Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in both Oroville, CA and unincorporated Butte County, but with important jurisdictional distinctions and regulatory requirements. The City of Oroville operates under its own municipal STR regulations, while unincorporated areas of Butte County follow county-wide ordinances. Critical Note: Properties within the incorporated city limits of Oroville must comply with city regulations, while properties in unincorporated Butte County must follow county regulations. Butte County Planning cannot process permits for properties located in incorporated areas of Oroville - investors must verify their specific jurisdiction before applying.

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How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in This Market

Step 1: Determine Your Jurisdiction

This is the most critical first step. Contact Butte County Planning at 530-552-3701 or [email protected] to verify whether your property falls within:

• City of Oroville (incorporated area) - regulated by City of Oroville
• Unincorporated Butte County - regulated by Butte County

Step 2: Verify Zoning Compliance

Before proceeding with any applications:

For Butte County (Unincorporated):

• Contact Planning Division at 530-552-3701 or [email protected]
• STRs are PROHIBITED in the Very Low Density Country Residential (VLDCR) zone
• Property must meet California Building Code "R" occupancy standards
• STRs cannot occur within Recreational Vehicles, yurts, tents, or similar structures

For City of Oroville:

• Contact City Planning at 530-538-2401
• Verify zoning allows STR use
• If subject to HOA rules, obtain written authorization from HOA Board

Step 3: Building Compliance Verification

For Butte County:

• Ensure unit has proper building permit (unless built before 1962, which requires Assessor Field notes)
• Contact Building Division at [email protected] or 530-552-3700 to verify building permit status
• Must meet current California Building Code standards

For City of Oroville:

• Must comply with California Residential Code, Fire Code, Health and Safety Code
• Must pass all applicable building inspections
• Specific safety measures required (see safety requirements section below)

Step 4: Application Process

For Butte County Administrative Permit:

• Complete online application through eTRAKiT system or submit PDF application
• Fee: $219.35
• Submit by mail or in-person to Butte County Development Services
• Owner must prove residency with two forms of identification (driver's license, utility bill)

For City of Oroville:

• Choose between Administrative Permit ($490.78) or Use Permit ($3,952.74)
• Complete detailed application form with all required documentation
• Submit to City Planning Division

Step 5: Business License and Tax Registration

• City of Oroville: Active/paid/current Business License required
• Both Jurisdictions: Register for Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) collection

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Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Butte County (Unincorporated Areas)

Administrative Permit Required (Ordinance 4159):

• Completed Short-Term Rental Application
• $219.35 application fee
• Building permit verification or Assessor Field notes (pre-1962 structures)
• Two forms of owner identification proving residency
• Proof of building compliance with California Building Code

Additional Requirements:

• Local property manager designation (24/7 availability required)
• Emergency evacuation information posting
• Right to Farm Ordinance disclosure in rental agreement and posted on-site

City of Oroville

Permit Options:

1. Administrative Permit: $490.78 total ($463 + 6% tech fee)
2. Use Permit: $3,952.74 ($3,729 deposit + $223.74 tech fee)

Required Documentation:

• Completed STR application form
• Floor plan showing rooms, beds, bathrooms, kitchen facilities, and maximum occupancy
• Site plan addressing parking areas and off-street spaces
• HOA authorization letter (if applicable)
• 24-hour emergency contact information
• Business License (active/paid/current)
• Transient Occupancy Tax registration

Safety Requirements (City of Oroville):

• Smoke alarms (UL 217 compliant) in each bedroom, outside bedrooms, and each level
• Carbon monoxide alarms (UL 2034 compliant) outside bedrooms and each level
• Fire extinguisher on each habitable level
• Posted permit with manager contact information

State Requirements (Both Jurisdictions)

Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT):

• Butte County: 6% TOT for unincorporated areas
• Collected by Treasurer-Tax Collector's Department
• Must register and file regular reports

Property Tax Assessment:

• BOE-571-STR form required annually by April 1st
• Reports all personal property (furniture, appliances, equipment) used in STR
• Subject to assessment and taxation

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Specific Regulations

Operating Requirements

Hosting Type Restrictions:

• Hosted Stays: Property owner must be primary resident and remain on-site during rental
• Un-hosted Stays: Must have designated local property manager available 24/7

Occupancy and Duration Limits:

• Maximum rental period: 30 consecutive nights per year (City of Oroville)
• Maximum occupants as determined by building code and posted limits
• No special events requiring city permits allowed on-site

Property Maintenance:

• Must maintain neighborhood character consistency
• Proper solid waste disposal required
• Waste/refuse bins stored outside public view
• No signs indicating STR use unless proper permits obtained

Prohibited Activities

Zoning Restrictions:

• No STRs in VLDCR zone (Butte County)
• No STRs in Recreational Vehicles, yurts, tents, or similar structures
• Must comply with underlying zoning district requirements

Business Operations:

• No rental periods exceeding 30 consecutive nights (City of Oroville)
• No special events requiring permits
• No exterior signage without proper permits

Safety and Compliance Standards

Building Code Compliance:

• Must meet current California Building Code standards
• Maintain "R" occupancy classification
• All applicable building and fire code requirements

Emergency Preparedness:

• Post community emergency evacuation information and maps
• Manager must respond to complaints within 30 minutes
• 24/7 manager availability during rental periods

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Contact Information for Local Authorities

Butte County (Unincorporated Areas)

Planning Division (Primary Contact for STR Permits):

• Phone: 530-552-3701
• Email: [email protected]
• Address: 7 County Center Drive, Oroville, CA 95965
• Online Application: Butte County eTRAKiT Portal

Building Division:

• Phone: 530-552-3700
• Email: [email protected]

STR Complaint Hotline:

• Phone: 530-250-4118 (24 hours/day)

Treasurer-Tax Collector (TOT):

• Phone: 530-552-3700
• Website: Butte County Tax Information

Assessor (Property Tax):

• Phone: 530-552-3800
• Email: [email protected]
• Address: 25 County Center Dr Suite 100, Oroville, CA 95965-3382
• Website: Butte County Assessor

City of Oroville

Planning Division - Community Development Department:

• Phone: 530-538-2401
• Fax: 530-538-2426
• Address: 1735 Montgomery Street, Oroville, CA 95965-4897
• Website: www.cityoforoville.org

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Links to Source Pages

Butte County Resources

1. Short-Term Rental Ordinance Overview
2. STR Application Process
3. STR Ordinance Details and History
4. Butte County STR Ordinance 4159 (PDF)
5. STR Administrative Permit Application (PDF)
6. Community Emergency Evacuation Maps
7. Transient Occupancy Tax Information

City of Oroville Resources

8. City of Oroville STR Application Form (PDF)

State Resources

9. Revenue and Taxation Code 7280 (TOT Authority)
10. Butte County Code Section 23-A (TOT)

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Critical Reminders for STR Investors

1. Jurisdiction Verification is Essential: Always confirm whether your property falls within City of Oroville or unincorporated Butte County before applying
2. No Refunds for Invalid Applications: Both jurisdictions clearly state that permit fees are non-refundable if applications are invalidated due to zoning or other compliance issues
3. Building Permit Status: Ensure building compliance before applying - this is often the most common reason for application denial
4. Manager Requirements: Both jurisdictions require 24/7 availability of a designated manager or owner
5. Tax Obligations: TOT registration and payment is mandatory in both jurisdictions
6. Ongoing Compliance: Regular inspections and compliance monitoring apply to operating STRs

This comprehensive regulatory environment reflects the mature approach both jurisdictions have taken to balance the economic benefits of STRs with neighborhood protection and public safety concerns.