Sacramento Short-Term Rental Regulations
| 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
- Short-Term Vacation Rental Permit (Primary Residence) — You live in the property and rent part or all of it ($50)
- Short-Term Vacation Rental Permit (Secondary Residence) — You don't live at the property ($50, 90 days/year)
Short-Term Vacation Rental Permit (Primary Residence)
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| 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)
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| 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
| Tax | Rate | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| 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
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:
- 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)).
- Apply for your STR permit. Submit application + $50 fee. See permit types above to determine which applies.
- Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with City of Sacramento, Revenue Division.
- Collect and remit taxes. 13% on all bookings.
- Renew annually. $50 renewal fee.
Official Sources
- Short Term Vacation Rentals | City of Sacramento
- Chapter 5.114 SHORT-TERM RENTALS — Sacramento City Code
- Transient Occupancy Tax | City of Sacramento
- Chapter 3.28 UNIFORM TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX — Sacramento City Code
- Sacramento City Code § 1.28.020 Criminal sanctions—Misdemeanors and infractions; § 1.28.010 General penalty—Continuing violations—Imposition of administrative penalties
- Sacramento City Code § 1.28.010 General penalty—Continuing violations—Imposition of administrative penalties