Navigating Vacation Rental Regulations in El Dorado County: A Comprehensive Guide
Are you considering renting out your property in the scenic County of El Dorado for short-term stays? Before you embark on this venture, it’s essential to understand the regulations governing vacation rentals in this picturesque region. In this guide, we'll walk you through the key aspects of the ordinance to ensure you're well-informed and compliant.
Applicability: First things first, let’s clarify where these regulations apply. The ordinance specifically pertains to the unincorporated areas of the County of El Dorado. It encompasses all short-term vacation rentals, with the exception of hosted rentals where the primary owner is present during the rental period. Additionally, certain structures are excluded from being used as vacation rentals, and temporary occupancy provisions like tents or RVs are prohibited.
Purpose of Chapter: The ordinance serves a dual purpose: recognizing the benefits of vacation home rentals while addressing community concerns. It aims to strike a balance by mitigating issues such as noise, disorderly conduct, overcrowding, and neighborhood impacts. Moreover, it acknowledges the importance of adhering to criteria set forth by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency to ensure neighborhood compatibility.
Vacation Home Rental Permit Requirements: If you're planning to rent out your property for short-term stays, you'll need to obtain a valid vacation home rental permit. Each rental unit requires its own permit, and certain conditions must be met, including compliance with business license and transient occupancy tax requirements.
Cap on the Number of Vacation Home Rental Permits in the Tahoe Basin: To manage the proliferation of vacation rentals, a cap of 900 permits is set for the Lake Tahoe Basin area. Existing permit holders must demonstrate rental activity for permit renewals, with exemptions for applications submitted before November 1, 2020.
Vacation Home Rental Clustering: To prevent clustering of vacation rentals, permits may not be approved for parcels within 500 feet of another parcel with an existing vacation home rental permit, unless certain conditions are met.
Agency: While owners can appoint agents or representatives to handle permit applications and compliance, the ultimate responsibility lies with the property owner.
Application Process and Fees: The permit application requires specific information, including owner details, property specifics, business licenses, and transient occupancy tax registration. Application and renewal fees are established to cover administrative costs.
Permit Conditions: Permits come with standard conditions covering various aspects such as maximum occupancy, noise regulations, trash disposal, snow removal, and fire safety requirements. Adherence to these conditions is crucial for maintaining compliance.
Advertisement and Signage Requirements: Owners must include specific information in online advertisements and display signage within the property, providing details such as permit numbers, occupancy limits, and contact information.
Parking and Noise Regulations: Vacation rentals must comply with parking regulations, noise standards, and quiet hours to ensure peace and harmony within the community.
Enforcement and Penalties: Violations of the ordinance may result in fines imposed on owners or renters, with potential suspension or revocation of the vacation rental permit for repeated offenses.
Private Actions to Enforce: Individuals impacted by violations have the option to pursue legal action against violators, although no action can be taken against the County or its officials for enforcement actions.
Conclusion: Understanding and adhering to vacation rental regulations is essential for property owners in El Dorado County. By familiarizing yourself with the ordinance and ensuring compliance, you can enjoy the benefits of hosting short-term rentals while maintaining harmony within the community. If you have any questions or need assistance navigating these regulations, don't hesitate to reach out to the relevant authorities or legal professionals for guidance. Happy hosting!
El Dorado County VHR site: https://www.edcgov.us/Government/VHR
El Dorado County VHR ordinance: https://library.municode.com/ca/el_dorado_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTAGECOOR_TIT5BUTALIRE_CH5.56VAHORE
El Dorado County VHR map:https://see-eldorado.edcgov.us/portal/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=e80cdb0a711644e3b5e663a10a4d8f2e