Overview: Are Short‑Term Rentals Allowed in Quincy, CA?

Yes—short‑term rentals are allowed in Quincy, California (Plumas County), provided the operator obtains required county permits, holds a valid business license, and complies with the county’s Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and safety/zoning standards. Quincy is an unincorporated community and the county seat; most land‑use and lodging rules are administered by Plumas County rather than a separate city government. State law (California) also imposes registration, safety, and taxation requirements that apply to all STR hosts statewide.

This guide consolidates Quincy/Plumas County specifics plus the state‑level obligations that apply to any California STR.

How to Start a Short‑Term Rental Business in Quincy (Plumas County)

1. Confirm zoning eligibility and any use restrictions for your parcel. STRs are permitted only in zones where transient lodging is allowed under county zoning. If your property is in a restricted zone, you will not be eligible for an STR permit. For definitive zoning confirmation, contact Plumas County Planning (see Contact Information below).
2. Obtain a county STR permit. Plumas County requires hosts to secure a short‑term rental permit before operating. Plan ahead for processing time.
3. Obtain a business license. Hosts must register for a county business license prior to or concurrent with the STR permit.
4. Register for, collect, and remit Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). Plumas County currently assesses a 10% TOT on STR rentals. You must register for a TOT account, collect the tax from guests, and file/ remit per the county’s reporting schedule.
5. Meet safety and habitability standards. At a minimum, install working smoke detectors and maintain a functioning fire extinguisher on site (see Regulations section for details).
6. Prepare your listing and operating procedures. Draft guest rules (occupancy, parking, noise), house rules, and an emergency contact plan. Consider directional signage, parking instructions, and quiet‑hours enforcement to minimize neighbor complaints.
7. File and renew on schedule. Keep your STR permit, business license, and TOT account current and renew before expiration to avoid penalties.

Note: If you engage a property manager, ensure the manager is also licensed and that all parties are listed on the permit and tax registrations.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Taxes (Quincy/Plumas County)

• Short‑Term Rental Permit (Plumas County)
  • Purpose: authorizes operation of an STR within the county
  • Authority: Plumas County Planning Department
  • Renewal: confirm current renewal interval with the county
• Business License (Plumas County)
  • Purpose: general business registration for STR operations
  • Authority: Plumas County Planning/Business Licensing
• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Registration and Remittance
  • Tax rate: 10% (Plumas County)
  • Hosts collect TOT from guests and remit per county schedule
  • Maintain records of nightly rates, occupancy, taxes collected, and remittances
• Safety Equipment (minimum):
  • Working smoke detectors in required locations
  • Fire extinguisher accessible on site
• Zoning Use Verification
  • STRs must be located in zones where transient lodging is permitted; non‑conforming uses may not be eligible

Statewide (California) requirements that also apply to Quincy STRs:

• STR Registration Certificate (short‑term rental registration)
  • Hosted and unhosted rentals must register with the state and display the registration certificate number on all listings
• Local TOT/Transient Tax Registration
  • Hosts must register with the local tax authority (Plumas County) and collect/ remit any applicable TOT
• Health and Safety Code obligations:
  • Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms where required
  • Fire extinguisher, address posting, and emergency egress standards
  • Local fire code and building standards may add requirements depending on unit type and occupancy

Specific Regulations for STRs in Quincy, Plumas County, and California

Quincy/Plumas County (local):

• STRs must be located in zoning districts that permit transient lodging; hosts must confirm eligibility with Planning prior to investing
• Safety requirements include working smoke detectors and an on‑site fire extinguisher
• Hosts must obtain and maintain an STR permit and business license, and collect/ remit 10% TOT
• Non‑compliance may result in penalties, permit suspension or revocation, and enforcement action by the county

California (statewide framework):

• All STRs must hold a valid state registration certificate; the certificate number must appear on listings
• Hosts must register with the local jurisdiction for TOT and remit taxes on schedule
• Health and safety standards require smoke/CO alarms (where applicable), fire extinguishers, visible address posting, and clear emergency egress routes
• Local municipalities can impose additional rules, caps, or operational restrictions; operators must comply with the most restrictive applicable layer of regulation (state, county, and city)

Enforcement:

• The county can inspect STRs, verify permit status, and require corrective actions
• State law already requires registration; unregistered STRs may be subject to enforcement and shutdown irrespective of local ordinances

Contact Information (Local Authority in Charge of STRs in Quincy/Plumas County)

• Plumas County Planning Department

  • Phone: 530‑283‑6213
  • Email: planning@countyofplumas.com
  • Website: plumascounty.us/Planning
  • Notes: Zoning verification, STR permit applications, and business licensing are administered by this department

• Plumas County TOT (Transient Occupancy Tax) Administration

  • Phone: 530‑283‑6213 or 530‑283‑6265
  • Email: tot@countyofplumas.com
  • Website: plumascounty.us/TOT
  • Notes: TOT registration, filing schedules, and remittance

Source Links

• Plumas County Planning Department (permits and zoning): www.plumascounty.us/Planning
• Plumas County TOT (Transient Occupancy Tax): www.plumascounty.us/TOT
• Plumas County Municipal Code (Municode): library.municode.com/ca/plumas_county
• StaySTRa – Quincy, CA STR market overview and county regulatory summary: staystra.com/location/california/quincy/
• Massachusetts context (for comparison; not applicable to Quincy, CA): www.patriotledger.com/story/news/2021/01/13/new-short-term-rental-laws-airbnd-quincy-clear-first-hurtle-city-council/6633370002/
• LocalGov – STR ordinance news roundup (including Quincy, MA reference): www.localgov.org/blog/short-term-rental-ordinances-in-the-news

Action Items for Investors:

• Confirm zoning and STR eligibility with Plumas County Planning before purchasing
• Build permit, licensing, and tax compliance into your operating timeline and budget
• Maintain a compliance file (permit, business license, TOT registrations, safety equipment logs, guest rules) for inspections
• If you expand beyond Quincy, review city‑specific rules in any municipality within Plumas County to ensure you meet the most restrictive applicable requirements