Rancho Cordova, CA Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Permits (2026)

The city's zoning tables list "Short Term Vacation Rentals" as "P" (permitted by right) across every base zoning district that allows it, meaning a host does not need a conditional or administrative use permit from the planning division to operate one. 1215. 005 requires a valid, unexpired general business license for any fixed-location "lodging" enterprise operated within the city, stating it is intended to license "every enterprise operated at a fixed location which is of a type described by this section," whether run for profit or otherwise; operating without the license, or supervising, managing, or being responsible for the enterprise without one, is itself a violation.

20, separately requires that "every residential rental property located within the city shall be registered" with the neighborhood services office, listing the owner's name and contact information, the property manager if different, the property address, the type and number of units, and a 24-hour emergency contact with authority to act for the owner. 20 definition of "dwelling" expressly covers units "rented or leased for any term or duration, type or tenure," reaching nightly and weekly vacation rentals along with long-term leases. Registrants must notify the city in writing within 60 calendar days of any change, such as a sale or a new emergency contact, and the registration information is used only for property condition and inspection purposes.