| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Status | Restricted — rules apply |
| Permit / License Required | Yes |
| Tax Rate | Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): 12% of gross rent (City of Sacramento ordinance effective July 1, 2025, matching hotel rate); Sacramento County TOT als |
| Night / Day Cap | Non-hosted (owner not on-site) rentals subject to a 90-day annual cap per the 2025 ordinance update; hosted rentals (owner on-site) not subject to ann |
| Minimum Stay | Not specified (STR defined as 30 days or fewer/29 consecutive days or fewer) |
| Permit Fee | City of Sacramento STR permit application fee ~$230 (nonrefundable); active Business Operation Tax (BOT) account also required |
| Penalties | STR Business License may be revoked if STR Permit is revoked or suspended; fines for operating without permit. State of California SB 1049 (2020) allo |
| Primary Residence Required | Yes — owner/operator must reside on the property for a minimum of 6 months (183 days) per year; exclusive non-hosted use of entire dwelling for STR is |
| Occupancy Limit | Maximum 6 persons per parcel per rental at any one time (per City of Sacramento STR permit application); Sacramento County standard: 2 adults per bedr |
Short-term rentals in Sacramento, California are allowed but subject to significant restrictions under local regulations as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes. The associated permit fees are City of Sacramento STR permit application fee ~$230 (nonrefundable); active Business Operation Tax (.
Short-term rental operators in Sacramento should be aware of these tax obligations: Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): 12% of gross rent (City of Sacramento ordinance effective July 1, 2025, matching hotel rate); Sacramento County TOT also 12% per County Ordinance 3.08 / Revenue & Taxation Code §7280.
Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Sacramento include: Primary residence requirement: Yes — owner/operator must reside on the property for a minimum of 6 months (183 days) per year; exclusive non-hosted use. Rental day cap: Non-hosted (owner not on-site) rentals subject to a 90-day annual cap per the 2025 ordinance update; hosted rentals (own. Occupancy limit: Maximum 6 persons per parcel per rental at any one time (per City of Sacramento STR permit application); Sacramento Coun. Minimum stay: Not specified (STR defined as 30 days or fewer/29 consecutive days or fewer).
Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Sacramento: City (pre-July 2025): STRs allowed as accessory use in R-1, R-2, R-2A, R-3, R-3A, R-4, R-5, OB, OB-2, OB-3, SC, C-2, C-3, C-4, M-1, M-1(S), M-2, M-2(S), MRD, M-T, and HC zones (City Code 17.228.104). . Density rules: No density cap or spacing requirement published at city level. Insurance: Not explicitly mandated by ordinance; compliance with safety/noise ordinances required.
Hosts who fail to comply with Sacramento's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. STR Business License may be revoked if STR Permit is revoked or suspended; fines for operating without permit. State of California SB 1049 (2020) allows enhanced fines for violations: up to $1,500 (1s.
Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Sacramento: Per 2025 ordinance amendment (Chapter 5.114 amendment reviewed June 24, 2025), hosting platforms will be required to provide city with regular data reports including number of days booked per property.
Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.
Official Source ↗Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Sacramento but subject to restrictions. Hosts must comply with local permit requirements and zoning rules. City ordinance (City Code 5.114) originally established January 19, 2016; comprehensively updated effective July 1, 2025 (passed 7-2 by City Council). Two categories: Hosted (owner on-site, all reside
Yes. Sacramento requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes.
Short-term rental hosts in Sacramento are subject to the following tax obligations: Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): 12% of gross rent (City of Sacramento ordinance effective July 1, 2025, matching hotel rate); Sacramento County TOT also 12% per County Ordinance 3.08 / Revenue & Taxation Code §7280.
Hosts who operate without proper permits in Sacramento may face enforcement. STR Business License may be revoked if STR Permit is revoked or suspended; fines for operating without permit. State of California SB 1049 (2020) allows enhanced fines for violations: up to $1,500 (1st), $3,000 (2nd within 1 year), $5,000 (additional.
Sacramento City has a dual-category system post-July 2025. Non-hosted rentals face a 90-day annual cap. City also requires a Business Operation Tax account in addition to the STR permit. Sacramento County (unincorporated) operates under a separate STR Business License Ordinance. ADU rules differ by construction date.
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