Overview: Short-term rentals (STRs) are allowed in Pollock Pines, California, but are regulated by El Dorado County (not city-specific rules). Pollock Pines falls within the unincorporated areas of the county, which enforces strict Vacation Home Rental (VHR) ordinances. STRs must obtain county permits, comply with occupancy limits, fire safety standards, and pay Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). Hosted rentals (where the owner resides on-site) are permitted under a separate Hosted Home Rental (HHR) permit with additional restrictions.

1. Starting an STR Business in Pollock Pines

To legally operate an STR in Pollock Pines:

• Obtain a VHR or HHR Permit through the El Dorado County VHR Division.
• Complete Fire Safety Inspections:
  • Interior Fire Life Safety Inspection (every 2 years).
  • Exterior Defensible Space Inspection (valid for 3 years; must pass before permit approval).
• Pay Fees: Permit application fees, fire inspection fees, and TOT.
• Designate a Local Contact: A person within 35 driving miles of the property, available 24/7.
• Install a Bear Box (for VHRs; not required for HHRs).
• Comply with Ordinance Rules: Occupancy limits (see §3), noise, parking, and fire safety (e.g., no solid fuel fires).

Key Steps:

1. Apply via the HDL Online Portal.
2. Schedule fire inspections through your local fire district.
3. Submit proof of defensible space compliance and bear box installation.
4. Pay permit fees ($564 for new VHRs; $282 for HHRs).
5. Post county-issued signage on the property.

2. Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

• VHR Permit: Required for unhosted rentals; costs $564 (new) or $282 (renewal).
• HHR Permit: For owner-occupied rentals; costs $282. Requires proof of primary residence (e.g., two forms of ID).
• Fire Safety Inspections:
  • Interior: Passed inspection report (valid 2 years).
  • Exterior: Defensible space compliance (valid 3 years).
• TOT Certificate: Mandatory for collecting the 10% Transient Occupancy Tax.
• Bear Box Photo: Proof of installation for VHRs (exempt for HHRs).
• Local Contact Certification: Must pass the county’s local contact exam.

3. Regulations for STRs in Pollock Pines/El Dorado County

Key Rules (Per Ordinance Effective 11/21/24):

• Occupancy:
  • VHR: 2 individuals ≥6 years per bedroom; children ≤5 not counted.
  • HHR: Max 2 bedrooms rented (main home or attached guesthouse).
• Buffering:
  • VHRs require 500-foot separation from other STRs (West Slope only).
  • Use the County Buffer Map to check compliance.
• Fire Safety:
  • Defensible space compliance mandatory.
  • No solid fuel fires (propane/natural gas only for outdoor burning).
• Noise & Parking:
  • Quiet hours enforced; rental rules don’t apply to owners on-site.
  • Parking must stay on the parcel (no blocking driveways). In Tahoe, park on paved surfaces.
• Business Tax:
  • Collect and remit 10% TOT to the El Dorado County Tax Collector.
• Other Prohibitions:
  • No events (parties, weddings).
  • Violations result in fines for the owner.

Hosted Rentals (HHR):

• Permitted in residential zones.
• Exempt from bear box and buffering requirements.
• Fire inspections every 2 years; application fees reduced.

4. Contact Information

• VHR Division (El Dorado County):
  • Email: VHRPermits@edcgov.us
  • Phone: 530-642-4888 (Placerville Office); 530-573-7999 (Enforcement Hotline)
  • Address: 330 Fair Lane, Placerville, CA 95667
• Online Portal: HDL VHR Applications
• Fire Districts: Contact your local fire department for inspections (see VHR Fire FAQs).
• TOT Queries: El Dorado County Tax Collector: 530-621-5800

5. Source Links

• County VHR Ordinance & Forms: El Dorado County VHR Division
• HDL Permit Portal: Apply Online
• Buffer Map: Check STR Separation
• Pollock Pines Community Guide: Vacation Rental Tips
• TOT Information: El Dorado County Tax Collector

6. Additional Notes

• Waitlists: Some areas may have VHR/HHR waitlists ($141 fee).
• Insurance: Requires California Fair Plan + wrap-around policy due to wildfire risk.
• Seasonality: STR demand peaks in summer (lake activities) and winter (ski resorts).

For the latest updates, subscribe to the County VHR Email Service.