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VHR Enforcement and Violations

Welcome to El Dorado County's Vacation Home Rental Enforcement website

If you find that a property is violating the VHR Ordinance, please contact the VHR Enforcement Hotline at 530-573-7999. You can also email a complaint to Code Enforcement at VHRENFORCEMENT@edcgov.us

When filing the complaint, please provide the following information:

Your name and call-back phone number
Address of the property being reported.
Date(s), time, and description(s) of activity / violation observed.
Any other relevant details that may be available i.e., the permit number of the property, cross streets, or unit number(s).

After we receive your complaint, a Code Enforcement Officer will immediately begin the investigation process.

You may file this complaint anonymously if you wish. Your contact information, whether requested or not, will remain confidential. However, it is helpful for Code Enforcement to have your contact information available so that we may follow up with you to acknowledge your complaint, and/or gather additional information if needed. **Note- Complainant information may still be subject to Court ordered subpoena.

VHR Enforcement Common Violations

A Vacation Home Rental means one dwelling unit, including either the primary single-family home, one unit of a duplex, or a single condominium unit, rented for the purpose of overnight lodging for a period or not less than one night and not more than 30 days other than ongoing month-to-month tenancy granted to the same renter for the same unit (El Dorado County Ordinance §5.56.030)

Rentals of over 30-days are considered long-term rentals and are subject to California’s civil Landlord-Tenant laws. Long-term rentals are not regulated under the County’s VHR Ordinances.

Often, what some would consider a VHR violation isn’t one according to the VHR ordinance. (Here) The ordinance sets specific violations to be enforced; some are directed towards the renter, and some are directed toward the owner.

Common Renter Violations:

Noise:
This can be from creating loud/disturbing noise or using a hot tub between the quiet hours of 10:00 PM and 8:00 AM and being noisy, or it can be from offensive, excessive, unnecessary, or unusually loud or raucous noise that occurs any time day or night. TIP: Renters can avoid noise complaints by keeping windows closed when up late and setting an alarm for 10:00 PM. Owners can help avoid noise issues by installing noise meters in the house and by hot tubs. Having a sign by a hot tub may help also.
Over Occupancy:
The VHR permit sets a limit on the maximum number of guests that can stay during the hours of 10:00 PM and 8:00; having more guests before 10:00 PM and after 8:00 AM is allowed. TIP: Renters, be sure to check the permit limits before renting. Owners/agents, be sure to ask for names of all guests, and perhaps have a hefty charge for each extra guest if there is a violation.
Parking:
Parking on the street is not permitted during the times that snow removal equipment may be utilized.

Common Owner Violations:

Unpermitted VHR’s:
A permit is required when a property is rented for 30 days or less. If there is an active permit, it is up to the owner or owner’s agent to keep track of when the permit expires, and to submit an application for a permit renewal before the expiration date. If the permit is not active, the property may not be rented short term. TIP: Setting a calendar reminder for 30 days before an expiration date will help remind you to submit a renewal application. VHR staff has made it easy with online applications and payment options. (Here)
Signs:
Both an exterior sign and an interior sign are required; the exterior sign is to advise the community members of the VHR permit, and who to contact if there is an issue or concern. The interior sign is to advise the renters of the VHR permit requirements, and who to contact if there is an issue or concern. TIP: The VHR website has a template for the exterior sign (here); be sure to put it where it is clear and legible from the property line.
Local Contact:
The Local Contact is required to be available 24 hours a day and seven days a week; they are required to abate a nuisance relating to a renter within 30 minutes after being notified of the existence of a potential violation, including visiting the site if necessary. TIP: Plan for busy times by having backup staff available; weekends and holidays are common times for complaints and issues.

El Dorado County regulates, permits, and enforces vacation home rentals within its jurisdiction of the Tahoe Basin and West Slope, excluding the incorporated cities. VHRs operating within the city limits of the City of South Lake Tahoe are permitted and enforced by the South Lake Tahoe Police Department. VHRs operating within the city limits of Placerville are permitted and enforced by the City of Placerville.

Within unincorporated El Dorado County, Code Enforcement administers the VHR enforcement program while staff from Planning Services administers the VHR permitting program. County staff work in collaboration with our partner agencies to provide a robust and comprehensive VHR program.

The regulation of VHRs can be contentious between balancing owners’ ability to rent out their homes with neighbors desiring to keep the peaceful residential character of their neighborhood. The VHR Ordinances are the minimum set of standards adopted by the County’s Board of Supervisors which govern how VHRs are permitted and how they operate. It is the role of County staff to educate and enforce those ordinances in a fair, transparent, and consistent manner.