Overview of Truckee STR Rules

The Town of Truckee regulates short-term rentals (rentals of less than 30 consecutive days) through its Vacation Home Rental (VHR) Ordinance. All property owners who wish to rent their Truckee property on platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, or Booking.com must obtain a VHR permit before accepting any bookings.

Truckee's regulations aim to balance the economic benefits of vacation rentals with preserving neighborhood character and ensuring guest safety. The rules apply to all residential properties within Town limits, including single-family homes, condominiums, and townhouses.

Important Note

Operating a short-term rental in Truckee without a valid VHR permit is illegal and can result in fines up to $1,000 per day. The Town actively monitors listing platforms for unpermitted rentals.

VHR Permit Requirements

To obtain a VHR permit in Truckee, your property must meet several requirements:

Property must be a legally established residential dwelling

Must pass a fire safety inspection by Truckee Fire Protection District

Must have a designated Local Contact Person available 24/7

Must provide adequate off-street parking (varies by bedroom count)

Must comply with maximum occupancy limits (2 per bedroom + 2, max 10)

Must have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Must display permit number on all advertisements and listings

Property must be in good standing with no code violations

Local Contact Person Requirements

The Local Contact Person (LCP) is a critical requirement. This person must:

Be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Respond to complaints or emergencies within 30 minutes
Be physically able to arrive at the property within 60 minutes
Have authority to make decisions regarding the property and guests

Many property owners use a professional property management company (like Duvoire) to fulfill this requirement, as it ensures reliable 24/7 coverage.

Application Process

Here's the step-by-step process to obtain your Truckee VHR permit:

Schedule Fire Inspection

Contact Truckee Fire Protection District at (530) 582-7850 to schedule a VHR fire safety inspection. Cost is approximately $150. The inspector will check smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguishers, and emergency egress.

Obtain Business License

Apply for a Town of Truckee Business License through the Finance Department. This is required before the VHR permit application. Annual fee is approximately $75-150.

Submit VHR Application

Complete the VHR permit application with the Town's Community Development Department. Include proof of fire inspection, business license, site plan showing parking, and Local Contact Person information. Application fee is $252.

Await Approval

Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks. Once approved, you'll receive your VHR permit number, which must be displayed on all listings and advertisements.

Register for TOT

Register with Nevada County for Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) collection. You'll need to collect and remit 10% TOT on all rentals under 30 days.

Pro Tip

The permit process can take 4-6 weeks total. If you're purchasing a property with plans to rent it, start the permit process immediately after closing to minimize lost rental income.

Operational Rules & Restrictions

Once permitted, VHR operators must comply with ongoing operational requirements:

Occupancy Limits

Maximum occupancy: 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional (e.g., 3BR = 8 guests max)
Absolute maximum: 10 persons regardless of bedroom count
Children under 3 don't count toward occupancy
Day visitors count toward occupancy limits

Parking Requirements

1-2 bedrooms: Minimum 2 off-street parking spaces
3-4 bedrooms: Minimum 3 off-street parking spaces
5+ bedrooms: Minimum 4 off-street parking spaces
All guest vehicles must park on the property, not on streets

Noise & Quiet Hours

Quiet hours: 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM daily
No amplified music or sound audible beyond property lines during quiet hours
Hot tub use during quiet hours must be quiet and limited to registered guests

Trash & Wildlife

Bear-resistant trash containers required
Trash cannot be placed out earlier than morning of collection
No food storage outside or in vehicles
BBQ grills must be cleaned after each use

Other Requirements

Post "Good Neighbor" information inside the property
Provide guests with emergency contact information
No events, parties, or commercial activities
Rental agreements must acknowledge VHR rules

Taxes & Fees

Tax/Fee	Rate	Notes
Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)	10%	Collected from guests, remitted to Nevada County
Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID)	1%	Funds local tourism marketing
VHR Permit Fee	$252	Initial application; renewals $126/year
Business License	$75-150/year	Varies by gross receipts
Fire Inspection	~$150	Initial; re-inspection every 3 years

Note: If you use platforms like Airbnb or VRBO, they may collect and remit TOT on your behalf in Truckee. However, you're still responsible for ensuring compliance and should verify what taxes are being collected automatically.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Truckee takes VHR violations seriously. The penalty structure includes:

Violation Penalties

Operating without permit: Up to $1,000 per day
First violation (with permit): Written warning
Second violation: $500 fine
Third violation: $1,000 fine
Fourth violation: Permit revocation (1 year minimum)

The Town monitors booking platforms and has a complaint hotline for neighbors. Multiple noise complaints, parking violations, or over-occupancy incidents can quickly escalate through the penalty system.

2024 Changes & Updates

The Town of Truckee has made several updates to VHR regulations in 2024:

Enhanced Monitoring

The Town has contracted with monitoring services to identify unpermitted rentals across Airbnb, VRBO, and other platforms. Expect increased enforcement.

Noise Monitoring Pilot

Some areas are piloting noise monitoring devices. Property owners can participate voluntarily to demonstrate compliance and protect their permits.

Updated Fire Safety Requirements

New builds and major remodels now require hardwired smoke/CO detectors with battery backup. Existing properties can continue using battery-powered units until next inspection.

The Town Council continues to evaluate VHR policies. Stay informed by attending Town Council meetings or subscribing to Town updates at townoftruckee.com.

Getting Started

Ready to permit and launch your Truckee vacation rental? Here's how Duvoire can help:

Full-Service VHR Setup & Management

Navigate the entire permit application process
Coordinate fire inspection scheduling
Serve as your Local Contact Person (24/7)
Handle TOT registration and remittance
Optimize your listing for Truckee's market
Ensure ongoing compliance with all regulations

(775) 200-1742

Official Resources

Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Regulations change frequently—always verify current requirements with the Town of Truckee directly. Last updated December 2024.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Truckee: 2024 Complete Guide