Sacramento County, CA Short-Term Rentals: Primary-Residence-Only Rule (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Short-Term Rental Permit
- Rental term covered
- 29 days or less
- Key finding
- Primarily a permanent residence
- Permit term
- 1 year, renewable annually
- Issuing authority
- Planning Director
Summary
Unincorporated Sacramento County only issues a Short-Term Rental Permit if the dwelling stays a permanent residence for the homeowner or long-term renter, not a pure investment rental.
The Planning Director shall not approve a Short-Term Rental Permit, unless they find that:
The proposed dwelling unit is primarily utilized as a permanent residence by the homeowner or long-term renter.
No owner of a short-term rental shall rent that unit for 29 consecutive days or less without a valid Short-Term Rental Permit for that unit issued pursuant to this Section, and the transient occupancy tax (TOT) shall be paid.
Vehicles used and traffic generated by the short-term rental shall not exceed the type of vehicles or traffic volume normally generated by a home occupied by a full-time resident in a residential neighborhood. For the purposes of this Section, “normal residential traffic volume” means up to 10 trips per day.
Occupants and/or guests of the short-term rental shall not create unreasonable noise or disturbances, engage in disorderly conduct or violate the provisions of this Code or any state law pertaining to noise, collection and disposal of refuse, the consumption of alcohol or the use of illegal drugs.
6.5.6.E. Revocation and Modification Section titled “6.5.6.E. Revocation and Modification”
Revocation and modification of an approved Short-Term Rental Permit shall be subject to the procedures listed in Section 6.6.9.D of this Code.
6.5.6.F. Appeal Section titled “6.5.6.F. Appeal”
An appeal of any decision made under this Chapter shall be subject to the appeal procedures listed in Section 6.1.3 of this Code.
Full Breakdown
Before approving a Short-Term Rental Permit, the Planning Director must find that the dwelling is primarily used as a permanent residence by the homeowner or a long-term renter. This finding under Zoning Code Section 6.5.6.D blocks permits for units converted entirely into transient rentals, keeping the use tied to an actual resident. The permit runs one year and must be renewed annually.
Violations & Fines
Denial or non-renewal of the Short-Term Rental Permit if the unit is not primarily a permanent residence; renting without a valid permit exposes the owner to code enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I short-term rent a house I don't live in?
How long does the permit last?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sacramento County
California rules heatmap·Compare Sacramento County to another location·View the California short-term rentals overview
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