Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Alpine County, CA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Alpine County, CA, but with restrictions. Alpine County Code Chapter 18.73 allows residential short-term rentals only in zones that allow residential use; accessory dwelling units and junior ADUs built after 2017 are prohibited from STR use; exemptions include rentals offered up to five nights per year and one bedroom in an owner-occupied residence (<=3 guests). County requires compliance with standards for noise, trash, parking, 24/7 contact availability, and proof of transient occupancy tax payment. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Alpine County Code Chapter 18.73 allows residential short-term rentals only in zones that allow residential use; accessory dwelling units and junior ADUs built after 2017 are prohibited from STR use; exemptions include rentals offered up to five nights per year and one bedroom in an owner-occupied residence (<=3 guests). County requires compliance with standards for noise, trash, parking, 24/7 contact availability, and proof of transient occupancy tax payment.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Alpine County. 1) Create and submit an application via the County’s online permitting portal (Iworq) including the STR Registration Form, Short-Term Rental Standards Compliance Agreement, Alpine County Business License (if applicable), and Transient Occupancy Tax registration; 2) Pay the annual registration fee (STR fee $385; business license $29 where applicable) and provide required safety items (smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguisher) and a 24/7 local contact; 3) County issues an annual STR license (term runs July 1–June 30; renew annually; prorated if issued mid-year).

1) Create and submit an application via the County’s online permitting portal (Iworq) including the STR Registration Form, Short-Term Rental Standards Compliance Agreement, Alpine County Business License (if applicable), and Transient Occupancy Tax registration; 2) Pay the annual registration fee (STR fee $385; business license $29 where applicable) and provide required safety items (smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguisher) and a 24/7 local contact; 3) County issues an annual STR license (term runs July 1–June 30; renew annually; prorated if issued mid-year).

Vrbo is permitted in Alpine County, CA under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Alpine County are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Alpine County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.