Host Presence Rule: Isleton vs Sacramento

Do I have to live on-site while guests are staying?

Sacramento County's ordinance does not require the host to be physically present for every individual stay, but the program is built on owner occupancy: the home must be your primary residence, lived in at least six months a year, with the short-term rental kept accessory to that occupancy. You must also provide a Local Contact Person who is reachable by phone 24 hours a day and can reach the property within 60 minutes to handle any problems.

Who responds if there is a problem while I am away?

The required Local Contact Person. Under Sacramento County Code Chapter 4.08, this is an individual personally available by telephone on a 24-hour basis who can be on-site within 60 minutes and who has the access and authority to assume management of the short-term rental. It can be you or a designated agent, but the person must be able to respond quickly to complaints or emergencies whenever guests are present.

Can I rent my whole house out year-round?

Only with a conditional use permit. Otherwise unhosted whole-home rentals are capped at 90 nights per calendar year under Sacramento's STR ordinance.

Does a guest house count as hosted?

If you occupy the main dwelling on-site during the stay, renting a detached guest unit may qualify as hosted; check with Community Development for your specific configuration.