Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Orangevale?

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Orangevale, California. Orangevale falls under Sacramento County jurisdiction, and the County explicitly permits short-term rentals as an accessory use. However, strict conditions apply to maintain neighborhood compatibility and ensure the rental activity remains secondary to the primary residential use of the property.

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Orangevale

To legally operate a short-term rental in Orangevale, you must meet Sacramento County's comprehensive requirements:

1. Eligibility Criteria

• Primary Occupancy Requirement: You must either own the property or have a long-term rental agreement where you live on-site for at least six (6) months per year
• Property Type: Only primary single-family dwellings and legally permitted Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) constructed before January 1, 2020 are eligible
• Accessory Use Status: The short-term rental must remain an accessory use to your full-time occupancy - under no circumstances shall STR services become the primary use of the property
• Rental Duration: Maximum rental period of 29 days or less

2. Application Process

Sacramento County requires all applications, renewals, and business licensing to be completed through the online RentalScape portal. Applications are NOT accepted in-person, by mail, fax, or email.

Application Portal: https://sacramento-ca-str.deckard.com/

Pre-Application Requirement: Review the Short-Term Rental Permit FAQ Handout before applying to ensure qualification.

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

1. Short-Term Rental Permit (STRP)

• Fee: $452.66 (non-refundable)
• Includes: STR permit application fee + Business license application fee
• TOT Registration: No additional charge
• Duration: Annual permit with renewal requirements
• Processing: Through RentalScape portal only

2. Business License

• Requirement: Mandatory for all STR operations
• Processing: Included with STR permit application
• Contact: Business Licensing at (916) 874-6644 for questions

3. Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Registration

• Requirement: Mandatory registration for tax collection
• Fee: No charge for registration
• Process: Completed through the online application portal

4. Documentation Requirements

• Property Ownership/Long-term Tenancy Proof: Documentation showing you live on the property
• ADU Construction Date: If renting an ADU, proof it was constructed with proper permits before January 1, 2020
• Compliance Verification: Property must meet all zoning and building code requirements

Specific Regulations for Orangevale (Sacramento County)

1. Occupancy Restrictions

• Adults Only: Current approved permits (post-February 2, 2023) limit guest occupancy to adults over age 18
• Minors: Not included in guest occupancy restrictions
• Definition: Short-term rental defined as rentals for 29 days or less

2. Zoning Compliance

• Primary Use Protection: STR must never become the primary use of the property
• Neighborhood Compatibility: Operating conditions must mitigate negative impacts and ensure compatibility with surrounding neighborhoods
• ADU Restrictions: Only ADUs constructed before January 1, 2020, are eligible for STR use

3. Legal Framework References

• Sacramento County Zoning Section 3.9.3.AA: Standards and findings for Short-Term Rentals (page 3-136)
• Sacramento County Zoning Section 6.5.6: Additional STR regulations (page 6-58)

4. Fire and Safety Requirements

• General Requirements: Properties must meet all applicable fire and building codes
• Inspection: May be required depending on property type and local fire district requirements
• Safety Equipment: Must maintain working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors as required by law

5. Tax Obligations

• Transient Occupancy Tax: Must collect and remit TOT as required by Sacramento County
• Business Income Taxes: Report STR income on federal and state tax returns
• Registration: Complete TOT registration as part of permit process

State-Level Regulations (California)

1. Taxes

• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): Collected at the local level (Sacramento County)
• Income Reporting: STR income is subject to federal and California income tax
• Registration: Local TOT registration required

2. Safety and Building Standards

• Building Codes: Must comply with current California Building Code standards
• Fire Safety: Must meet California fire safety requirements
• Health Standards: Properties must meet California health and safety standards

3. Insurance Requirements

• Liability Coverage: Standard homeowners or renters insurance may not cover commercial STR activity
• Commercial Insurance: Consider commercial STR insurance to protect against liability claims
• Business Operations: STR operation may affect existing insurance policies

Local Authority Contact Information

Primary Contact: Sacramento County Planning and Environmental Review

• Email: sacplan@saccounty.gov
• Purpose: General questions about STR permits and regulations
• Services: Application support, regulation interpretation, compliance assistance

Business Licensing

• Phone: (916) 874-6644
• Website: Business License Application Portal
• Purpose: Business license questions and requirements

Orangevale Community Planning Advisory Council (CPAC)

• Website: Orangevale CPAC Meetings
• Purpose: Community input on local planning issues, including STR impacts

Application Support

• RentalScape Portal: https://sacramento-ca-str.deckard.com/
• Technical Support: Available through the online portal system

Source Links

1. Sacramento County Short-Term Rental Permits - Primary STR regulations and application process
2. Short-Term Rental Permit FAQ Handout - Detailed FAQ document
3. Property Use FAQs - Additional STR information and general property use questions
4. RentalScape Application Portal - Official STR permit and business license application system
5. Sacramento County Zoning Code Chapter 3 - Zoning regulations including STR requirements
6. Sacramento County Zoning Code Chapter 6 - Additional STR regulations
7. Business License Online Application - Business licensing information

Important Reminders for STR Investors

• No Grandfathering: Properties without existing STR permits must meet all current regulations
• Continuous Compliance: STR permits can be suspended or revoked for non-compliance
• Neighborhood Impact: Operating conditions are designed to minimize negative impacts on surrounding residents
• Renewal Process: Annual renewal required through the same online portal system
• Professional Management: Consider professional property management services to ensure compliance with all regulations

This guide provides comprehensive information for operating a legally compliant short-term rental in Orangevale, California. Always verify current requirements with Sacramento County authorities before making investment decisions.