Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Shasta Lake, CA?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Shasta Lake, CA. The City of Shasta Lake has established a comprehensive permit and licensing process for vacation homes and short-term rentals that took effect October 1, 2020. Under City ordinance, both "Hosted Homestay" and "Vacation Rental" types are permitted, making Shasta Lake a viable market for STR investors.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Shasta Lake

The City has implemented a streamlined, one-stop processing system for STR applications through the Development Services Department. Here's the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Complete Application Preparation

Obtain and complete the Short-Term Rental Application Packet from the City of Shasta Lake Permit Center at 4477 Main Street, Shasta Lake, CA, or download from the city website.

Step 2: Submit Application

Submit your complete application packet to the City of Shasta Lake Permit Center for one-stop processing. The Planning Division will review and approve/deny the permit, while the Building Division coordinates with the Shasta Lake Fire Protection District for Fire Life Safety inspections.

Step 3: Tax Registration

After permit approval, the Shasta Lake Finance Department will send Transient Occupancy Tax forms that must be filed quarterly with corresponding tax payments.

Step 4: Annual Renewal

The administrative permit must be renewed annually. The renewal date coincides with business license renewal (effective for twelve months).

Step 5: Permit Issuance

Upon approval and TOT ID assignment by Finance Department, your business license and permit will be issued.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Core Application Requirements:

1. Short-Term Rental Application Packet
2. Project Description including:
   • Number of bedrooms to be rented
   • Maximum overnight guests (per SLMC Subsection 17.88.275(E)(3))
   • Owner/tenant occupancy status during rental periods
   • Number of onsite parking spaces
   • Square footage of home
   • Identification of additional buildings on property
3. Property Photos (street view and property line views)
4. Site Plan (8" x 11" minimum, 11" x 17" maximum) showing:
   • All structures and current/intended uses
   • Property access (public/private roads, driveways)
   • Proposed parking locations
   • Outdoor areas (pool, spa, gazebo, etc.)
5. Floor Plan (8" x 11" minimum, 11" x 17" maximum) showing:
   • All rooms and sleeping areas
   • Clear exit locations
6. Authorization Form for property entry by city personnel
7. Property Owner's Authorization Letter (if applicant is not owner)
8. 24-Hour Contact Information for owner/manager
9. Application Fee

State and County Required Documentation:

• Fictitious Business Name filing (FBN Number from Shasta County Clerk)
• Bureau of Equalization Number (sales tax number)

Additional Requirements:

• Authorization to Enter Private Property form
• Safety Inspection (required before permit issuance, after six months of inactivity, or every three years)
• Transient Occupancy Tax Registration

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Occupancy Limits:

• Vacation Rentals: Maximum of 2 adults plus 1 additional guest per property
• Additional Guests: Maximum of 10 non-registered guests may visit between 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM
• Total Daytime Occupancy: Overnight limit plus 10 people maximum between 7:00 AM-10:00 PM
• Special Events: Prohibited (lawn parties, memorial services, weddings, similar activities)

Parking Requirements:

• 3 guestrooms or fewer: Minimum 1 onsite parking space
• More than 3 guestrooms: 1 space per additional guestroom
• Maximum vehicles: 1 vehicle per bedroom
• On-street parking: May be considered at Director's discretion if adequate road capacity and public safety maintained

Operational Standards:

• Quiet Hours: 10:00 PM until 7:00 AM
• Outdoor Activities: Must comply with General Plan Noise Element during quiet hours
• Amplified Sound: Prohibited at all times outdoors
• Trash: Cannot be stored in public view except in proper containers for collection
• Traffic: Must not exceed normal residential levels or interfere with neighbors' quiet use

Safety Requirements:

• Fire Extinguishers: Minimum 2A/10BC rating required, installed 48 inches or less from finished floor near exits
• Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Required and regularly tested
• Emergency Contact: 24-hour working phone number for property owner/manager who can respond onsite within 60 minutes
• Address Numbers: Minimum 4-inch height, 3/8-inch stroke, reflectorized, contrasting with background, permanently posted and visible from street
• Electrical Standards: No extension cords as permanent wiring, junction boxes covered, main service and sub-panel breakers labeled
• Exit Requirements: All exits clear and operable from inside without keys
• Plumbing: All fixtures present, backflow preventers required, gas appliance shut-off valves accessible

Structural Limitations:

• Permitted Structures: Only legally established single-family dwellings and guest houses
• Multiple Structures: Must be rented to same party unless owner occupies the home
• One VR per Property: No more than one Vacation Rental use allowed per property
• Utility Services: Cannot require commercial or industrial load/design modifications

Pet Regulations:

• Pet Accommodations: Must provide means to ensure animals are always secured on property
• Nuisance Barking: Prohibited by unattended pets

Advertising Requirements:

• Permit Number: Must identify Administrative Permit number and TOT ID in all advertising
• Exterior Signage: No exterior signage identifying home as vacation rental permitted
• Required Information: All listings must include property's quiet hours, maximum number of guests and vehicles permitted

Contact Information for Local STR Authorities

City of Shasta Lake Development Services Department

Physical Address:
4477 Main Street
Shasta Lake, CA 96019

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 777
Shasta Lake, CA 96019

Phone Numbers:

• Main: (530) 275-7400
• Development Services: (530) 275-7430
• Fax: (530) 275-7406

Email:
permit@cityofshastalake.org

Key Contact:
Jessaca Lugo, Assistant City Manager

Office Hours: Standard municipal business hours (contact directly for specific times)

Source Pages

1. City of Shasta Lake STR Main Page: www.cityofshastalake.gov/1169/Short-Term-Rentals-and-Vacation-Homes
2. Short-Term Rental Application Packet: www.cityofshastalake.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2784/Short-Term-Rental-Application-Packet
3. KRCR News Report on County Regulations: krcrtv.com/news/local/shasta-county-amends-zoning-plan-to-regulate-short-term-rentals
4. Local Business STR Support Information: shastalakeshoreretreat.com/keep-vacation-rentals/
5. City Municipal Code: library.municode.com/ca/shasta_lake/codes/code_of_ordinances

Important Notes for Investors

• Permit Validity: STR permits are valid for maximum one year from issuance
• Renewal Required: Annual renewal required with minimal cost
• Non-Transferable: Permits do not transfer upon property ownership changes
• Change Reporting: Changes in ownership, 24-hour contact information, or operational status must be reported within 30 days
• Inspection Schedule: Inspections required before permit issuance, after six months of inactivity, and every three years thereafter
• Quarterly Taxes: Transient Occupancy Tax must be filed and paid quarterly
• Business License: Must be maintained concurrently with permit renewal

This guide provides comprehensive information for STR investors considering the Shasta Lake market, which has explicitly embraced short-term rental operations through clear, well-defined regulations and a structured permitting process.