Measure T News - South Lake Tahoe

Judge Gary Slossberg’s March 13 ruling voided Measure T, and on  April 1, the South Lake Tahoe City Council chose not to appeal. Instead, they enacted a 45‑day urgency moratorium on new vacation-home-rental (VHR) permits in residential zones that were previously off-limits.

For homeowners, the blanket ban is gone, but permits cannot be issued until the city drafts updated regulations—an effort that may extend beyond the initial 45 days. Once the pause is lifted, owners who lost permits in 2021, or who have been waiting to enter the market, may regain a legal path to apply for VHR permits outside the tourist core. RnR will track every council update and keep you informed so that when the time comes, you're ready to rent responsibly and in full compliance.

June 29, 2025 Update

APPLYING FOR A SHORT TERM RENTAL PERMIT IN THE CITY OF SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, OUTSIDE OF THE TOURIST CORE

Resource Links

How to apply for a permit: https://cityofslt.us/2510/Vacation-Home-Rentals

If you had a permit in 2021 and lost it due to Measure T, your opportunity to apply for a new permit started 6/23/25 and you have preference to apply over people who did not have a permit in 2021 for 60 days. 

Tips for applying:

1. Be sure to read the new ordinance carefully so you understand the new amendments.

2. Study section 3.50.390 of the new ordinance so you know what is required.

3. Fill out the appropriate application based on what type of permit you had in 2021 and what you are applying for. I.e. Hosted. Rental vs Vacation Home Rental (Hosted means you live in the home permanently and rent to people while you are in the home with them)

*If you did not have a permit in 2021, and wish to apply after the 60 day preferred period, you will follow the same steps but not include a previous permit number. 

4. Be sure you have all of the information requested on hand and enter it accurately so it does not get sent back to you for corrections. Here are some areas that could be problematic if you don’t enter them properly:

• You are applying for a new permit. NOT a renewal. You still need your permit number from 2021 and your expiration date if you are applying in the preferred application group.
• Review the stated occupancy and parking guidelines for Short Term Rentals, OUTSIDE THE TOURIST CORE.
• Any address you enter needs to be a verified USPS address. Start with just the street numbers and street name, then hit the “Verify address” option below the box and select the address that best fits. 
• Enter all zeros where it asks for your Social Security number. 000-00-0000.
• Where it asks for your drivers licence, birthdate etc. Be sure to read the sentence in red at the top of that page and only enter what it instructs you to enter.
• If your home is part of a HOA, check the box declaring that your CCR’s has a Declaration Section allowing you to short term lease your home. Be sure to check your CCR’s allow this so if asked at a future date, you can provide documentation. 

5. Review the stated occupancy and parking guidelines for Short Term Rentals, OUTSIDE THE TOURIST CORE, and be sure the information you fill out on the application and on the interior and exterior signage reflects accurately and matches what you put on your application. You can find this by scrolling down towards the bottom on the VHR link. Copies of the signage will not be required until the inspection occurs. You will need to have them posted in the home along with the other fire inspection checklist requirements.

https://cityofslt.us/2510/Vacation-Home-Rentals

6. Once you submit your application, you should get an email confirmation that they have received it. Be sure to save the password# and the confirmation number they provide you. You will need to reference this if/when your application is approved for the next step to pay for your application and schedule your inspection.

7. If your application is accepted, next step is to pay for your permit and schedule the fire inspection. Review the inspection checklist carefully and make sure you have everything needed to pass so you do not delay your process. https://cityofslt.us/DocumentCenter/View/23378/VHR-Inspection-Checklist-Inspection-Details?bidId=

7. As of 6/27/25, we have been told by the city that the process for reviewing applications may take longer than expected. Timelines and information required could possibly change. 

8. The city website also has a “Eligibility Map” they will be updating to show who has received their permit and the 150’ buffer around that address. That way, you can look to see if your home would be blocked from applying, due to the buffer. https://cslt.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html?appid=bf5ba7602755489894c9c2858d3acf37 

There is no wait list at this time.

Please check back on the city website periodically for any updates. https://cityofslt.us/2510/Vacation-Home-Rentals

APPLICATION PROCESS UPDATES AS OF 6/27/2025

The application process for owners who had and lost their permit in 2021 due to Measure T began on 6/23/25. 

We have been told by the city they are still in process of reviewing permits that were submitted during the first two days, and had only gotten through the first few applications. They are experiencing delays as they need to confirm the accuracy of application information, buffers and more. They are also experiencing a high volume of calls, emails and personal visits, which is adding to the delays. 

Keep yourself updated by visiting the city website for more updates and processes as they fine tune their administrative processes. We suspect this may take longer than they expected.  

In the meantime, if you plan to apply, be sure you have all the necessary information to complete an application accurately and have the necessary fire inspection checklist items lined up for when an inspection can be scheduled. All resources you need can be found on the city website: https://cityofslt.us/2510/Vacation-Home-Rentals

This includes the new ordinance: https://cityofslt.us/DocumentCenter/View/23379/Ordinance-2025-1200-VHR-Amendments---signed?bidId=

Fire Inspection Checklist: https://cityofslt.us/DocumentCenter/View/23378/VHR-Inspection-Checklist-Inspection-Details?bidId=

And Exterior, Interior, Emergency and Hot tub signage: 

https://cityofslt.us/DocumentCenter/View/23381/Exterior-Signage-Template-12x12-2025

https://cityofslt.us/DocumentCenter/View/23383/Interior-Signage-Template-12x12-2025

https://cityofslt.us/DocumentCenter/View/23382/Hot-Tub-Signage-Template-12x12-2025

https://cityofslt.us/DocumentCenter/View/23380/RentalSigns-Emergency-Exit-Example--2025

A breakdown of costs associated with permitting and inspection can also be found on the website.

April 22, 2025 UPDATE:

Below are the items the council voted to amend and have city staff include in the new ordinance for review in a weeks' time.

• 900 permit cap in residentially zoned neighborhoods. (Reduced from 1400)
• Owners who previously held permits prior to Measure T, in good standing, would be prioritized. (The records show that owners still owning in the city that were previously permitted are around 700+.) A waiting list would be created for permit applicants who did not previously hold a permit.
• Permits would be issued in stages of 150 per month (Still to be determined is how they roll out this process. It was suggested that they refer to the previously permitted homes expiration date and base it off of that.)
• In person check-in with guest signing that they understand the rules. (We have asked for more clarity on what this entails.)
• Exterior noise monitoring devices and security cameras covering the driveway and trash are present and owners/managers need to provide records to enforcement within 24 hours of a complaint. 
• Multi-family structures will not be allowed to have VHR's outside of the tourist core.
• Permit fees to provide complete cost recovery including enforcement and cost of program. (This will increase the previous cost of permitting. That amount is tbd.)
• 24/7 complaint response required.
• Occupancy reduced to 2 per bedroom, plus 2. (In the city this has historically been 2 per bedroom plus 4.)
• 3 strike rules to be revised: Once a home receives 3 violations in an 18-month period, appeals will be processed through code enforcement. If their appeal is denied, that is it they lose their permit. (Previously, if an appeal was denied by code enforcement, they could then take their case to the city council. The city council appeal option has been removed.)
• Prior to permit issuance, the property needs to pass a fire safety/defensible space inspection. (Still to be determined is if the cost of this inspection will be in addition to or included in the permit fee.)
• Having a permit does not guarantee renewal of your permit the following year. 

Why Work With RnR Vacation Rentals?

RnR Vacation Rentals is proud to be based in South Lake Tahoe. Our local team cares deeply about the community and works every day to keep neighborhoods safe, welcoming, and thriving.

As full-service property managers, we:

• Answer guest questions quickly
• Screen every reservation before booking to ensure a good fit
• Conduct thorough pre-arrival and post-departure inspections
• Catch damage or maintenance needs early for fast resolution
• Have an after-hours team available 7 days a week for urgent issues, including potential violations

This attention to detail results in the highest standards of cleanliness, top-tier guest and owner communication, strong review scores, and responsible renting. All of which contribute to your bottom line and highest earning potential. 

Extra Protection for Owners

Our RnR Owner Advantage Program is included at no extra cost and provides coverage for accidental guest damage up to $2,000 (excluding normal wear and tear).

We also manage the VHR permitting process and ongoing compliance on behalf of our homeowners—saving you time and stress. Plus, we advocate at city forums for clear rules and strong enforcement that benefit homeowners, tourism, and the entire community.

If you had a permit lost due to Measure T click here to contact us today.