Note: Genoa is a town within Douglas County. It does not appear to have a separate STR/VHR ordinance; therefore, Douglas County’s Vacation Home Rental (VHR) program applies to properties in Genoa. This guide focuses on county-level and state-level rules and processes that govern STRs in Genoa.

1) Are short-term rentals allowed in Genoa, NV?

Yes. Short-term rentals—referred to in Douglas County as Vacation Home Rentals (VHRs)—are permitted in Genoa, NV through Douglas County’s VHR program. VHRs are defined as properties rented on a short-term basis (28 days or less). Permits are required, and properties must comply with program rules, inspection requirements, and operating standards. A 2024 ordinance (Douglas County Code Title 20.622, Ordinance 2024-1635) governs VHRs in the county.

2) How to start a short-term rental (VHR) business in this market (Douglas County, including Genoa)

• Verify eligibility. Confirm your property is located within Douglas County (Genoa is within the county) and is suitable for short-term rental use.
• Select permit tier:
  • Tier I: Primary residence (owner-occupied) short-term rental.
  • Tier II: Non-primary residence short-term rental.
• Determine whether a special use permit is required. The VHR Advisory Board hears enforcement appeals and considers special use permits for Tier 3 VHR rentals.
• Prepare documentation. Review the STR Building Inspection Checklist and schedule required inspections.
• Apply for a VHR permit:
  • New VHR permits: Follow the county’s permitting guidance and submit a complete application through Douglas County Community Development.
• Plan compliance:
  • Comply with building, life-safety, parking, and neighborhood compatibility standards.
  • Maintain local contact and operate responsively (including noise, trash, parking, and occupancy rules).
• Operating requirements:
  • Maintain current permits and display or provide required STR information to guests.
  • Renew permits as required; track key dates (e.g., Tier II application deadline is the 8th of each month).
• Collect taxes:
  • Nevada lodging tax applies; see state-level notes below.

3) Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

• VHR permit application (Tier I or Tier II)
  • Tier I: Primary residence STR permit
  • Tier II: Non-primary residence STR permit
• Special use permit (Tier 3, when applicable; reviewed by the VHR Advisory Board)
• Building inspection and compliance
  • STR Building Inspection Checklist (Douglas County)
  • STR Building Inspection instructions (Douglas County)
• Fee schedule and payment
  • New STR fees effective December 1, 2024 (Washoe County fee schedule reference in the source; verify Douglas County’s current fees with the county)
• Applicable codes and ordinances
  • Douglas County Code Title 20.622 VHR Ordinance 2024-1635
• Ongoing obligations
  • Permit renewal process and documentation
  • Operating standards, parking requirements, and neighborhood compatibility rules

4) Specific regulations for STRs in Genoa, Douglas County, and Nevada

• Genoa/Township applicability: Genoa properties follow Douglas County’s VHR rules (no separate town ordinance surfaced in the provided sources).
• Douglas County (applies to Genoa):
  • VHRs are permitted in the Tahoe Township (and across the county) with a permitting process that began in 2005.
  • VHRs are defined as rentals for 28 days or less.
  • A two-tier permit system is in place (Tier I primary residence; Tier II non-primary residence).
  • Special use permits for Tier 3 VHRs are heard by the VHR Advisory Board.
  • Inspections and compliance checks are required; operating standards aim to balance visitor access with residents’ privacy and neighborhood quality.
  • Tier II application intake standard day is the 8th of each month (next business day if it falls on a non-working day).
• State of Nevada:
  • STRs are subject to Nevada’s transient lodging tax regime. Hosts must collect and remit applicable state and local lodging taxes.
  • Nevada law includes notification and registration requirements for STR hosts and platforms (e.g., NRS Chapter 11B.430 registration; NRS Chapter 11B.440 notification/authorization requirements). Detailed guidance and definitions are set in Nevada’s STR statutes.

5) Contact information for the local authority (Douglas County)

• Community Development / Code Enforcement (VHR permitting and private parking complaints)
  • Phone: (775) 782-6200, choose option 5 for Code Enforcement and VHRs
  • Email: Use the Code Enforcement contact provided by Douglas County
• VHR hotline (for complaints): (775) 783-6027
  • Nights and weekends: answered by a third-party answering service
• Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (non-emergency, including public parking/noise while offense is occurring): (775) 782-5126
• Mailing address (for applications and correspondence):
  • Douglas County Community Development
  • P.O. Box 218, Minden, NV 89423
  • 1594 Esmeralda Ave., Minden, NV 89423

6) Source links (important)

• Douglas County VHR page and links to:
  • Ordinance and permitting overview: www.douglascountynv.gov/government/departments/community_development/vacation_home_rentals
  • VHR Ordinance (2024-1635) download: www.douglascountynv.gov/common/pages/DownloadFileByUrl.aspx?key=Saa9swlNqveUYCQRdoh9q6nHI4aw3oLFXiatih5MFm5SIGRV3cTmKuWcX%2f%2bel8qQwh2ceV0q8iKNsz52mT9Oz5X8MpJMUaxgXopGsO0fimm9EiFcmvaC6Utgv9XvNa2ZYC%2buVUaaZBRBn570fSbtJmfBpgnLWZjbkuVsmolx%2bxoMv64yoehriZmtoqOPM%2bwt9U1pPYBZXLNQaeeo3ElgU3oqRH%2fTKaqodqNjvIPdXfgxW%2fFL
  • VHR FAQs: www.douglascountynv.gov/UserFiles/Servers/Server_12493019/File/VHR%20FAQ%20FINAL.jpg
  • VHR map search (ArcGIS): douglasnvgis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=2d2becd62941413da23745a7cf235e5a
  • VHR Advisory Board (meetings and agendas): douglascountynv.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=1
  • STR Inspection materials (Checklist and How-To): Files referenced in the STR permit guide
• Washoe County (for fee schedule reference and STR processes generally): www.washoecounty.gov/csd/planning_and_development/short_term_rentals/index.php
• Nevada Legislative guide on STRs (overview of state law, definitions, and tax/registration requirements): www.leg.state.nv.us/Division/Research/Documents/ShortTermRentals.pdf

Notes and recommendations:

• Verify the current Douglas County fee schedule and any recent updates with Community Development before applying.
• Check zoning and property-specific restrictions (e.g., HOA or CC&R limitations) that may apply even if the county permits VHRs.
• Confirm inspection scheduling and requirements, as they are essential to obtaining and maintaining the permit.
• For properties near Lake Tahoe or in special districts, local fire and safety standards may add additional requirements.