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

YES, short-term rentals are allowed in Redding, CA, but under strict regulatory framework designed to balance the economic benefits of short-term rentals with neighborhood character preservation. The City of Redding recognizes short-term rentals as legitimate lodging alternatives and has established a comprehensive permitting system with two distinct categories: Hosted Homestay and Vacation Rental.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Redding

Step 1: Determine Your Rental Category

Hosted Homestay:

• Owner-occupied single-family home
• Rent individual rooms (maximum 2 bedrooms)
• Stays less than 30 days
• Maximum 180 days per calendar year

Vacation Rental:

• Entire single-family dwelling rented as one unit
• Stays less than 30 days
• Additional location: Apartment units in Downtown Core District
• No annual day limit

Step 2: Initial Assessment and Pre-Application Discussion

Contact Planning Division staff to discuss your plans and ensure compliance with city regulations. This consultation helps determine:

• Property eligibility based on zoning
• Required permit type
• Parking availability assessment
• Proximity restrictions for Vacation Rentals

Step 3: Complete Application Process

For Vacation Rental:

1. Submit Site Development Permit application
2. Complete physical property inspection
3. Wait for 600-foot radius notification period (10 business days)
4. Final review by Planning Director
5. Obtain business license
6. Create Transient Occupancy Tax account
7. Permit issuance after 10-day appeal period

For Hosted Homestay:

1. Complete Hosted Homestay Affidavit
2. Ensure compliance with owner-occupancy requirements
3. Obtain business license
4. Create Transient Occupancy Tax account

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Required Documents

Application Form Requirements:

• Property owner contact information (must be current residence and mail address)
• Local site manager contact information (must respond within 45 minutes)
• Off-street parking information (minimum 2 spaces required)
• CC&R restriction confirmation
• Rental property specifications

Site and Floor Plans:

• Reproducible floor plan showing all areas/rooms for rent
• Reproducible site plan depicting property, structures, and improvements
• All plans must be uniform size (minimum 8.5" x 11")
• Clear labeling of property lines, buildings, and parking areas
• Driveway surface material labeling (must be asphalt or concrete)

Required Permits and Licenses

Permits:

• Hosted Homestay: Zoning Clearance & Affidavit (annual renewal required)
• Vacation Rental: Site Development Permit (annual renewal required)
• Downtown Core Vacation Rental: Site Development Permit (annual renewal required)

Licenses:

• City Business License: $50 annually (City Clerk's Office)
• Transient Occupancy Tax Account: Required through Finance Department

Application Fees:

• Vacation Rental Site Development Permit: $1,287.30 annually
• Hosted Homestay: No application fee

Guidelines and Standards

Property Standards:

• Meet all applicable building, health, fire, and safety codes
• Working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors required
• Emergency evacuation instructions posted in each bedroom
• Property must pass City inspection before permit issuance

Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

City of Redding Regulations

Zoning Requirements:

• Hosted Homestay: Permitted in all zoning districts (single-family only)
• Vacation Rental: Permitted in all zoning districts (single-family only)
• Downtown Core Vacation Rental: Apartments permitted, duplexes not permitted

Parking Requirements:

• Minimum 2 on-site parking spaces (garage, primary driveway, or other on-site location)
• No street parking for tenants permitted
• No recreational vehicle or trailer parking in first 15 feet of property
• Parking surfaces must be asphalt concrete or Portland cement concrete

Occupancy Limits:

• Hosted Homestay: Two adults per bedroom, maximum 180 days per calendar year
• Vacation Rental: Two adults per bedroom, maximum 16 persons total at any time

Proximity Restrictions:

• Vacation Rentals not permitted within 600 feet of existing permitted Vacation Rental
• May be reduced to 300 feet with buffering features (major arterial, rail right-of-way, flood control channel, or stream corridor)

Operational Restrictions:

• No cooking, preparing, or serving food for tenant consumption
• No weddings, parties, or similar events
• No on-site advertising signs or displays
• Online advertisements must include accurate information and parking space numbers
• All advertisements must include Business License and Transient Occupancy Tax account numbers

Management Requirements:

• Local contact person required 24/7 availability
• Physical response within 45 minutes if necessary
• Contact information must be posted conspicuously inside rental
• Maintain tenant vehicle record (license plate, make, model, color)

Density Limits:

• Maximum 400 Vacation Rentals citywide at any time

Shasta County Regulations

The provided content focuses primarily on City of Redding regulations. County-level regulations may apply to properties outside city limits but are not detailed in the source materials.

California State Regulations

State-level short-term rental regulations are not detailed in the provided content. Investors should consult state tax requirements and any applicable state-level housing regulations separately.

Contact Information for Local Authority

City of Redding Planning Division (STR Authority):

• Phone: (530) 225-4022
• Email: STR@CityofRedding.org
• Address: 777 Cypress Avenue, Redding, CA 96001
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Additional Department Contacts:

Permit Center:

• Phone: (530) 225-4030
• Location: First Floor, 777 Cypress Avenue

City Clerk's Office (Business Licenses):

• Phone: (530) 225-4424
• Location: Third Floor, 777 Cypress Avenue

Finance Department (Transient Occupancy Tax):

• Phone: (530) 225-4424
• Location: Third Floor, 777 Cypress Avenue

Mailing Address for All Departments: City of Redding Permit Center P.O. Box 496071 Redding, CA 96049-6071

Source Links

Primary Official Sources:

• City of Redding Short-Term Rentals Page
• Short-Term Rental Ordinance - Chapter 18.43.180
• Short-Term Rental Overview - Site Development Permit
• Hosted Homestay Information Packet
• Vacation Rental Application Form
• Short-Term Rental Permit Packet (August 2024)
• Short-Term Rental Guide (November 2023)

Additional Resources:

• Airbnb Help Center - Redding, CA
• Short-Term Rental Complaints Portal
• Apply for Permit Portal

Important Note: All permits require annual renewal, and processing time typically ranges from 6-8 weeks. The total cost for operating a Vacation Rental includes the $1,287.30 permit fee plus $50 business license fee, plus applicable taxes and ongoing compliance costs.