Sacramento County, CA Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)

Under the operational standards in Sacramento County Code Chapter 4.08 for unincorporated areas, the maximum occupancy of a short-term rental may not exceed two adults per bedroom. In addition, the unit is limited to one rental party at a time, so the home cannot be rented to multiple separate groups simultaneously. County materials note a transition rule: short-term rental permits approved before February 2, 2023 carry occupancy limits that pertain only to adults over the age of 18, while the current per-bedroom standard reflects the County's later operational rules. The occupancy limit works together with the County's other accessory-use requirements - the home must be the operator's primary residence occupied at least six months per year, the short-term rental must remain accessory to that full-time occupancy, and only one short-term rental permit is allowed per applicant. Occupancy is also tied to the day limits the County imposes: a short-term rental may not exceed 29 consecutive days per stay and is limited to no more than 29 total days per rental party per year. The County requires that the authorized occupancy, along with parking, refuse, and emergency information, be documented in the permit application and posted on the required information flyer inside the unit so guests are aware of the limits. These operational standards (covering occupancy along with noise, parking, fire and life safety, guest conduct, and refuse) are established in the County's short-term rental ordinance.