A Vacation or Home Rental lasting less than 28 to 30 consecutive days (the exact duration may vary by county). Rentals exceeding this timeframe are typically categorized as ski leases or long-term rentals.
Short Term Rental Local Regulation
Essential Insights Prior to Purchasing in Lake Tahoe and Truckee Areas
Lake Tahoe's allure as a year-round vacation destination makes property investment in the area highly attractive. With its abundant sunshine, breathtaking scenery, and myriad outdoor activities, it's no wonder buyers are drawn to Lake Tahoe and Truckee. The region sees consistent visitor traffic throughout the year, with peaks during major holidays in both summer and winter.
For those considering property ownership in Lake Tahoe, leveraging short-term rentals (STRs) for additional income is a popular option. However, navigating the regulations governing STRs can be complex. Each community within the Lake Tahoe area has its own set of rules and policies regarding short-term rentals, reflecting concerns about their impact on the local economy and residents' quality of life.
Before diving into an STR arrangement, it's crucial to thoroughly understand the local regulations. While this guide offers insight, it's imperative to verify the current regulations through official county channels, as they may be subject to change. Additionally, it's advisable to seek professional advice to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
South Lake Tahoe
Areas with Allowable Permits - The Tourist Core, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Since the enactment of "Measure T" in 2018, short-term rentals have been prohibited within South Lake Tahoe's city limits, with a few exceptions outlined below for eligible areas.
What is Measure T, by the way?
It aimed to regulate vacation home rentals (VHRs) in the residential areas. The measure was designed to address concerns about the impact of VHRs on the local community, including issues related to noise, parking, and neighborhood character. It was approved by voters on November 6, 2018.
BUT THERE ARE EXEMPTIONS!
The Tourist Core in South Lake Tahoe accommodates vacation rentals and features a restricted number of single-family residences alongside condo complexes such as Lakeland Village, Sierra Shores, and Zalanta.
Check Area Map for allowable Permits…
el dorado County
EL DORADO COUNTY PERMITS ARE AVAILABLE!
Neighborhoods in South Lake Tahoe beyond the highlighted red area fall under county jurisdiction. While vacation rentals are permitted in these areas, they are subject to a 900-permit cap and a 500-foot buffer zone around each VHR/STR property.
Applications are still being accepted in the Tahoe Basin, and there is no cap in the West Slope area. Please note that active permits do not transfer to new owners when a property changes ownership; instead, they become null and void upon sale.
At present, permits in the Tahoe Basin remain accessible as the limit of 900 permits has not been reached. Additionally, there is no cap in the West Slope Area. However, in El Dorado County, there must also be a 500-foot separation between rental properties.
Placer County
Placer County- West Shore Areas
In certain sections of the West Shore, such as Homewood and parts of Tahoma, which fall within Placer County, new applications for short-term rental permits will be processed in the order they are received until the total permit cap is reached. Once the cap is met, any pending or incoming permit applications will be placed on a waitlist.
Update on Short Term Rent Permits:
-As Nov. 2023, the approved cap is 3,900 STR permit.
-As of May 2024, there are currently 3,435 Licensed Short-Term Rental properties
