Butte County, CA Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Permits (2026)
Short-term rental permit rules in Butte County, CA, also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration, list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Butte County Code Sec. 24-172.1
- Adopting Ordinance
- Ord. 4159 (eff. Apr. 25, 2019)
- Issuing Office
- Department of Development Services
- Rental Term
- 30 days or less
- Primary Residence
- Required in most zones
- Prohibited Zone
- Very Low Density Country Residential
Summary
Every short-term rental in unincorporated Butte County requires an Administrative Permit issued by the Department of Development Services under Butte County Code Section 24-172.1, adopted by Ordinance 4159 on March 26, 2019.
A short-term rental is a single-family dwelling, or a portion of a single-family dwelling, that is rented to transient guest occupants typically for periods of thirty (30) days or less. Short-term rentals shall require approval of an administrative permit issued by the Department of Development Services pursuant to Butte County Code Chapter 24, Article 29. Short-term rentals shall be primary residences except in zones with a five (5) acre or greater minimum where the parcel meets the minimum, or where the owner resides on an adjacent parcel. Short-term rentals are prohibited in the Very Low Density Country Residential (VLDCR) zone and may not be located in recreational vehicles, yurts, tents, or similar structures.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
1 establishes a definition, permit process, rental term, site requirements, standards, and permit revocation requirements for short-term rentals. A short-term rental is defined as a single-family dwelling, or a portion of a single-family dwelling, that is rented to transient guest occupants typically for periods of thirty (30) days or less. The Department of Development Services processes Administrative Permits under Butte County Code Chapter 24, Article 29. The dwelling must hold an 'R' occupancy classification under the current California Building Code, may not be a recreational vehicle, yurt, tent, or similar structure, and must be the owner's primary residence in most zones (documented by two forms of identification such as a driver's license and utility bill).
Short-term rentals are prohibited in the Very Low Density Country Residential (VLDCR) zone. Permits do not transfer with the property and require annual renewal. Properties unable to meet the standard requirements but located on 5+ acre parcels in zones with 5+ acre minimums may pursue a Minor Use Permit. Butte County does not issue STR permits inside Chico, Oroville, Paradise, Biggs, or Gridley.
Violations & Fines
Operating without an Administrative Permit results in a citation, a cease-and-desist notice, and a future permit application fee at ten times the regular rate. Three verifiable citations or violations within 24 months results in a cease-and-desist notice and permit revocation, with reapplication prohibited for a minimum of 24 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to list my Butte County home on Airbnb?
Can a vacation cabin owner who does not live full-time in Butte County get a permit?
Can I run a short-term rental out of an RV or yurt on my land?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Butte County
How Butte County compares: Most Airbnb-Friendly Cities in America·California rules heatmap·Compare Butte County to another location·View the California short-term rentals overview
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