Overview: STR Status in Rio Linda, CA

Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Rio Linda, CA, but only under strict conditions as an accessory use to your primary residence. Rio Linda operates under Sacramento County regulations since it is an unincorporated community, not an incorporated city. The county's short-term rental program requires that you live in your property for at least six months per year and rent it for 29 days or less on an accessory basis.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Rio Linda

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

• Primary Residence Requirement: You must live in the property as your primary residence for at least six months out of the year
• Property Type: Single-family dwellings are permitted; Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are only allowed if constructed before January 1, 2020
• Zoning Compliance: Your property must be in a residential zone that allows STRs as an accessory use

Step 2: Application Process

Online-Only Application: Sacramento County requires all STR permit applications, business license applications, and Transient Occupancy Tax registration to be submitted through the RentalScape online portal at: https://sacramento-ca-str.deckard.com/

Important: The county does not accept STR permit applications in person, by mail, fax, or email. All applications must go through the RentalScape website.

Step 3: Required Documentation

Prepare the following for your online application:

• Proof of primary residence (utility bills, voter registration, etc.)
• Property ownership documentation or lease agreement
• Identification documents
• Property insurance information
• Contact information for property management (if applicable)

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Required Permits and Licenses:

1. Short-Term Rental Permit (STRP) - Issued by Sacramento County Planning and Environmental Review
2. Business License - Issued by Sacramento County Department of Finance
3. Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Registration - Free registration through the same application

Fees:

• Total Application Fee: $452.66 (nonrefundable)
  • Includes both Short-Term Rental Permit application fee and Business License application fee
  • No charge for TOT Registration

Guidelines and Restrictions:

• Maximum Rental Period: 29 days or less
• Occupancy Limits: Must comply with approved occupancy restrictions (adults 18+ only, as of February 2, 2023)
• Accessory Use Only: STR activities must never become the primary use of the property
• ADU Restrictions: ADUs constructed after January 1, 2020 cannot be used as STRs
• Neighbor Compatibility: Must operate in a manner compatible with surrounding neighborhoods

Regulatory References:

• Sacramento County Zoning Code Section 3.9.3.AA
• Sacramento County Zoning Code Section 6.5.6

Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

City Level (Rio Linda)

As an unincorporated community, Rio Linda does not have separate city-level STR regulations. All rules are governed by Sacramento County.

County Level (Sacramento County)

Primary Regulations:

• STRs permitted as accessory use to primary residence
• Owner/tenant must reside on property minimum 6 months/year
• Maximum rental period of 29 days or less
• ADUs allowed only if built before January 1, 2020
• Applications must be submitted online through RentalScape
• Nonrefundable application fee of $452.66
• Must comply with occupancy restrictions and neighborhood compatibility standards

State Level (California)

While specific California state regulations for STRs are limited, investors should be aware of:

• General business licensing requirements
• State tax obligations (in addition to local TOT)
• Fair housing and anti-discrimination laws
• California Department of Consumer Affairs guidelines for lodging operators

Contact Information for Local Authority

Sacramento County Planning and Environmental Review

Email: sacplan@saccounty.gov
General Questions: Contact PER directly for STR-specific inquiries

Business Licensing (Sacramento County Department of Finance)

Phone: (916) 874-6644
Online Application: https://finance.saccounty.net/Tax/Pages/BusLicGeneral.aspx

Community Planning Advisory Council (CPAC) - Rio Linda-Elverta

Purpose: Community input on planning matters
Meeting Information: Available through Sacramento County agenda system

Source Links

1. Sacramento County Short-Term Rental Permits: https://planning.saccounty.net/applicants/Pages/Short-Term-Rental-Permits.aspx

2. Property Use FAQs: https://planning.saccounty.net/Pages/PropertyUseFAQs.aspx

3. Online Application Portal (RentalScape): https://sacramento-ca-str.deckard.com/

4. Business License Application: https://finance.saccounty.net/Tax/Pages/BusLicGeneral.aspx

5. Sacramento County Zoning Code - Chapter 3: https://planning.saccounty.gov/LandUseRegulationDocuments/Documents/Zoning-Code/SZC_Chapter3.pdf

6. Sacramento County Zoning Code - Chapter 6: https://planning.saccounty.gov/LandUseRegulationDocuments/Documents/Zoning-Code/SZC_Chapter6.pdf

Additional Considerations for STR Investors

Compliance Monitoring

• Sacramento County monitors STR compliance through various enforcement mechanisms
• Violations can result in permit suspension or revocation
• Neighbor complaints are taken seriously and investigated

Financial Planning

• Budget for the $452.66 nonrefundable application fee
• Plan for ongoing business license renewal fees
• Set aside funds for Transient Occupancy Tax payments
• Consider property management costs if not self-managing

Market Considerations

• Rio Linda is a rural-suburban community with agricultural roots
• Property values are typically more affordable than incorporated Sacramento areas
• Community demographics favor family-oriented travelers and those seeking quieter accommodations

Critical Reminder: STR operations must remain accessory to your primary residence. Under no circumstances should short-term rental activities become the primary use of your Rio Linda property.