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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Dunsmuir, California. The City of Dunsmuir permits short-term rentals (rentals of 30 days or less) in all zoning districts that allow residential use, subject to comprehensive regulations established under Ordinance 570, which was passed unanimously by the City Council on August 19, 2021. The regulations became enforceable on April 1, 2022.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Dunsmuir

Step-by-Step Process

1. Initial Planning and Property Assessment

   • Verify your property is located within Dunsmuir city limits
   • Confirm zoning allows residential use (STRs allowed in R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, C-1, and second floor+ in C-2)
   • Ensure property has building permit history and meets residential building code standards
   • Note: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior ADUs are explicitly prohibited as STRs

2. Complete Registration Application

   • Submit online registration form at www.ci.dunsmuir.ca.us/short-term-rental
   • Pay initial registration fee of $370 ($225 registration + $145 inspection)
   • Submit check payable to "City of Dunsmuir" to 5915 Dunsmuir Ave, Dunsmuir, CA 96025
   • Reference "STR registration for [property address]" in payment

3. Business License Application

   • Apply online at https://dunsmuir_business.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/dunsmuir_business
   • Mark Classification A on application
   • Business licenses valid for one year, expire end of fiscal year (June)
   • Fee: See city fee schedule
   • License will be emailed to address provided

4. Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Registration

   • Download TOT registration form from city website
   • Return completed form to City Hall with any TOT payment due
   • If listing exclusively on Airbnb, TOT is paid directly by Airbnb to City
   • All operators must report quarterly revenues for accounting purposes

5. Fire Safety Inspection

   • Schedule inspection by calling (530) 235-4822 ext. 102
   • Complete Fire Safety Self-Certification Form
   • Submit completed inspection form to City
   • Inspection required every 3 years for continued operation

6. Final Compliance and Operations

   • Post required interior information
   • Ensure visible street address
   • Install required safety equipment (smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguisher)
   • Begin advertising only after receiving registration certificate number

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Mandatory Documentation and Permits

1. Short-Term Rental Registration Certificate

• Application fee: $370 (initial), $320 (annual renewal)
• Valid for one calendar year
• Separate certificate required for each STR unit
• Maximum of 2 registration certificates per operator

2. City Business License

• Required for all entities doing business within city limits
• Annual renewal required
• Valid for fiscal year (expires end of June)
• Email delivery available

3. Transient Occupancy Tax Registration

• TOT rate: 14% (12% City + 2% County)
• Quarterly remittance required
• Quarterly reporting of gross receipts mandatory

4. Fire Safety Certification

• Initial inspection required before operation
• Re-inspection every 3 years minimum
• Annual fire extinguisher inspection by certified professional
• Fire Safety Self-Certification Form required

Required Guidelines and Forms

• So You Want to Operate a Short-Term Rental (FAQ) - Link
• Fire Safety Self-Certification Form - Link
• Ordinance 570 - Short-Term Rental Regulations - Link
• TOT Registration Form - Link

Interior Posting Requirements (Mandatory)

Operators must post the following within the rental unit:

• Name of operator and 24-hour contact telephone number
• Maximum number of guests permitted overnight
• Maximum number of vehicles allowed on property
• Trash and recycling rules and regulations
• Snow removal street parking regulations
• Description of City's Audible Alert System
• Sheriff's Office contact number
• Building exits, exit routes, and fire extinguisher locations
• Emergency evacuation information
• Penalties notice for violations
• Safe operation instructions for wood-burning fireplaces/stoves (if applicable)

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Occupancy and Use Limitations

Maximum Occupancy: 2 guests per bedroom, excluding children under 5 years of age. Occupancy limits apply between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM.

Permitted Unit Types:

• Single-family dwellings
• Second dwelling units (constructed prior to January 1, 2017)
• Apartments, cottages, studios, condominiums, townhouses
• Duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, guesthouses
• Individual bedrooms within existing residential unit
• Cabins and other structures with building permits

Prohibited Unit Types:

• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
• Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs)
• Structures not intended for residential occupancy
• Properties with deed restrictions prohibiting STRs
• Units with affordability restrictions

Safety and Operational Standards

Fire Safety Equipment:

• Smoke detectors in each bedroom and at least one on every level
• Carbon monoxide detectors outside bedrooms and on levels with fuel-burning appliances
• One 5-pound fire extinguisher (3-A:40-B:C type) per level, mounted near kitchen
• Annual professional inspection of fire extinguishers required
• 5-gallon metal ash bucket with tight-fitting lid for wood-burning fireplaces/stoves

Address Requirements:

• Street address must be visible from road
• Address characters must contrast with background
• Meet California Fire Code minimum size requirements

Emergency Communications:

• Landline phone or Voice Over Internet Protocol phone required if area has inadequate cellular service

Parking Requirements

• 2 or fewer bedrooms: 1 off-street parking space required
• 3 or more bedrooms: 2 off-street parking spaces required
• Parking must be on paved areas only
• No parking in unpaved areas or non-compliant locations
• Requirements apply in addition to other dwelling unit parking needs

Trash and Recycling Requirements

• Weekly trash and recycling collection mandatory
• Minimum one trash can per STR unit
• Additional service level required if one can insufficient
• Critical: Garbage/recycling cannot be placed outside before pickup day
• Outdoor storage requires bear-resistant and rodent-resistant containers
• Containers must comply with Section 8.08.080(F) of city code

Prohibited Activities

Outdoor Fires:

• May 1 - November 15: No outdoor fires permitted (firepits, campfires, etc.)
• November 16 - April 30: Limited outdoor fires allowed under strict conditions:
  • Contained in firepit or similar area (max 4 feet diameter)
  • Located in rear yard, minimum 10 feet from structures and flammable materials
  • Charged water hose and shovel required within 20 feet
  • Attended by responsible adult at all times
  • Prohibited when wind speeds exceed 10 mph
  • No pretreated wood, lumber, yard waste, or household trash allowed

Other Prohibitions:

• Grills/barbecues under flammable sources (trees, umbrellas, decks)
• Charcoal grills of any type
• Incidental camping (tents, decks, RVs)
• Subletting by guests
• Special events (weddings, corporate events, commercial functions)

Local Contact Person Requirements

Operators must designate a local contact person who:

• Is personally available by telephone 24/7
• Can be physically present at STR within 45 minutes of contact
• Has access and authority to assume management
• Must immediately contact appropriate authorities for immediate threats to public health/safety

Advertising Requirements

All advertisements must include:

• Maximum number of occupants permitted by registration certificate
• Maximum number of parking spaces onsite
• Transient occupancy registration certificate number

Recordkeeping Requirements

Operators must collect and maintain for each guest registration:

• Guest name and contact information
• Number of guests
• Amount of rent paid (including ancillary charges like cleaning)
• Retention period: 3 years
• Production requirement: Furnished to city within 5 days upon request

Enforcement and Penalties

Administrative Penalties

First Violation: Up to $500 per day per violation Subsequent Violations: Up to $1,000 per day per violation

• Prior citation = violation on same property within 12 months
• Penalties at discretion of enforcement officer

Registration Certificate Revocation

Certificate will be revoked if three citations issued within 12-month period (includes citations to guests and operators). New certificate cannot be issued for 12 months following revocation.

Certificate Denial, Suspension, or Revocation Grounds

1. Incomplete application
2. False or misleading statements/omissions
3. Current violation or investigation for local/state/federal violations
4. Three citations within 12-month period
5. Delinquent payments (fees, penalties, taxes, TOT)
6. Prior revocation/suspension
7. Threat to public health, safety, or welfare
8. Lack of fire inspection within 3 years, failed inspection, or inspection refusal
9. Absence/expiration of registration certificate
10. Non-payment of fees

Appeals Process

1. City Manager Appeal: File notice of appeal with city clerk within 10 calendar days
2. City Council Appeal: If dissatisfied with city manager decision, appeal to city council within 10 calendar days (deposit required)
3. Final Decision: City council findings are final and conclusive

Special Enforcement Notes

• Registration certificates do not transfer with property ownership
• Permits expire upon any transfer of ownership
• No vested interest or entitlement created by registration
• Certificate revocation due to ownership change requires new application

Contact Information

Primary Contact

City of Dunsmuir

• Address: 5915 Dunsmuir Avenue, Dunsmuir, CA 96025
• Phone: (530) 235-4822
• Email: adminasst@ci.dunsmuir.ca.us

Specific Departments

Short-Term Rental Registration:

• Phone: (530) 235-4822 ext. 102
• Online Registration: http://www.ci.dunsmuir.ca.us/short-term-rental

Business Licensing:

• Online Application: https://dunsmuir_business.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/dunsmuir_business
• Phone: (530) 235-4822

Fire Department:

• Dunsmuir-Castella Fire Department
• Phone: (530) 235-4822
• Note: Required for fire safety inspections

Code Enforcement:

• Phone: (530) 235-4822
• Email: adminasst@ci.dunsmuir.ca.us

Planning Department:

• Phone: (530) 235-4822
• Address: 5915 Dunsmuir Avenue, Dunsmuir, CA 96025

Siskiyou County Environmental Health Division:

• Required for inspection of pools, spas, saunas, shared laundry facilities
• Contact for public facility compliance verification

Sheriff's Office

• Contact number must be posted in all STR units
• Emergency: 911
• Non-emergency: Contact city for current number

Sources

• City of Dunsmuir - Short-Term Rental Information
• City of Dunsmuir - STR Registration Form
• Airbnb Help Center - Dunsmuir, CA Regulations
• Ordinance 570 - Short-Term Rental Regulations
• Fire Safety Self-Certification Form
• TOT Registration Form
• STR Committee Draft Regulations and Minutes

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This guide is based on current regulations as of 2025. Operators should verify current requirements with the City of Dunsmuir before initiating operations, as regulations may be amended.