How to get a vacation rental permit in Sacramento

Operating a short-term or vacation rental in Sacramento requires understanding and complying with local regulations aimed at balancing tourism and neighborhood preservation. This guide details the steps to legally obtain a vacation rental permit in Sacramento.

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Types of Short-Term Rental Licenses in Sacramento

1. Primary Residence Short-Term Rental Permit

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• Applies to properties where the owner lives on-site.

• Allows for the rental of up to two rooms within the primary residence.

  • No limit on rental days as long as the owner is present.

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2. Non-Primary Residence Short-Term Rental Permit

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• For entire properties where the owner does not reside.

• Limited to 90 rental days per calendar year.

• Requires compliance with zoning and additional operational rules.

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Key Requirements for STR Licensing in Sacramento

1. Zoning Compliance

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• Verify the property is in a zone that permits STRs using the Sacramento Zoning Map.

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2. Proof of Ownership or Lease Agreement

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• Owners must provide proof of ownership.

• Tenants must submit a notarized letter from the property owner granting permission to operate an STR.

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3. Business Operations Tax Certificate

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• Apply for a Business Operations Tax (BOT) Certificate through the city.

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4. Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Registration

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• Register to collect and remit the TOT tax (12%) to the city for stays under 30 days.

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5. Safety and Health Compliance

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• Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

• Provide fire extinguishers and meet all building code requirements.

• Maintain property in compliance with health and safety standards.

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6. Neighbor Notification

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• Notify adjacent property owners of your intent to operate a short-term rental.

• Include your contact information for complaints or concerns.

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Application Process for a Vacation Rental Permit in Sacramento

Step 1: Verify Zoning and Apply for a BOT Certificate

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• Confirm zoning compliance and apply for a Business Operations Tax Certificate via the City of Sacramento Portal.

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Step 2: Register for Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)

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• Register to collect and remit the TOT tax to the city.

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Step 3: Submit Required Documentation

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• Proof of ownership or lease.

• Neighbor notification confirmation.

• Proof of compliance with safety regulations.

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Step 4: Pay Permit Fees

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• Primary Residence Permit: $125 annually

• Non-Primary Residence Permit: $500 annually

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Step 5: Display Permit Number

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• Display your permit number on all booking platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, etc.).

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Penalties for Non-Compliance

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Failure to comply with Sacramento's STR regulations can result in:

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• Fines: Starting at $250 per violation.

• Permit Revocation: For repeated or severe violations.

• Legal Action: Potential legal proceedings for continued non-compliance.

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How Lodge Compliance Can Help

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Lodge Compliance simplifies the vacation rental permit process in Sacramento by offering:

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• Permit Application Assistance: Step-by-step guidance through the licensing process.

• Compliance Monitoring: Stay informed of local regulation changes.

• Operational Support: Implement health and safety standards to remain compliant.

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Ready to operate your vacation rental legally in Sacramento? Request a Demo to see how Lodge Compliance can help you streamline the process and stay compliant.

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Operate Legally and Maximize Your Earnings

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Sacramento’s vacation rental market offers excellent income opportunities. By following the city’s regulations and maintaining high operational standards, you can build a successful and legally compliant rental business.