Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in South Lake Tahoe?

**Yes**, South Lake Tahoe requires a Vacation Home Rental (VHR) Permit. You need to apply for a permit, which costs $1050. Note that rentals are prohibited in most residential zones, so verify your property's eligibility in the 'Tourist Core' or a commercial zone before applying. (53 words)

What is the TOT tax rate in South Lake Tahoe?

**12% TOT** is the current transient occupancy tax rate for short-term rentals in South Lake Tahoe. Hosts are responsible for collecting this tax from guests and remitting it to the city. Be aware that Airbnb and VRBO may automatically collect a portion of this tax in certain jurisdictions. (55 words)

Are short-term rentals allowed in South Lake Tahoe?

**No**, short-term rentals are prohibited in most residential areas of South Lake Tahoe. The City of South Lake Tahoe enforces strict regulations, primarily limiting new permits to the 'Tourist Core' and commercial zones. Verify your property's zoning designation with the city's planning department before listing on Airbnb. (50 words)

How much does an STR permit cost in South Lake Tahoe?

**$1050** is the current fee for a Vacation Home Rental (VHR) Permit in South Lake Tahoe. You need this permit to legally operate a short-term rental in the designated areas. The permit requires passing a fire safety inspection and installing a 'bear box' for trash disposal. (50 words)

Can renters host on Airbnb in South Lake Tahoe?

**No**, tenants are not permitted to host on Airbnb or other short-term rental platforms in South Lake Tahoe. The VHR permit requires the applicant to be the property owner. Subletting or renting out a property without the owner's consent and the required VHR permit is strictly prohibited. (51 words)

South Lake Tahoe

Prohibited

STRs Allowed

CaliforniaLast updated: February 10, 2026

Gold Standard Verification

100%

Forensically verified with 3+ official sources

Verified: Jan 30, 2026

4 Official Sources

Summary

South Lake Tahoe enforces one of the strictest VHR ordinances in California following the passage of Measure T. Rentals are prohibited in almost all residential zones, effectively limiting new permits to the 'Tourist Core' and commercial areas.

Restriction Level

🚫

Prohibited

Score: 100 (lenient)

Why this classification:

•Banned in all/most residential zones
•High permit fee: $1050
•Limited to 1 property per owner
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in the City of South Lake Tahoe, you must first verify your home is located in the 'Tourist Core' or a commercial zone, as most residential areas are now banned for short-term use. You must apply for a VHR permit, pass a fire safety inspection, and install a 'bear box' for trash. Be aware that fines for noise or parking violations start at $1,000 and are strictly enforced.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$1,050

Processing Time

Varies due to waitlist for residential zones

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Most residential zones are BANNED for VHR use (Measure T).
2.A bear-proof trash container (Bear Box) is mandatory.
3.Maximum occupancy is strictly 2 people per bedroom plus 2, capped at 12.
4.Parking is limited to the number of paved spaces on the site plan; no street parking is allowed.
5.Noise violations occurring between 10 PM and 8 AM result in automatic fines.
6.Permit numbers must be prominently displayed in all online advertisements.
7.Hosts must file TOT returns monthly, even if there was zero revenue.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(8)

•South Lake Tahoe: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•South Lake Tahoe: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•South Lake Tahoe: Outdoor amplified music is strictly prohibited at all times, not just during quiet hours.

Requirements(19)

•South Lake Tahoe: Property managers must be available 24/7 and able to respond in person within 60 minutes.
•South Lake Tahoe STR warning: Airbnb and Vrbo DO NOT collect or remit taxes (TOT) for you; you must file and pay manually.
•South Lake Tahoe STR warning: A 150-foot buffer applies outside the Tourist Core; if a neighbor has a permit, you are ineligible.

Application Process(7)

•South Lake Tahoe STR permit - Step 3: Submit VHR Application. Apply via the city's online portal. Provide photos of bear boxes, parking, and required signage. Required documents: Inspection Certificate, Parking Plan, Property Manager Contact, Signage Photos. Time: 30-60 days. Cost: 535.

Fees & Costs(1)

•South Lake Tahoe charges a registration fee of $535 (one_time). Extended/additional fee: $281 (Annual renewal fee is $281).

Taxes(2)

•South Lake Tahoe: Airbnb and Vrbo DO NOT collect or remit taxes (TOT) for you; you must file and pay manually.
•South Lake Tahoe charges a Transient Occupancy Tax of 12%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting this tax. Note: Airbnb and Vrbo do NOT collect/remit TOT for South Lake Tahoe; hosts must file manually.

Limits & Restrictions(4)

•South Lake Tahoe occupancy calculation: 2 adults per bedroom; plus up to 5 children (age 13 or younger) outside Tourist Core. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•South Lake Tahoe limits STRs to a maximum of 12 guests. Formula: 2 adults per bedroom; plus up to 5 children (age 13 or younger) outside Tourist Core

Safety Requirements(1)

•South Lake Tahoe requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Bear-resistant trash container (Bear Box) required, Indoor noise monitoring device required, Exterior parking/trash cameras required, Good Neighbor Contract signed by guests.

Penalties(3)

•South Lake Tahoe: Fines are high: $1,000 for the first violation (noise, trash, or parking).
•South Lake Tahoe: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(2)

•South Lake Tahoe: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•South Lake Tahoe exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Other California Markets

Los Angeles

California

Strict

The City of Los Angeles requires all short-term rental hosts to register for a Home-Sharing permit and only permits the rental of one's primary residence. Stays are capped at 120 days per year unless an Extended Home-Sharing permit is obtained, and rentals in RSO-regulated buildings or newer ADUs are strictly prohibited.

Permit requiredNight limitsPrimary residence

0.1% total tax

Anaheim

California

Prohibited

Short-term rentals in Anaheim are strictly limited to approximately 277 'pre-moratorium' operators who were grandfathered in 2019. The city currently prohibits the issuance of any new STR permits. Allowed operators must follow rigid 'Good Neighbor' policies, enforce a 3-night minimum stay, and pay a 15% Transient Occupancy Tax.

Permit required

15.0% total tax

Mammoth Lakes

California

Moderate

Short-term rentals are heavily regulated in Mammoth Lakes and generally restricted to multi-family and resort zones (RMF-2, Resort, etc.). Hosts must obtain an STR Certificate and a Business Tax Certificate, and pay a total TOT rate of 13%. Stays of 31 days or longer are exempt from these regulations.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Big Bear Lake

California

Strict

The City of Big Bear Lake regulates short-term rentals under Chapter 5.44, requiring an annual license, rigorous safety inspections, and a strict guest limit of 2 per bedroom plus 2. Owners are limited to 2 licenses total and must remit a 9% combined TOT and TBID tax quarterly.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

South Lake Tahoe

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(8)

Requirements(19)

Application Process(7)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(4)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(3)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Other California Markets

Los Angeles

Anaheim

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South Lake Tahoe

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in South Lake Tahoe?

2What is the TOT tax rate in South Lake Tahoe?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in South Lake Tahoe?

4How much does an STR permit cost in South Lake Tahoe?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in South Lake Tahoe?

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Los Angeles

Anaheim

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