South Lake Tahoe, California

Short-Term Rental Regulations — El Dorado County

Allowed (Permit Required)

STR Status

Permit: Required
✓ Verified against the official ordinance.View source· Last verified 6/19/2026
150 ftBuffer Distance

Permit & Licensing

Permit RequiredYes
License CostApplication fee $548; annual fee outside residential areas: $200/$350/$650/$850; annual fee inside residential areas: $670/$1,340/$2,680/$3,485; inspection fee $285
Renewalannual
Permit Cap900 permits
Business License RequiredNot specified
WaitlistYes

Owner Requirements

Owner Occupancy RequiredNot specified
Primary Residence RequiredNot specified
Insurance RequiredNot specified

Limits & Restrictions

Density / Distance Capno more than one vacation home rental shall operate on a parcel
Parking RequiredYes

Taxes & Fees

Transient Occupancy Tax / TOTyes - transient occupancy tax assessed

Zoning Restrictions

  • VHRs prohibited in multifamily dwellings; condominiums eligible unless HOA prohibits; residential areas subject to 900-permit cap

Official Sources

Data confidence: 92%Last updated: June 8, 2026

Short-term rental rules in South Lake Tahoe, California

Short-term rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo) in South Lake Tahoe, California are allowed with a permit. Operators must obtain a permit (fee: Application fee $548; annual f). A lodging/occupancy tax of yes - transient occu applies.

Frequently asked questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in South Lake Tahoe, California?

Short-term rentals (including Airbnb and Vrbo) are allowed with a permit in South Lake Tahoe, California.

Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in South Lake Tahoe?

A short-term rental permit is required, the fee is Application fee $548; annual f.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in South Lake Tahoe?

Short-term rentals in South Lake Tahoe are subject to a lodging/occupancy tax of yes - transient occu.

Where do these South Lake Tahoe short-term rental rules come from?

These details are verified against South Lake Tahoe's official short-term rental ordinance and updated when the rules change.

Always verify before you buy. Short-term-rental rules change often and may not be fully current here. Confirm directly with South Lake Tahoe, El Dorado County, or California authorities — and consult a qualified attorney — before purchasing property or operating an STR. This is not legal advice.