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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Sacramento, CA

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

Zoning & Conditions

Primary-residence operators may operate with a permit; non-primary properties are restricted to 90 aggregate days per calendar year (stays over 90 days must be 31+ days). Maximum occupancy is six guests per parcel unless otherwise indicated. Operators must maintain a Business Operation Tax account ($50/year) and remit a 12% Transient Occupancy Tax.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Apply online via the City’s Public Permit Portal (Accela) or submit the Short-Term Rental Permit Application and Property Owner Consent form. 2) Pay the required fees (New: $260, Renewal: $250) and maintain an active Business Operation Tax account. 3) Provide proof of primary residence (if applicable) and comply with quarterly registry requirements.

Regulatory Updates — Sacramento

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedJanuary 2025

90-Day Cap Enforcement for Non-Primary Properties

Sacramento ramped up enforcement of the 90-aggregate-day cap for non-primary STR properties, using platform booking data to audit operator compliance and issuing fines for exceeding the annual limit.

PassedJuly 2024

Business Operation Tax Account Requirement Reaffirmed

The City reminded all STR operators that a Sacramento Business Operation Tax account ($50/year) is required in addition to the STR permit, with penalties for operators without active accounts.

PassedMarch 2024

Transient Occupancy Tax Audit Program Expanded

Sacramento expanded its TOT audit program to cover STRs booking through platforms that do not automatically remit the city's 12% Transient Occupancy Tax, requiring operators to self-certify monthly remittance.

Official Resources

Official Sacramento STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing regulatory advocacy and model ordinance guidance for vacation rental professionals in Sacramento and other California markets.

California Rental Housing AssociationStatewide

Statewide property owner and landlord advocacy group monitoring Sacramento STR regulations and opposing overly restrictive night caps or permit limitations.

Visit SacramentoLocal

Sacramento's destination marketing organization that monitors STR accommodation supply and its role in supporting visitor capacity for conventions, state government visits, and major events.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Sacramento, CA?
Yes — Airbnb and other short-term rentals are allowed in Sacramento, CA, but operators must obtain a permit before listing. Primary-residence operators may operate with a permit; non-primary properties are restricted to 90 aggregate days per calendar year (stays over 90 days must be 31+ days). Maximum occupancy is six guests per parcel unless otherwise indicated. Operators must maintain a Business Operation Tax account ($50/year) and remit a 12% Transient Occupancy Tax. "Airbnb" is a brand name; the rules on this page apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.). See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Sacramento, CA?
Primary-residence operators may operate with a permit; non-primary properties are restricted to 90 aggregate days per calendar year (stays over 90 days must be 31+ days). Maximum occupancy is six guests per parcel unless otherwise indicated. Operators must maintain a Business Operation Tax account ($50/year) and remit a 12% Transient Occupancy Tax.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Sacramento?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Sacramento. 1) Apply online via the City’s Public Permit Portal (Accela) or submit the Short-Term Rental Permit Application and Property Owner Consent form. 2) Pay the required fees (New: $260, Renewal: $250) and maintain an active Business Operation Tax account. 3) Provide proof of primary residence (if applicable) and comply with quarterly registry requirements.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Sacramento?
1) Apply online via the City’s Public Permit Portal (Accela) or submit the Short-Term Rental Permit Application and Property Owner Consent form. 2) Pay the required fees (New: $260, Renewal: $250) and maintain an active Business Operation Tax account. 3) Provide proof of primary residence (if applicable) and comply with quarterly registry requirements.
Is Vrbo legal in Sacramento, CA?
Yes. Vrbo operates under the same short-term rental rules as Airbnb in Sacramento, CA, since regulations apply to the rental activity rather than the booking platform. A permit is required before you list on Vrbo or any other platform. Last verified 2026-05-14.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Sacramento?
Short-term rental hosts in Sacramento 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 Sacramento?
The most recent tracked change in Sacramento is "90-Day Cap Enforcement for Non-Primary Properties" (2025-01-01, status: passed). Sacramento ramped up enforcement of the 90-aggregate-day cap for non-primary STR properties, using platform booking data to audit operator compliance and issuing fines for exceeding the annual limit. See the regulatory updates section on this page for the full history.
Is there a night cap for primary residence STRs in Sacramento?
No. If the Sacramento property is your primary residence, there is no annual night cap on STR stays. You can rent it as frequently as you choose, provided you maintain a valid permit and comply with all occupancy and tax requirements.
What happens if I exceed the 90-day cap on my non-primary property?
Exceeding the 90-aggregate-day cap on non-primary properties is a violation subject to fines. Once your rental days exceed 90 in a calendar year, any additional stays must be 31 nights or longer to comply. Sacramento monitors platform booking data and audits operators annually.
What taxes do I owe on my Sacramento STR?
You must remit Sacramento's 12% Transient Occupancy Tax on all STR stays, plus maintain a Business Operation Tax account ($50/year). Some platforms remit TOT automatically; verify which taxes your platform covers before assuming full compliance.
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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