Executive Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Auburn, CA?

Short-term rentals ARE ALLOWED in Auburn, California, subject to specific regulatory requirements and permit approvals. The City of Auburn explicitly permits STR operations in Single Family Residential (R-1), Two Family Residential (R-2), and Multi-Family Residential (R-3) zone districts, provided operators obtain the necessary administrative permits and comply with all municipal regulations.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Auburn, CA

1. Initial Assessment and Planning

Before initiating any STR operation in Auburn, investors must:

• Verify the property is located within permitted zoning districts (R-1, R-2, or R-3)
• Confirm the property type aligns with municipal definitions of allowable STR units
• Assess neighborhood compatibility and potential community opposition
• Evaluate parking capacity requirements

2. Administrative Permit Process

The primary regulatory pathway involves securing an Administrative Permit through the following procedure:

Step 1: Application Submission

• Submit a complete application to the Planning and Public Works Department
• Include all required documentation and fees
• Ensure application meets municipal code standards

Step 2: Public Notice and Review

• City conducts mandatory public notice to property owners within 100 feet
• Neighbors receive 10-day appeal period for objections
• City staff reviews application completeness and compliance

Step 3: Permit Decision Process

• If no objections received within 10 days: Administrative Permit issued
• If objections received: Applicant may elect to forward to Planning Commission
• Planning Commission decision subject to City Council appeal (within 10 calendar days)

3. Proactive Community Engagement

Operators should contact neighbors before pursuing permits to minimize opposition and facilitate smoother approval processes.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Administrative Permit Requirements

Mandatory Documentation:

1. Complete Application Form - Official city application
2. Site Plan - Two copies of 8.5" x 11" showing proposed additional parking spaces
3. Floor Plan - Two copies identifying rooms to be rented, bathrooms, and cooking facilities
4. Filing Fee - Nonrefundable administrative fee (amount varies)

Business License

Requirement: All businesses operating within Auburn City limits require a business license. Contact: City Finance Department for licensing procedures and fee schedules.

Operational Compliance Documents

Parking Compliance:

• Documentation of 1 on-site parking space per guest room (in addition to residential parking requirements)
• Parking space allocation must meet municipal standards

Safety and Code Compliance:

• Adherence to Auburn Municipal Code Chapter 93 (noise regulations)
• Compliance with sound device and disturbance restrictions

Application Submission

Submission Location: City of Auburn Planning & Public Works Department
1225 Lincoln Way, Auburn, CA 95603
Phone: (530) 823-4211

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Auburn Municipal Regulations (City Level)

Zoning Permissibility:

• Single Family Residential (R-1) zones: Permitted
• Two Family Residential (R-2) zones: Permitted
• Multi-Family Residential (R-3) zones: Permitted
• Other zones: Not permitted under current ordinance

Occupancy Limits:

• Maximum overnight guests: Two persons per bedroom (excluding children under 12)
• Daytime guests permitted between 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM
• No specified limit on daytime guest numbers during permitted hours

Parking Requirements:

• One dedicated on-site parking space required per guest room
• All overnight parking must occur on the rental property
• Street parking for overnight stays prohibited
• Daytime parking permitted in garage, carport, driveway, or directly in front

Noise and Disturbance Controls:

• Prohibited activities include loud music and unruly parties
• Sound device usage regulated under Auburn Municipal Code Chapter 93
• City enforcement of noise ordinances applies to STR operations

Violation Penalties:

• Citations and fines for non-compliance
• Permit revocation for serious or repeated violations
• City Code Enforcement Officer oversight and enforcement

Placer County Regulations (County Level)

STR Permit System:

• 3,900 permit cap for Eastern Placer County (includes Auburn area)
• One permit per property policy
• Owner-occupied rentals exempt from cap but still require permits
• Annual permit renewal mandatory

Waitlist Process:

• Quarterly application periods when cap reached
• Applications processed chronologically by submission date
• Active inventory management as permits expire or are revoked

Operating Requirements:

• Compliance with noise, trash, parking, and occupancy regulations
• Building and fire code safety standards apply
• Violations result in fines starting at $1,500 per day

Tax Requirements:

• 10% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) collection and remittance
• 1-2% Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) assessment
• Application fee: $306 for all permit types

Registration Process:

• Business license requirement
• TOT certificate requirement
• Short-term permit requirement
• Online application system available

California State Regulations (State Level)

Transparency Requirements (2024 Legislation):

• Mandatory Fee Disclosure: All additional fees or cleaning chore penalties must be disclosed in listings
• Complete Price Display: All mandatory costs must be visible at first glance in advertisements
• Cleaning Chore Transparency: Detailed description of required cleaning tasks must be provided upfront

Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT):

• No statewide lodging tax implemented
• Cities and counties authorized to levy TOT on accommodations rented 30 days or less
• Local tax registration and filing requirements vary by jurisdiction
• Marketplaces like Airbnb and Vrbo collect some local TOT, but operators remain responsible for compliance

Local Tax Authority Responsibilities:

• Registration with local tax authorities
• Collection of applicable TOT from guests
• Filing of periodic TOT returns
• Record-keeping for audit purposes

Contact Information

Auburn City Hall (Primary Authority)

Address: 1225 Lincoln Way, Auburn, CA 95603
Phone: (530) 823-4211
Department: Planning & Public Works Department
Permit Application: Available through city website portal

Code Enforcement

Phone: (530) 823-4211 ext. 209
Purpose: Report violations and non-compliant STR operations
Response: City Code Enforcement Officer oversight

Finance Department (Business Licenses)

Contact: Through Auburn City Hall
Phone: (530) 823-4211
Purpose: Business license issuance and renewal

Placer County Authority

Department: Community Development Resource Agency
Website: Short-Term Rental Program
Registration: Online system at placer-ca-str.deckard.com
TOT Information: Tax Rate Details

Planning Commission

Process: Reviews STR applications when public opposition occurs
Appeal Authority: Decisions subject to City Council appeal within 10 days

Source References and Official Links

Primary Regulatory Documents

• Auburn Municipal Code STR Ordinance: Municipal Code Online
• Administrative Permit Form: STR Application Packet
• Planning Commission Guidelines: Administrative Permit Process

City Government Resources

• Auburn STR Information Page: Short-Term Rentals
• Finance Department: Business Licensing
• Business Portal: Business Resources

State and County Resources

• Avalara California STR Guide: State of the State Analysis
• Placer County STR Program: County Regulations
• Airbnb Compliance Information: Local Rules Reference

Tax and Fee Resources

• Placer County TOT Information: Tax Rates
• California TOT Requirements: State Guidelines

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Important Compliance Note: This guide provides general information based on available sources as of the provided content. STR regulations are subject to frequent updates, and investors should verify current requirements with city and county authorities before initiating operations. Professional legal and tax consultation is recommended for comprehensive compliance planning.