Shasta County, CA Short-Term Rentals: Primary-Residence-Only Rule (2026)

Shasta County's ordinance distinguishes the two short-term rental types precisely on the question of owner residence. A 'vacation rental' is defined in Section 17.88.230(B) as an entire one-family residence rented for compensation for 30 consecutive calendar days or less, where the property owner 'may or may not reside within a separate legally established one-family residence or accessory dwelling unit on the parcel' while the vacation rental is being rented. In other words, a vacation rental is permitted whether or not it is the owner's primary residence, and the owner can live elsewhere. By contrast, a 'hosted homestay' is a portion of a one-family residence (individual rooms) rented short-term while the property owner resides within the residence. Building-type limits in Section 17.88.230(F)(2) require that short-term rentals occur only in a legally established one-family residence or a portion of one; no accessory dwelling unit (ADU) may be used as a short-term rental at any time, and no more than one short-term rental is permitted on an individual parcel. Temporary, portable or other structures not permitted for permanent occupancy (such as a guest house, tent, yurt, or RV) cannot be used as a short-term rental.