Sacramento Short-Term Rental Regulations

Last verified: 2026-04-06
TL;DR
Sacramento requires an STR permit — 2 types available (fees from $50) — see below for eligibility by type. Combined tax rate is 13%. Annual day limit: 90 days–unlimited (varies by permit type).
Disclaimer
This information is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or regulatory advice. Short-term rental regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local government before listing your property or making investment decisions.
Key Requirements at a Glance
Permit ✓ Required — Short-Term Vacation Rental Permit (Primary Residence) ($50) — See below for other permit types
Primary Residence Varies by permit type
Annual Day Limit 90 days–unlimited (varies by permit type)
Tax Rate 13%
Max Penalty $1,000 per violation (misdemeanor); administrative penalty up to $25,000 per violation
Insurance Not required

New to short-term rentals? Jump to the compliance checklist →

Permit & Licensing

Which permit type applies to you?

Short-Term Vacation Rental Permit (Primary Residence)

FeeAmount
Initial cost$50
Renewal$50 / 1 year

The property must be your primary residence. This means investment properties are not eligible for this permit type.

Short-Term Vacation Rental Permit (Secondary Residence)

FeeAmount
Initial cost$50
Renewal$50 / 1 year

This permit type does not require primary residence.

Application Process

Apply via City of Sacramento Permits & Taxes (phone or email). Contact: (916) 808-8500 or [email protected]. Mon–Thu 8:30am–4pm, Fri 8:30am–12pm.

Note: Document requirements vary by permit type. See individual permit sections above for eligibility details.

Tax Obligations

TaxRateAuthority
Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) 12% City of Sacramento
Sacramento Tourism Infrastructure District (STID) fee 1% City of Sacramento

Combined rate: 13% of gross rental income.

Collection: self-remit

Filing: monthly

Rental Limits

Sacramento annual day limit: 90 days–unlimited (varies by permit type).

Zoning & Restrictions

Check with local government

Insurance & Safety

Insurance

Sacramento does not require short-term rental operators to carry specific insurance. Standard homeowner policies often exclude short-term rental activity, so many hosts obtain dedicated short-term rental or landlord liability coverage.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Each day of continuing violation constitutes a separate offense; administrative penalty level escalates from Level D ($100–$999) to Level A ($5,000–$25,000) based on severity; Level C applies for repeated/continuous noncompliance

Compliance Checklist

Follow these steps to legally operate a short-term rental in Sacramento:

  1. Determine your permit type. Sacramento has 2 permit types. Identify which applies to your property (Short-Term Vacation Rental Permit (Primary Residence), Short-Term Vacation Rental Permit (Secondary Residence)).
  2. Apply for your STR permit. Submit application + $50 fee. See permit types above to determine which applies.
  3. Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with City of Sacramento, Revenue Division.
  4. Collect and remit taxes. 13% on all bookings.
  5. Renew annually. $50 renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Sacramento?
Yes. Sacramento requires a short-term rental permit to operate an Airbnb or Vrbo, and there are 2 permit types — one requires the property to be your primary residence, and another allows non-owner-occupied (investment) use. See the permit types above to find which applies to your property.
How much does a short-term rental permit cost in Sacramento?
A short-term rental permit in Sacramento costs $50.
Does Sacramento require a short-term rental to be your primary residence?
It depends on the permit type. At least one Sacramento permit requires the property to be your primary residence, while another allows non-owner-occupied (investment) use — see the permit types above.
How many days a year can you short-term rent in Sacramento?
Sacramento's annual rental limit depends on the situation: 90 days–unlimited (varies by permit type).
What taxes do you pay on a short-term rental in Sacramento?
Short-term rental stays in Sacramento are subject to a combined 13% in lodging taxes. This combines 12% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) + 1% Sacramento Tourism Infrastructure District (STID) fee. The host is responsible for collecting and remitting them.
What happens if you run a short-term rental without a permit in Sacramento?
Operating without a permit can cost up to $1,000 per violation (misdemeanor); administrative penalty up to $25,000 per violation.

Official Sources

  1. Short Term Vacation Rentals | City of Sacramento
  2. Chapter 5.114 SHORT-TERM RENTALS — Sacramento City Code
  3. Transient Occupancy Tax | City of Sacramento
  4. Chapter 3.28 UNIFORM TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX — Sacramento City Code
  5. Sacramento City Code § 1.28.020 Criminal sanctions—Misdemeanors and infractions; § 1.28.010 General penalty—Continuing violations—Imposition of administrative penalties
  6. Sacramento City Code § 1.28.010 General penalty—Continuing violations—Imposition of administrative penalties