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Nevada City

California · United States
Pending
Last updated: 2026-08-04  ·  Last verified: 2026-08-04  ·  Region: US

At a Glance — Nevada City Airbnb & STR Rules

RuleDetails
Regulatory StatusProposed / pending
Permit / License RequiredYes
Primary Residence RequiredYes
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Nevada City Airbnb & Vacation Rental Regulation Overview

Nevada City Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview

Short-term rental regulations in Nevada City, California are currently under development or pending approval as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes.

Hosting Rules and Restrictions in Nevada City

Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Nevada City include: Primary residence requirement: Yes.

Zoning and Location Requirements in Nevada City

Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Nevada City: Proposed: whole-house vacation rentals banned in R1 single-family zones; existing 53 whole-house STR permits would phase out on non-renewal, revocation, or change of ownership; hosted rentals (owner-o. Density rules: Proposed cap: whole-home STRs limited to 2% of total housing units (currently ~1,400 units = maximum ~28 whole-home STRs, down from ~53 currently).

Full Regulatory Details

Regulatory Status
Pending
License / Registration
Yes
Primary Residence Rule
Yes
Zoning Restrictions
Proposed: whole-house vacation rentals banned in R1 single-family zones; existing 53 whole-house STR permits would phase out on non-renewal, revocation, or change of ownership; hosted rentals (owner-occupied, up to 2 units) would remain permitted citywide
Density Rules
Proposed cap: whole-home STRs limited to 2% of total housing units (currently ~1,400 units = maximum ~28 whole-home STRs, down from ~53 currently)
Compliance Notes
Nevada City council is deliberating whether to place a measure on the public ballot that would change STR licensing and regulation in the city. If the council votes to add the measure, voters would ultimately decide any changes. Hosts should monitor council decisions and any subsequent ballot outcome before making changes to their operations.
Effective Date
TBD — ballot measure and voter approval required
Key Notes
1. Nevada City may place STR regulation changes before voters via a ballot measure. 2. Council vote on whether to add measure to the ballot is pending. 3. No specific regulatory changes have been confirmed yet — scope depends on ballot measure text. 4. Outcome depends on both council and voter approval.
Penalties
Not specified
Additional Context
The city has held multiple community workshops since 2024. The proposed ordinance reflects feedback from residents, stakeholders, and the Economic & Community Development Committee. If voters approve, the city's current framework — which allows hosted STRs of up to two units but prohibits full-home exclusive rentals — would be formalized and whole-house operations phased out.
📋 Apply / Register with the Official Authority

Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.

Official Source ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb legal in Nevada City?

Short-term rental regulations in Nevada City are currently under development. Rules may change as legislation is finalized. Nevada City council is deliberating whether to place a measure on the public ballot that would change STR licensing and regulation in the city. If the council votes to add the measure, voters would ul

Do you need a permit for Airbnb in Nevada City?

Yes. Nevada City requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes.

What are the key STR compliance requirements in Nevada City?

1. Nevada City may place STR regulation changes before voters via a ballot measure. 2. Council vote on whether to add measure to the ballot is pending. 3. No specific regulatory changes have been confirmed yet — scope depends on ballot measure text. 4. Outcome depends on both council and voter approval.

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