Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Placer County, CA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Placer County, CA, but with restrictions. STRs are defined as residential units rented for 1 to 30 days; the county imposes an overall cap of 3,900 STR permits with owner-occupied STRs exempt. Nighttime occupancy is limited to two people per bedroom plus two additional people (max 12); a 24/7 local contact within 35 driving miles and specific bear-proof trash requirements apply. 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.

STRs are defined as residential units rented for 1 to 30 days; the county imposes an overall cap of 3,900 STR permits with owner-occupied STRs exempt. Nighttime occupancy is limited to two people per bedroom plus two additional people (max 12); a 24/7 local contact within 35 driving miles and specific bear-proof trash requirements apply.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Placer County. 1) Obtain a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) certificate and prepare documentation (e.g., proof of primary residence if exempt from cap); 2) Provide a passing exterior defensible space inspection and submit the online application via the county portal with a $326.02 fee; 3) Complete a required interior Fire Life Safety inspection and provide proof of bear-proof trash containers.

1) Obtain a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) certificate and prepare documentation (e.g., proof of primary residence if exempt from cap); 2) Provide a passing exterior defensible space inspection and submit the online application via the county portal with a $326.02 fee; 3) Complete a required interior Fire Life Safety inspection and provide proof of bear-proof trash containers.

Vrbo is permitted in Placer 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 Placer 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 Placer County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.