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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in El Dorado County, CA

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals (VHRs and HHRs) are restricted by a 900-permit cap in the Tahoe Basin and a 500-foot anti-clustering requirement between VHR parcels. Operations require a minimum of two on-site parking spaces, specific interior/exterior signage, and adherence to quiet hours (10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.). Rentals must be for at least one night but no more than 30 consecutive days.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Register for a business license and Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) certificate. 2. Submit an online application via the HDL portal including property diagrams, parking plans, and safety checklists. 3. Pass a fire and safety inspection and pay the required permit fees.

Official Resources

Official El Dorado County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in El Dorado County, CA?
Airbnb listings are allowed in El Dorado County, CA, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals (VHRs and HHRs) are restricted by a 900-permit cap in the Tahoe Basin and a 500-foot anti-clustering requirement between VHR parcels. Operations require a minimum of two on-site parking spaces, specific interior/exterior signage, and adherence to quiet hours (10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.). Rentals must be for at least one night but no more than 30 consecutive days. 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.
Are short-term rentals allowed in El Dorado County, CA?
Short-term rentals (VHRs and HHRs) are restricted by a 900-permit cap in the Tahoe Basin and a 500-foot anti-clustering requirement between VHR parcels. Operations require a minimum of two on-site parking spaces, specific interior/exterior signage, and adherence to quiet hours (10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.). Rentals must be for at least one night but no more than 30 consecutive days.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in El Dorado County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in El Dorado County. 1. Register for a business license and Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) certificate. 2. Submit an online application via the HDL portal including property diagrams, parking plans, and safety checklists. 3. Pass a fire and safety inspection and pay the required permit fees.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in El Dorado County?
1. Register for a business license and Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) certificate. 2. Submit an online application via the HDL portal including property diagrams, parking plans, and safety checklists. 3. Pass a fire and safety inspection and pay the required permit fees.
Is Vrbo legal in El Dorado County, CA?
Vrbo is permitted in El Dorado 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.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in El Dorado County?
Short-term rental hosts in El Dorado 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.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in El Dorado County?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for El Dorado County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.

Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction