Overview

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Loomis, California. However, it is important to understand that Loomis does not have city-specific short-term rental regulations. Instead, properties in Loomis fall under Placer County's Short-Term Rental Ordinance, which applies to all unincorporated areas of the county, including Loomis.

Short-term rentals are defined as residential units rented for occupancy, dwelling, lodging, or sleeping purposes for a period of not less than one night and not more than thirty (30) days. Commercial lodging uses such as hotels, motels, condo-hotels, and timeshares are not included in this definition and are not subject to the county ordinance.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Loomis

Starting an STR business in Loomis involves navigating Placer County's comprehensive regulatory framework. The process requires careful attention to multiple requirements that must be completed in sequence.

Initial Steps

1. Obtain a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Certificate - This is mandatory before operating any STR
2. Complete Required Fire Inspections - Both interior Fire Life Safety and exterior Defensible Space inspections
3. Secure Proper Waste Management - Install bear-proof trash enclosure or dumpster
4. Designate a Local Contact Person - Must live within 35 driving miles and be available 24/7
5. Document Primary Homeowner Status - If applicable, provide property tax documentation
6. Pay Application Fee - $326.02 non-refundable fee

Permit Application Process

The county operates an online application system through which all permits must be obtained. Applications are processed electronically, and paper checks are no longer accepted for permit payments.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Permits and Certificates

1. Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Certificate

• Must be obtained before operating any STR
• Does not require renewal but must be kept current
• Application available through the county's online portal

2. STR Permit

• Valid for one year from issuance date
• Must be renewed 30 days prior to expiration
• Required for all non-commercial lodging rentals under 30 days

Required Inspections

Interior Fire Life Safety Inspection

• Conducted by Placer County staff for most districts
• Cost: $507.02 (non-refundable)
• Good for three years
• Required for new applications and renewals

Exterior Defensible Space Inspection

• Conducted by local fire districts
• Must be completed within the last year for new applications
• Good for three years
• Required for new applications and renewals

Supporting Documentation

1. Proof of Bear Bin/Dumpster

• Photo of bear box with house front visible
• Address should be visible if possible
• Photo of nearest dumpster acceptable for condos

2. Local Contact Person Verification

• Must live within 35 driving miles
• Available by phone 24 hours daily
• Has access and authority to manage the property

3. Primary Homeowner Exemption (if applicable)

• Copy of property tax bill showing correct homeowner exemption designation
• Only required for primary residences, not secondary homes

4. Fire Safety Equipment

• Smoke alarms in each bedroom and on every level
• Carbon monoxide alarms outside bedrooms and on every level
• Fire extinguisher (5-pound, type 3-A:40-B:C) mounted near kitchen
• Working landline phone or Voice Over Internet Protocol

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Operational Standards

Local Contact Requirements

• Personally available by telephone 24/7
• Ability to be physically present within 60 minutes (25 driving miles)
• Has access and authority to assume management of the property

Parking Requirements

• On-site parking required for all vehicles, boats, and trailers
• Off-site parking plans must be county-approved if no on-site parking exists
• Parking locations and vehicle capacity must be clearly stated in all advertisements and rental agreements
• No parking permitted in roadways
• Snow area parking must comply with Placer County Code Section 10.12.020

Noise Regulations

• Must comply with Placer County Code Article 9.36 (Noise) and community noise equivalent levels (CNEL) of the Tahoe Basin Area Plan
• Daytime and nighttime noise limits must be posted inside the rental
• Amplified sound outside or audible from parcel line is prohibited
• Quiet hours: 9:00 PM to 8:00 AM Pacific Standard Time
• No sound from STR shall be audible from parcel line during quiet hours

Trash and Waste Management

• Minimum service level of two trash containers per STR per week
• All exterior trash receptacles must be "animal proofed" and bear-resistant
• Bear box enclosure or dumpster required per Placer County Code Chapter 8, Article 8.16
• Financial assistance available through TTSD loan program (0% interest, up to $2,200)

Posting Requirements

Interior Postings

• Placer County Good Neighbor flyer posted by front door and each bedroom door
• Must include local contact information and emergency information
• Must cover noise, parking, fire safety, occupancy limits, bears/trash, and pets

Exterior Postings

• STR permit registration number must be displayed
• Placer County STR Hotline phone number (530-448-8003) must be posted
• Visible on wildlife-proof trash receptacle, front window, or front door

Advertisement Requirements All online and printed advertisements must include:

1. Valid Placer County STR Permit number
2. Maximum daytime and nighttime occupancy
3. All permitted parking locations and vehicle capacity
4. Link to Good Neighbor Flyer

Safety and Structural Requirements

Maximum Occupancy

• Nighttime occupancy: Two people per bedroom plus two additional people (maximum 12 guests, excluding children under 12)
• Daytime occupancy: 1.5 times the maximum nighttime occupancy (excluding children under 12)
• Nighttime occupancy begins at 9:00 PM

Fire and Life Safety

• Smoke alarms in each bedroom and at least one on every level
• Carbon monoxide alarms outside each bedroom and on every level
• Fire extinguisher on each level (minimum one 5-pound, type 3-A:40-B:C)
• Annual fire extinguisher inspection by certified professional
• Working landline phone or VoIP service

Snow Removal

• Required for any STR booked between December 1 and April 1
• Can be provided by owner, manager, or professional service

Prohibitions and Restrictions

Prohibited Structure Types

• Affordable housing units with recorded covenants or deed restrictions
• Deed-restricted secondary dwelling units
• Tiny homes or mobile/manufactured home units
• Structures not intended for residential occupancy

Maximum Units

• Only one STR unit per property permitted
• Applies to both single-family and multi-family properties

Activities Prohibited

• Incidental camping (tents, decks, RVs, travel trailers)
• Subletting by guests
• Special events (weddings, corporate events, commercial functions) unless specifically permitted
• Fireworks unless permit obtained

Fire Restrictions

• Grills and barbecues must be at least 10 feet from structures and flammable materials
• No grills permitted beneath potentially flammable sources
• Charcoal grills strictly prohibited
• No open wood burning pits, bonfires, or campfires
• Natural gas/propane fireplaces and fire pits (20-pound tanks or smaller) acceptable if 10+ feet from structures
• All outdoor open flame prohibited during National Weather Service Red Flag Warnings

Cap and Geographic Limitations

Overall Cap

• Total STR permits limited to 3,900 units countywide (effective March 31, 2022)
• Owner-occupied properties in good standing with current TOT certificate are exempt from cap
• The 30-night minimum rental requirement begins once the cap is reached (excluding owner-occupied STRs)
• Multiple STRs per property may be allowed under specific conditions as of January 16, 2025

Geographic Coverage

• Ordinance applies to unincorporated Placer County areas
• Specific boundary maps available on the county website
• Loomis falls within the covered area

Penalties and Enforcement

Operating Without a Permit

• First administrative penalty: $1,500 (30 days to comply)
• Second administrative penalty: $3,000 (30 days to comply from first penalty)
• Third administrative penalty: $5,000 (30 days to comply from second penalty)
• Cumulative penalties may result in nuisance abatement or judicial remedies

Violations of Prohibitions and Restrictions

• 30-day notice to discontinue STR use
• First administrative penalty: $1,500
• Second administrative penalty: $3,000 (30 days from first penalty)
• Third administrative penalty: $5,000 plus permit revocation hearing

Operational Standards Violations

General Violations

• 30-day compliance notice
• First penalty: $1,500 (30 days to comply)
• Second penalty: $3,000 (30 days from first penalty)
• Third penalty: $5,000 plus permit revocation hearing

Parking, Trash, and Occupancy Violations

• Separate notices to guests and property owners allowed
• One-hour cure period required
• First penalty: $1,500
• Second penalty: $3,000 (one day after first)
• Third penalty: $5,000 plus permit revocation hearing
• Three notices within 90 days result in $1,500 citation regardless of cure time

Noise Violations

• Separate notices to guests and property owners allowed
• One-hour cure period
• First penalty: $1,500 per violator
• Second penalty: $3,000 per violator (one additional hour)
• Third penalty: $5,000 per violator (three hours after notification)
• Three notices within 90 days result in $1,500 citation regardless of cure time

Permit Revocation Grounds

• False or misleading statements in application
• Current or prior violations of any laws, statutes, rules, or regulations
• Failure to comply with violations and penalties
• Three citations within any 24-month period
• Delinquency on any county payments, including TOT
• Prior permit revocation
• Public health, safety, or welfare threats
• Failed fire inspection or inspection refusal
• Absence or expiration of TOT certificate or business license

Contact Information for Local Authority

STR Program Office

Primary Contact:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 530-581-6234
• Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Public Counter Posting Pickup Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Physical Address:

• Placer County STR Program
• Tahoe City Office
• PO Box 1909
• 775 North Lake Blvd.
• Tahoe City, CA 96145

Code Enforcement and Violation Reporting

24/7 Hotline: 530-448-8003

• For fastest response to violations
• Include name, phone number, property address, and violation description
• Email option: [email protected]

Fire Inspection Scheduling

Interior Fire Life Safety Inspections:

• Email: [email protected]
• Cost: $507.02
• Good for three years

Exterior Defensible Space Inspections:

• Contact varies by fire district
• Must be completed by local fire department
• Good for three years

Fire District Contacts

North Tahoe Fire District

• Defensible Space inspections scheduled through their website
• Single-family homeowners: Use webpage to request by zone
• Condo/townhouse owners: Use condo request button

Northstar and Olympic Valley Fire Departments

• Northstar Defensible Space: Use their scheduling system
• Olympic Valley: Call (530) 583-4692
• Only conducted when snow is clear from ground

Truckee Fire District

• Handles both interior and exterior inspections
• Website: www.truckeefire.org
• Services Soda Springs and other Truckee homes in Placer County (excluding Northstar)

TOT Certificate Information

• Application available at: placer-ca-str.deckard.com/apply-tot
• Certificate does not require renewal
• Must be kept current with any information changes

Links to Source Pages

• Primary STR Program Page: www.placer.ca.gov/6109/Short-Term-Rental-Program
• STR Fact Sheet: www.placer.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/67683/STR-_Fact_Sheet?bidId=
• STR Ordinance (December 2024): www.placer.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/86557/STR-Ordinance-Dec-2024
• STR Fee Schedule 2025: www.placer.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/92399/STR-Fee-Schedule-2025
• TOT Certificate Application: placer-ca-str.deckard.com/apply-tot
• STR Permit Application: placer-ca-str-permit.deckard.com/apply-str-license/property
• STR Permit Renewal: placer-ca-str-permit.deckard.com/renewal/find-license/email
• Permit Updates: placer-ca-str-permit.deckard.com/update-certificate/find-license/email
• Good Neighbor Flyer: www.placer.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/58384/Placer-Good-Neighbor-Flyer-NEW
• Fire Life Safety Inspection Guidelines: www.placer.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/65735/STR-FLS-Inspection-Guidelines
• Defensible Space Checklist: www.placer.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/73804
• North Tahoe Fire District: www.ntfire.net/home-rental-inspections/
• Northstar Defensible Space: nfd-fireprevention-ncsd.hub.arcgis.com/pages/defensible-space
• Truckee Fire Department: www.truckeefire.org/
• Eastern Placer Boundary Map: map.gridics.com/us/ca/placer-county?layers=%7B%22BASE+LAYERS%22%3A%7B%22General%22%3A%5B%22ca-city-land_use-eastplacerboundary-06061u%22%5D%7D%7D#9.01/38.989/-120.8295/0/45
• Public STR Portal Map: placer-ca-str-public-portal.deckard.com
• Bear Box Loan Information: www.waste101.com/bear-aware

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This comprehensive guide provides all necessary information for STR investors considering properties in Loomis, California. All operations must comply with Placer County's extensive STR ordinance, which provides robust oversight while allowing legitimate short-term rental operations in the unincorporated areas of the county.