Permitting Process for New VHRs

A VHR permit is required for all properties meeting the definition of a VHR as described in Douglas County Code (DCC) Title 20.622. As of July 1, 2019, a passing inspection by Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District is required for all new and existing permits, prior to application submittal. You may schedule your inspection here:   https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=15298416  Or call 775-588-3591.

Required documentation PRIOR to applying:
1. PASSING Fire & Life Safety Inspection
2. Detailed diagram of designated parking. Communal parking need not be reported. 
3. Signed Letter of Authorization/Agency Authorization. 

All persons or entities interested in operating a vacation home rental located within the Tahoe Township may apply for a permit HERE. Applications typically take about 30 minutes to complete. The online FAQ's provide guidance on the documents that you will need in order to apply. For questions regarding the online process contact the Community Development Department at 775-782-6214. 

It shall be the applicant's responsibility to provide all information and materials required to comply with the vacation home rental application requirements. The filing date of the application shall be the date when Douglas County officially receives all the required information and the application is deemed complete. If the application submission is deemed incomplete, the application will be denied, and you will have to resubmit.

Once approved, applicants will receive a permit number that is needed in order to pay the associated Transient Occupancy Tax of 14%. Short-term rental host are required to collect the Transient Occupancy Tax for a short-term rental. The Transient Occupancy Tax must be submitted to the County monthly and is due no later than the last day of the following month. For example, the tax collected in the month of May must be submitted by June 30. 

VHR permits are valid for one year and expire on the date of their issuance.

NEW Permit Fees: 
Credit or Debit Card Payment 
1. Application Fee: $400 + $16 Technology fee
2. Inspection Fee:  $150  
3. Card Processor Fee: $17.21 
4. Total: $583.21

Bank Account (ACH) 
1. Application Fee: $400 + $16 Technology fee
2. Inspection Fee: $150
3. ACH Processor Fee: $4.56 
4. Total: $570.56

Refunds for denied applications will only include the amount of payment made minus applicable staff time and processing fees. 

Renewal Process for Existing VHRs

Vacation home rental permits must be renewed on an annual basis prior to expiration by filling out a renewal application and paying the renewal fee and any pertinent taxes. You are responsible to renew your VHR each year prior to expiration. As of July 1, 2019, all renewals will be required to have a passing inspection by Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District. You may schedule an inspection here: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=15298416  or call them 775-588-3591. You will not be able to renew your permit without this inspection. This will be required annually upon renewal.  You must pay all current fees and taxes prior to the permits renewal being issued. Taxes must be reported even if no income was generated. 

Renew your registration at HERE.  Registration typically takes about 30 minutes to complete. The online FAQ provides guidance on the documents that you will need in order to register.  For questions please  contact the Community Development Department at 775-782-6214.  

There is no grace period. Failure to renew and pay the applicable fees prior to expiration will render the vacation home rental permit null and void. 

A vacation home rental permit without changes will be renewed if the following findings are made: 
1. The renewal application is complete and the applicant has complied with the submittal requirements, to include current Fire & Life Safety Inspection. 
2. There have not been two or more upheld citations issued for violations of the County Code at the vacation home rental property within any twenty-four (24) month period. Upheld citations mean citations which were neither overturned on appeal nor dismissed.
3. The vacation home rental permit has not lapsed, expired, been revoked, or suspended. 
4. The vacation home rental is current on transient occupancy taxes and has paid all said taxes in full to the County. Returns must be filed whether rents are received or not.

Any changes during renewal will require additional review for compliance with applicable code.

VHR permits are valid for one year and expire on the date of their issuance.

Renewal Permit Fees:
Credit or Debit Card Payment
1. Application Fee: $250 + $10 Technology fee 
2. Inspection Fee: $150
3. Card Processor Fee: $12.55 
4.. Total: $422.55

Bank Account (ACH)
1. Application Fee: $250 + $10 Technology fee
2. ACH Processor Fee: $3.31
3. Inspection Fee: $150
4. Total: $413.31

Refunds for denied applications will only include the amount of payment made minus applicable staff time and processing fees. 

VHR Permit FAQS