VHR Permits and Information

(For SLT City Permits Only)

South Lake Tahoe's new vacation rental guidelines, effective July 17, 2025, require a permit for each short-term rental, with a 150-foot buffer between single-family rentals outside the Tourist Core. The new ordinance, which took effect after Measure T was struck down, mandates 24/7 local property manager availability, occupancy limits (two adults per bedroom, plus younger children), and in-person or virtual guest check-ins. Requirements also include indoor noise monitoring, exterior cameras, animal-resistant trash carts, and a 10 p.m. cutoff for outdoor amplified music.  

Key Changes and Guidelines

  • Permit Requirement & Application:

    A Vacation Home Rental (VHR) permit is required for all short-term rentals (less than 30 days). The city opened a permit application portal in June 2025 for former permit holders and then for all other applicants. 

  • 150-Foot Buffer:

    A significant change is the 150-foot buffer zone between single-family vacation rentals located outside the designated Tourist Core. 

  • Occupancy Limits:

    The maximum occupancy is two adults per bedroom, with a provision that up to five children aged 13 and under are not counted towards this limit. 

  • Local Property Management:

    A local property manager must be available 24/7 to respond to guest complaints and address violations. 

  • Guest Vetting:

    Property managers are required to conduct in-person or virtual check-ins to verify guest identity and have them sign a "good neighbor contract" outlining VHR rules. 

  • Monitoring:

    Properties are required to have indoor noise monitoring and exterior cameras for monitoring parking areas and trash collection. 

  • Noise Restrictions:

    Outdoor amplified music, speakers, or other noise-generating equipment are prohibited after 10 p.m. 

  • Trash and Recycling:

    Trash and recycling must be stored in a bear box or an animal-resistant cart provided by the waste service. 

  • Prohibited Activities:

    Commercial activities such as weddings and receptions are not allowed at VHR properties. 

  • Parking Rules:

    Parking is prohibited on unpaved surfaces or on neighboring properties without permission. 

Why the Changes?

  • The new ordinance came after a court struck down Measure T, a voter initiative that would have significantly restricted vacation rentals in residential areas. 

  • The goal is to address community concerns about vacation rental-related nuisances while providing opportunities for property owners to continue renting. 

Where to Apply 

  • Applications for a VHR permit can be submitted through the City of South Lake Tahoe's official website or the application portal at southlaketahoe.hdlgov.com

City: South Lake Tahoe

The City of South Lake Tahoe has made many changes to the Transient Lodging code over the past 6 months. We recommend reading the latest revised code - Ordinance No. 1114 to familiarize yourself with the current regulations. 

The changes in the code have required us to make some changes to our reservation and check in procedures, signage within your homes and the wording we use in our marketing.
In addition to those changes we have also put in place a process where we are able to investigate, review and appeal if necessary any code violations that occur at your property.  Because each incident is unique, and sometimes requires extensive research, we have a external professional, who attends meetings, communicates with guest and owners, and represents the company at any appeal hearing. This is proving to be both cost and time effective as well showing very favorable hearing results.
 

City SLT Links

CITY SLT WEBSITE - VACATION HOME RENTAL (VHR) SECTION
http://www.cityofslt.us/index.aspx?nid=453

REVISED VHR ORDINANCE
Ordinance No. 1114

PREVIOUS VHR ORDINANCE
City Of South Lake Tahoe VHR Ordinance: Chapter 3.50, Transient Lodging

LINKS

City SLT - Staff Report City Council, Meeting of November 7th, 2017

Other

County: El Dorado County

EL DORADO COUNTY - TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY CODE
SECTION 5.56 - VACATION HOME RENTALS

Board of Supervisors : Website Home Page
https://www.edcgov.us/Government/BOS

Board of Supervisors - Video Streaming Page : Agendas and Videos
http://eldorado.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2