Alpine County, CA Short-Term Rentals: Insurance Requirements (2026)

Alpine County's short-term rental ordinance contains no insurance or liability-coverage requirement. A full review of Chapter 18.73 - including the standards in Section 18.73.070, the application requirements in Section 18.73.120, and the issuance criteria in Section 18.73.130 - shows no provision requiring a host to carry a minimum amount of commercial general liability insurance, provide a certificate of insurance, or name Alpine County as an additional insured. This differs from neighboring counties such as El Dorado that impose insurance conditions. What Alpine County requires instead are tangible life-safety measures under Section 18.73.070(G): operating smoke detector(s) and carbon monoxide detector(s) installed per state law; at least one functioning fire extinguisher in an easily accessed location inside the space; and written information posted conspicuously inside the unit with 24/7 emergency contact information for the owner or rental agent plus law enforcement, fire department, and ambulance services. Section 18.73.070(F) requires a visible address placard meeting Chapter 12.04 and the California Fire Code so emergency responders can locate the property. Section 18.73.070(D) and (D)(1) require proper solid-waste handling, with East Slope properties required to install a wildlife-proof receptacle or bear box within six months of license issuance or renewal. Hosts should still consult their own insurer, because standard homeowner policies often exclude commercial short-term rental activity even though the County does not mandate coverage.