South Lake Tahoe Tightens Vacation Rental Rules

South Lake Tahoe has adopted a new, stricter vacation rental ordinance following a court ruling that invalidated the city’s previous ban on such rentals. The ordinance, effective July 17, requires a 150-foot buffer between rentals outside the Tourist Core, limits occupancy to two adults per bedroom (with up to five children under 13 exempted), and mandates both indoor noise and outdoor video monitoring as well as 24/7 local response for complaints. Former permit holders in good standing will have a 60-day priority application window before permits open to the general public. Enhanced penalties and stricter identity verification for renters are also included. City officials describe the rules as a compromise to address concerns about noise, trash, and overcrowding while allowing continued economic contributions from vacation rentals. Similar community debates are taking place elsewhere in Lake Tahoe, including in Incline Village, where proposals to expand beach access have sparked tensions.