Primary-Residence-Only Rule: Galt vs Sacramento
How do primary-residence-only rule rules compare between Galt, CA and Sacramento, CA?
Galt and Sacramento have similar restriction levels.
Galt, CA
Sacramento County
Unincorporated Sacramento County allows short-term rentals only at a primary residence. The owner or a long-term renter must live at the property at least six months a year, the short-term rental must remain accessory to that full-time occupancy, and only one short-term rental permit may be held per applicant. Investor-owned, non-owner-occupied whole-home STRs are not eligible.
View full Galt rules →Sacramento, CA
Sacramento County
Sacramento requires that a short-term rental be the operator's primary residence, occupied at least 183 days per year, preventing investor-owned full-time vacation rentals in residential zones under Title 5 Chapter 5.114.
View full Sacramento rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Galt | Sacramento |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Residence | Owner or long-term renter must live there at least 6 months/year | - |
| Accessory Use | STR must remain accessory to full-time occupancy | - |
| One Per Applicant | Only one short-term rental permit allowed per operator | - |
| Eligible Units | Primary dwelling + ADUs built before Jan. 1, 2020 | - |
| Ineligible Units | ADUs built on/after Jan. 1, 2020; junior ADUs; guest houses | - |
| Code Authority | Zoning Code 3.9.3.AA and 6.5.6; Code Ch. 4.08 | - |
| Primary residence threshold | - | 183 days/year |
| Permits per operator | - | One citywide |
| Investor exception | - | CUP required |
| Tenants eligible | - | Yes, with landlord OK |
| Code section | - | Title 5 Ch. 5.114 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Galt FAQ
Can I run a short-term rental at an investment property in unincorporated Sacramento County?
No. The County only allows short-term rentals at a primary residence. The owner or a long-term renter must live at the property for at least six months a year, and the short-term rental must remain accessory to that full-time occupancy. Because the home must be a primary residence, you can legally operate only one short-term rental, so non-owner-occupied, whole-home investor STRs do not qualify under Sacramento County Code Chapter 4.08.
Can I rent out an ADU as a short-term rental?
Only if the ADU was legally permitted and constructed before January 1, 2020. ADUs built on or after January 1, 2020, as well as junior ADUs and guest houses, are not eligible for short-term rental use in unincorporated Sacramento County. The primary dwelling, or a portion of it, may also be rented short-term as long as the property remains your primary residence. Confirm your ADU's eligibility with Planning & Environmental Review.
Sacramento FAQ
Can I run an STR at my second home in Sacramento?
Not as a standard STR permit. You would need to apply for a conditional use permit through the planning department, which is granted only in limited circumstances.
What proves primary residence?
Driver's license, voter registration, utility bills, and tax filings listing the property as your primary address. The City may request multiple documents during permit review.
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