Short-Term Rentals Ordinance

The Short-Term Rental Ordinance and related amendments to the Zoning Ordinance were adopted by the Board of Supervisors by unanimous vote on March 26, 2019, and became effective on April 25, 2019. Fire more information, please contact the Planning Division at 530-552-3701 or send us an email. Additional information on the Short-Term Rental Ordinance and administrative permit process is provided here:

• Butte County's Approved Short-Term Rental Ordinance (Ordinance 4159) (PDF)
• Butte County Short-Term Rentals page

Background

The Draft Short-Term Rental Ordinance was directed for preparation by the Board of Supervisors on February 13, 2018 (PDF). The online hospitality marketplace enabled through Airbnb, VRBO, HomeAway, and similar companies have grown in popularity throughout California and the United States. Short-term rentals provide a way for homeowners to generate additional income, but they can also introduce a new use that can have negative impacts on residential neighborhoods and the health and safety of occupants and owners. The County Zoning Ordinance does not currently allow the use of residences for short-term rentals. The Draft Short-Term Rental Ordinance provided in the below link was in response to the Board of Supervisors' direction to develop an ordinance to regulate Short-Term Rentals in the unincorporated portion of Butte County. As this review process continues, additional links will be added below to provide more information on the Draft Ordinance, future meetings and hearings.

On September 27, 2018, the Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the Draft Short-Term Rental Ordinance to the Board of Supervisors. The Board of Supervisors considered approval of the Draft Short-Term Rental Ordinance at a public hearing on October 23, 2018. The Board continued the public hearing on the Short-Term Rental Ordinance until December 11, 2018. However, no action was taken at that hearing and the item was continued on the Board's Agenda. The STR Ordinance was adopted by the Board on March 26, 2019.

A short-term rental is defined under the Draft Ordinance as a single-family dwelling, or a portion of a single-family dwelling, that is rented to transient guest occupants for periods of 30 days or less. Short-term rentals are typically marketed through an online hospitality service such as VRBO, Airbnb, and other similar services. Short-term rentals are currently not permitted under the Butte County Zoning Ordinance. The Draft Short-Term Rental Ordinance proposes an Administrative Permit process with performance criteria for the approval of short-term rentals. The purpose of the Draft Short-Term Rental Ordinance is to ensure that:

1. Short-term rentals are compatible with and do not adversely impact surrounding residential uses
2. Property owners have the option to utilize their properties for short-term rental use
3. Risks to public safety and health to occupants and owners are minimized
4. Property values are maintained
5. Visitation and tourism to Butte County are supported
6. Transient Occupancy tax is collected to provide fair and equitable tax collection for all lodging providers

The Butte County Planning Commission held two Public Workshops on May 10, 2018, and August 9, 2018, and a public hearing on September 27, 2018. The Board of Supervisors held a public hearing on October 23, 2018, and as scheduled for March 26, 2019. Further details concerning the Planning Commission's two workshops and public hearings, as well as the Board of Supervisors hearings, are provided below, including staff reports, draft ordinances, and meeting summaries.