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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Lake County, CA

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Lake County codifies 'bed and breakfast' (max 2 guest rooms) and 'bed and breakfast inn' (3–8 guest rooms) with requirements: no cooking in guest rooms, parking one space per guest room, fire/life-safety compliance, and a maximum stay for inns of 14 consecutive days. County code does not include a separate whole-house short-term rental category; transient stays under 30 days are subject to the County’s Transient Occupancy Tax.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) For bed-and-breakfast uses: apply to the County Planning/Community Development for a zoning permit (valid up to five years). 2) For any transient lodging under 30 days: register with the Lake County Tax Collector using the TOT/TID Registration Form to obtain a Transient Occupancy Registration Certificate. 3) Comply with fire and life safety requirements as specified by the County Building Official.

Official Resources

Official Lake County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Lake County, CA?
Lake County codifies 'bed and breakfast' (max 2 guest rooms) and 'bed and breakfast inn' (3–8 guest rooms) with requirements: no cooking in guest rooms, parking one space per guest room, fire/life-safety compliance, and a maximum stay for inns of 14 consecutive days. County code does not include a separate whole-house short-term rental category; transient stays under 30 days are subject to the County’s Transient Occupancy Tax.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Lake County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Lake County. 1) For bed-and-breakfast uses: apply to the County Planning/Community Development for a zoning permit (valid up to five years). 2) For any transient lodging under 30 days: register with the Lake County Tax Collector using the TOT/TID Registration Form to obtain a Transient Occupancy Registration Certificate. 3) Comply with fire and life safety requirements as specified by the County Building Official.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Lake County?
1) For bed-and-breakfast uses: apply to the County Planning/Community Development for a zoning permit (valid up to five years). 2) For any transient lodging under 30 days: register with the Lake County Tax Collector using the TOT/TID Registration Form to obtain a Transient Occupancy Registration Certificate. 3) Comply with fire and life safety requirements as specified by the County Building Official.

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: March 2026 · Suggest a correction