay the permit/renewal fees and the Transient Occupancy Tax.

Short-Term Rental Ordinance Standards

Property owners are responsible for reviewing the entire short-term rental ordinance, but the following standards provide an abbreviated version:

• Property Owner’s Responsibility – It is the responsibility of the property owner to prevent nuisance behavior and maintain neighborhood peace and quiet.
• Local Contact – A local contact person must be personally available by telephone on a 24-hour basis with the ability to be physically present at the rental within one hour of being contacted by code compliance, the Placer County Sheriff’s Office or the guest(s).
• Parking – On-site parking must be provided, or an off-site parking plan needs to be submitted for county approval if no on-site parking is available.
• Noise – Nighttime noise limits are from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. and must be posted within the rental.
• Trash and Refuse – Weekly trash collection must be provided, and guests are prohibited from accumulating trash outside unless it is deposited in a proper “animal proof” enclosure such as a bear bin.
• Interior Posting Requirements – The Placer County Good Neighbor Flyer shall be posted within the interior of the rental in a visual location. The posting must contain the local contact person’s phone number, emergency evacuation information and a notice of financial penalties for violations. 
• Visible Address – The property’s address must be visible from the street.
• Emergency Communications - A telephone landline, Voice Over Internet Protocol or a monitored alarm system must be available in homes with poor cellular service.
• Fire Inspections – Life safety fire inspections are required once every three years by the local fire department to ensure the rental complies with requirements related to fire extinguishers, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, emergency communications, fireplaces, grills and barbeques.
• Fire – Guests are prohibited from having open fire pits, bonfires or campfires.
• Grills and Barbeques – Charcoal grills of any type are prohibited but gas grills and barbeques are permitted outside if they are located at least 10 feet from a structure or flammable source.
• Camping – Overnight camping and recreational vehicles are not allowed on the property. 
• Special Events – A county permit must be obtained to host an event that has the potential to cause noise, traffic and parking problems. Examples of special events requiring a permit include but is not limited to weddings, corporate events, and commercial functions.
• Subletting – Guests are prohibited from subletting a short-term rental.
• Deed Restrictions – A property with a deed restriction or agreement restricting its use cannot be used as a short-term rental.

Violations

The fine for a code violation is up to $500 per day for each violation in the first citation and up to $1,000 per day for each violation in the second citation. A second citation is one that occurs within the same 12-month period as the first citation. Placer County Code Compliance may deny, revoke or suspend a short-term rental permit. Please refer to the ordinance for details regarding non-compliance.

Appeal

An appeal of a penalty or decision on a permit application may be filed in writing within 10 calendar days of the notification. Written appeals can be sent to 775 North Lake Boulevard, Tahoe City, CA 96145 or emailed to str@placer.ca.gov.

Contact

For questions about Placer County’s Short-Term Rental Program, please contact:

530-581-6234
str@placer.ca.gov
Code Compliance Services