Calaveras County, CA Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Occupancy formula
- 2 per bedroom plus 2 per property
- Children exemption
- Under age 3 excluded from count
- Increase possible
- Via AUP application if space/parking allow
- Applies to
- Lake Tulloch area STVRs only
- First violation
- Infraction under § 20.20.080
- Repeat violation
- Misdemeanor within 12 months
Summary
In the Lake Tulloch area, Calaveras County caps short term vacation rental occupancy at two overnight guests per bedroom, plus two more per property, not counting children under three. Chapter 20.20 defines "occupancy" as the maximum number of people allowed to stay overnight, and the cap can only be raised through the administrative use permit application if bedrooms and parking can safely support more guests.
"Occupancy." Occupancy means the maximum numbers of persons permitted to stay overnight in a short term vacation rental. ... B.Maximum Occupancy. The maximum occupancy of a short term vacation rental shall be no more than two persons per bedroom, plus two additional persons per property, excluding children under three years of age. In the event that the property includes bedrooms of an adequate size to accommodate more than two persons per bedroom and can safely accommodate additional parking, the maximum occupancy may be increased through the application process.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 23 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
020. 040(B) sets the occupancy formula: no more than two persons per bedroom, plus two additional persons per property, with children under three excluded from the count. An owner whose bedrooms are large enough, and whose site can safely absorb the added parking, can apply to raise the cap through the administrative use permit process. 030(F) requires the county to notify every property owner within 1,000 feet of the proposed rental, disclosing the maximum overnight occupant count in that notice. 050(A) requires it to be stated in the rental agreement given to guests before they arrive. This chapter is geographically narrow: it governs only Lake Tulloch area short term vacation rentals, not short term rentals elsewhere in unincorporated Calaveras County.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the posted occupancy limit is a code violation under section 20.20.080: a first offense is an infraction, and a second violation within twelve months of a prior conviction or bail forfeiture is a misdemeanor. Every violation of Chapter 20.20 also counts as a public nuisance, which the county can abate under Chapter 8.06. Persistent noncompliance, including failing to keep the posted occupancy notice accurate, can also lead to revocation of the administrative use permit under section 20.20.090.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many guests can stay overnight in a Lake Tulloch vacation rental?
Where must the occupancy limit be posted?
Does this occupancy cap apply countywide?
What happens if a rental exceeds its occupancy limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Calaveras County
California rules heatmap·Compare Calaveras County to another location·View the California short-term rentals overview
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