The recent court decision striking down Measure T has reopened the conversation about vacation home rentals in South Lake Tahoe. RnR Vacation Rentals is committed to being your trusted source for clear, current guidance—championing responsible VHR practices that protect housing, respect neighborhood character, and support the local economy for both residents and visitors.
Think your property might be eligible for a VHR Permit? Contact us Today
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.
The South Lake Tahoe City Council passed the second reading of amended VHR regulations on March 24, 2026. The new ordinance takes effect April 23, 2026 at 12:00 a.m.
The City of South Lake Tahoe passed updated Vacation Home Rental regulations on March 24, 2026, effective April 23, 2026. Here's what it means if you own a home in South Lake Tahoe and are thinking about renting it:
Now is the time to act. With the buffer rule gone and a cap in place, permits will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis — and once 900 are issued, the waitlist begins. RnR Vacation Rentals has helped South Lake Tahoe homeowners navigate every chapter of the VHR permitting process, and we're ready to help you get compliant, permitted, and earning.
Learn more at join.rnrvr.com →
South Lake Tahoe’s Measure T VHR program is now accepting applications, with preferred applicants (former permit holders) able to apply since June 23, and all others starting August 23, 2025, at 9 a.m. via the City’s portal. Use the Issued Permit map to confirm your property isn’t within 150 feet of another permit, and check whether you’re inside or outside the Tourist Core, as regulations differ. Homes outside the core face stricter occupancy limits, buffer rules, and requirements such as noise monitoring, bear-proof trash, and a 24/7 local manager. Applications submitted early or by other means won’t be accepted.
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.
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:
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.
Below are the items the council voted to amend and have city staff include in the new ordinance for review in a weeks' time.
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:
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.
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.
Measure T is no longer enforceable, resulting in a return to the vacation home rental (VHR) regulations that were in place prior to its adoption (Ordinance No. 1114, as amended by Ordinance No. 2018-1120). At the same meeting where the City Council voted not to pursue an appeal, they enacted an urgency ordinance establishing a temporary 45-day moratorium on issuing VHR permits in areas previously restricted by Measure T, including residential zones. The moratorium intends to provide the City Council with time to evaluate and potentially amend the pre-Measure T VHR regulations before resuming permit issuance in these neighborhoods. The Council is scheduled to consider these amendments at its April 22 meeting and may extend the moratorium beyond 45 days with proper notice and a public hearing, if necessary.
No, a permit is still required to operate a VHR under South Lake Tahoe City Code section 3.50.380(B), which existed prior to Measure T and remains in effect, unaffected by the recent court decision.
The City is not currently accepting VHR permit applications for residential areas and is unable to provide an estimated timeline at this time.
At this time, there is no priority system for VHR permits based on prior permit history. However, offering permitting preference to previous permit holders in good standing—whose permits were not renewed due to Measure T—is one of the potential amendments to the pre-Measure T VHR regulations that City Council is expected to consider.
If you do not currently hold an active VHR permit, you will need to submit a new application.
6. Will the capacity of VHRs within the residential area include ONLY the residential zone or will this include those in the Tourist Core and Commercial zones?
Under the VHR ordinance that was in effect before Measure T, the 1,400-permit cap applied to all vacation home rental permits outside of the Tourist Core.
There is currently no waitlist for VHR permit applications; however, only a few are approved each year.
No, but if you believe you have a claim for damages, you may submit a liability claim with the City.
No, the obligation to pay Transient Occupancy Tax (T.O.T.) under Article II of Chapter 3.50 of the South Lake Tahoe City Code remains unchanged by the ruling. A valid permit is still required for ANY type of short-term rental. This requirement was in place before Measure T, remained during its enforcement, and continues to be enforced moving forward.
If your hosted rental is located in an area subject to the moratorium—such as a residentially-zoned area—VHR permits are currently not being issued.
The court's judgment requires the City to stop enforcing Measure T. Since QVHR permits were established under Measure T, they are no longer valid. Enforcement will begin on May 1, 2025, giving QVHR permit holders time to cancel any existing bookings. For those who had remaining time on their permits, a prorated refund will be issued.
