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Foresthill, CA

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STR Regulations for Foresthill, California

Executive Summary

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Foresthill, CA. Foresthill is an unincorporated community within Placer County, and short-term rentals (defined as residential units rented for 30 days or less) are permitted throughout the county, including Foresthill, subject to Placer County's comprehensive STR Ordinance and permit requirements.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Foresthill?

Foresthill hosts earn a median $28,254/year with $290 ADR and 36% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $35,041+ per year.

See the full Foresthill market breakdown

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

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Obtain a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Certificate

  2. Complete Required Fire Inspections

    • Exterior Defensible Space Inspection: Must be completed BEFORE submitting your STR permit application
    • Interior Fire Life Safety Inspection: Completed AFTER submitting your permit application
    • Both inspections are valid for 3 years

  3. Secure Proof of Bear Bin/Dumpster

    • Photo of bear box with house number/address visible
    • For condos, photo of closest dumpster is acceptable
    • Financial assistance available: 0% interest loan up to $2,200 through TTSD (repaid through garbage bill)

  4. Designate a Local Contact Person

    • Must live within 35 driving miles of the STR property
    • Available by phone 24/7
    • Has access and authority to manage the property

  5. Obtain Primary Homeowner Exemption Documentation (if applicable)

    • Copy of property tax bill showing homeowner's exemption
    • Only required if using your primary residence as STR

  6. Submit STR Permit Application

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

Essential Documents

  • Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Certificate - Mandatory before STR operation
  • STR Permit - $326.02 application fee (renewable annually)
  • Exterior Defensible Space Fire Inspection - Valid for 3 years
  • Interior Fire Life Safety Inspection - Valid for 3 years
  • Bear Box Photo - With house number visible
  • Property Tax Bill - Showing homeowner's exemption (if applicable)
  • Local Contact Information - 24/7 availability within 35 miles

Permit Requirements

  • STR Permit - Required for all STR operations
  • Permit Type: Annual renewal required
  • Application Timing: Submit 30 days before expiration for renewal
  • Transferability: Non-transferable between properties or owners

Fee Structure

  • STR Application Fee: $326.02 (non-refundable)
  • Interior Fire Life Safety Inspection: $507.02 (new and renewal)
  • Exterior Defensible Space Inspection: Varies by fire district
  • Bear Box Loan: Up to $2,200 available at 0% interest

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Placer County STR Ordinance (Applies to Foresthill)

Key Operational Requirements

Definition and Scope:

  • STR defined as residential units rented for 30 days or less
  • Includes vacation rentals advertised through any medium
  • Preserves residential neighborhood character

Permit Caps and Limitations:

  • STR Cap: 3,900 total STR permits (excluding owner-occupied units)
  • 30-Night Minimum: Required once cap is reached
  • Multiple STRs per Property: Allowed under specific conditions (effective January 16, 2025)

Mandatory Postings:

  • Sticker or bear box magnet (available after permit issuance)
  • Good Neighbor Flyer (provided by county)

Operational Restrictions:

  • All guests must comply with ordinance requirements
  • Owner responsible for ensuring compliance
  • Fines can be cited to both owners and guests

Fire Safety and Inspection Requirements

Interior Fire Life Safety Inspection:

  • Required for all new and renewal applications
  • Cost: $507.02
  • Valid for 3 years
  • Must be paid and passed before permit approval
  • Contact scheduling: [email protected]

Exterior Defensible Space Inspection:

  • Required for all STR properties
  • Must be completed by local fire district
  • Valid for 3 years
  • Conducted annually by fire departments

Foresthill Area Fire Districts: Contact your specific fire district for defensible space inspections and scheduling requirements.

Wildlife and Bear Safety Requirements

Bear Box Requirements:

  • Mandatory for all STR properties
  • Photo proof required with application
  • Loan assistance available: www.waste101.com/bear-aware
  • 0% interest loan up to $2,220 through TTSD

State-Level Regulations (California)

Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT):

  • Required under California Revenue and Taxation Code
  • Collected and remitted through Placer County
  • Certificate must be obtained before STR operation

Business Requirements:

  • Business license through county
  • Insurance requirements (verify with local authorities)
  • Tax reporting obligations

Local Contact and Management Requirements

Local Contact Person Specifications

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must live within 35 driving miles of STR property
  • Available by phone 24 hours/day
  • Has access and authority to manage the property
  • Agrees to act as local contact for all STR activities
  • Professional property management companies acceptable if they meet criteria

Responsibilities:

  • Respond to guest issues within reasonable time
  • Address community complaints
  • Ensure property compliance with all regulations
  • Accept service of citations if necessary

Contact Information for Local Authority

Placer County STR Program

Primary Contact:

  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: 530-581-6234
  • Address:
    • Tahoe City Office
    • PO Box 1909
    • 775 North Lake Blvd.
    • Tahoe City, CA 96145

Office Hours:

  • General Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM
  • Document Pickup: Monday-Thursday, 9 AM - 4 PM

Fire Life Safety Inspection Contact:

  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: Contact scheduling staff after application submission

Code Enforcement and Complaints:

  • 24/7 Hotline: 530-448-8003
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Provide: Name, phone number, property address, violation description

Fire Districts (Foresthill Area)

For Defensible Space Inspections: Contact your local fire district for scheduling and requirements specific to your property location.

Renewal and Ongoing Compliance

Annual Renewal Process

Timing:

  • Submit renewal application 30 days before permit expiration
  • Late renewals may require new application process

Required Documentation:

  • Updated TOT certificate information (if changed)
  • Current fire inspections (interior and exterior)
  • Updated local contact information
  • Current homeowner exemption documentation (if applicable)
  • Renewal fee payment ($326.02)

Inspection Requirements:

  • Both interior and exterior fire inspections must be current (valid for 3 years)
  • Permit suspended without passing inspections on file
  • Cannot operate STR without valid permit

Permit Violations and Enforcement

Grounds for Violation:

  • Operating without valid permit
  • Failure to maintain required inspections
  • Violation of posting requirements
  • Guest conduct violations
  • Failure to respond to complaints

Penalties:

  • Citations issued to owners and guests
  • Permit suspension or revocation possible
  • Fines per Placer County STR Ordinance section 9.42.100(A)

Links to Source Pages

Official Placer County Resources

Supporting Documentation

Bear Safety and Wildlife Resources

Market Data and Analysis

This guide provides comprehensive information for short-term rental investors in Foresthill, California. All information is based on current Placer County regulations as of the provided sources. Regulations may change, so always verify current requirements with official county sources before making investment decisions.

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Foresthill

Market Saturation Score

036912
Mild Saturation
4/ 12
months with declining YoY revenue
2–4 declining months: early saturation pressure - watch for trend persistence.
View Full Foresthill Market Analysis

Photos of Foresthill

Overview of Foresthill

Foresthill is a small unincorporated community nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills of Placer County, California, with a population of roughly 1,500 residents. Sitting at about 3,200 feet of elevation, the town carries the laid-back character of a former Gold Rush-era settlement that has shifted into a quiet mountain getaway. It is best known as a gateway to the deep canyon country of the North Fork American River and to the surrounding network of state and regional recreation areas. Foresthill lies approximately 50 miles northeast of Sacramento and about 17 miles east of Auburn, the Placer County seat, making it an accessible escape from California's Central Valley heat.

One of the defining nearby landmarks is the Foresthill Bridge, which spans the North Fork American River just down the canyon from town. At over 700 feet above the water, it ranks among the tallest bridges in the United States and is a popular draw for sightseers, photographers, and BASE jumpers during permitted events. The span itself is only a short drive from the town center, and the overlook points give visitors a striking sense of the canyon's depth.

The surrounding Auburn State Recreation Area is the region's marquee outdoor attraction, stretching for miles along both forks of the American River. The park encompasses hiking trails, historic mining sites, river beaches, and the popular Western States Trail, which passes through Foresthill and hosts the famous Tevis Cup endurance ride each summer. White-water rafting, kayaking, and gold panning are common pursuits within the recreation area, and the cooler mountain air draws visitors year-round.

Just below the bridge lies Lake Clementine, a reservoir on the North Fork American River known for its clear water, fishing, and shoreline picnic spots. The lake and the river corridor beneath it offer a more relaxed alternative to busier Sierra reservoirs and are typically only about 15 minutes from the center of Foresthill. A short drive farther east also brings visitors to smaller historic communities such as Iowa Hill, a quietly preserved remnant of the 1850s gold-mining era.

For short-term-rental owners, Foresthill offers an appealing combination of seclusion, scenery, and access. Its elevation provides cooler summers than the Sacramento Valley, while its proximity to Auburn, Sacramento, and the broader Sierra corridor means it can attract a steady mix of outdoor adventurers, history buffs, and travelers heading deeper into the mountains. The town's small footprint, Gold Country heritage, and position above one of Northern California's most scenic river canyons give it a character that feels distinctive within the foothill rental market.

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