Placer County, CA Short-Term Rentals: Taxes & Fees (2026)
Key Facts
- TOT - eastern slope
- 10% (North Lake Tahoe area)
- TOT - western slope
- 8%
- North Lake Tahoe TBID
- 1% (Zone 2) or 2% (Zone 1)
- STR application/renewal fee
- $326.02 (non-refundable)
- Interior fire inspection
- $507.02 (North Tahoe/Northstar/Olympic Valley)
- TOT certificate
- Required before renting
Summary
Placer County charges Transient Occupancy Tax of 10% in the eastern slope (North Lake Tahoe) and 8% on the western slope, plus a North Lake Tahoe TBID assessment of 1-2%. STR fees include a $326.02 application fee and a $507.02 interior fire inspection.
Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) rates in Placer County: Eastern Slope (North Lake Tahoe Area) - 10%; Western Slope - 8%. For properties in Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows, an additional 1% assessment is due for bookings made before and up to January 31, 2023; for bookings made on or after February 1, 2023, this assessment amount is 1.5%. North Lake Tahoe TBID properties are assessed an extra 1% or 2% depending on zone — Zone 1 (closest to the lake) at 2% and Zone 2 (further from the lake) at 1%. The division between Eastern and Western Slope is near Rainbow Road and I-80.
Full Breakdown
Short-term stays of fewer than 30 days in unincorporated Placer County are subject to Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). The county applies two base rates: 10% on the eastern slope (North Lake Tahoe area) and 8% on the western slope. The eastern-slope rate reflects an additional 2% approved by voters (originally in 1996 to address Tahoe Basin tourism impacts) on top of the base 8% that applies countywide. Eastern-slope properties may also owe a North Lake Tahoe Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) assessment of 1% or 2% depending on zone (Zone 1, closest to the lake, is 2%; Zone 2 is 1%), and certain bookings carry an additional MTC assessment.
Every operator must obtain a TOT certificate before renting and remit collected tax to the county. 02 in the North Tahoe, Northstar, and Olympic Valley fire districts (the Truckee Fire District sets its own inspection fee). Zero-interest loans of up to $2,200 are available to help with bear-box/animal-resistant container costs. Operators should confirm their exact combined rate using the county's parcel-based rate lookup tool, because TBID and MTC boundaries vary by location.
Violations & Fines
Failing to register for TOT, collect the tax, or remit it on time results in penalties and interest under the county TOT ordinance. A valid TOT certificate is a prerequisite for an STR permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the transient occupancy tax rate in unincorporated Placer County?
What does it cost to get and keep an STR permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Placer County
How Placer County compares: Cities with the Highest Short-Term Rental Taxes·California rules heatmap·Compare Placer County to another location·View the California short-term rentals overview
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