South Lake Tahoe STRs

[Tim B.]

We are looking to buy a property in South Lake Tahoe that will serve 2 purposes...

1) As a short term rental when we're not using it.

2) As a retirement home when we are ready for that ( 10-15 years from now ).

The reason I find myself here is that the rules and regs for STRs seem super complex, and are quite frankly scaring me away from the South Lake Tahoe area. While we don't NEED STR income on the property, it would be nice as we won't be there all the time and would rather it not just sit empty.

I guess my question is, is STR realistic in South Lake Tahoe given all the rules and regs in place? It seems like it's only permitted in certain areas, and in those areas, you still have to apply for a permit? How realistic is it that you could actually obtain that permit, I'm assuming there's a waiting list?

Any help or advice would be really gratefully received! Thanks in advance!

[Lana Sheta]

If you're not committed to the California side, Nevada is much less restrictive on permits. There are some properties on Kingsbury grade, ~10 minutes from the Tourist Core/Heavenly Village that fall within the Douglas County Tahoe Township. Getting permits is fairly straightforward, and there's no moratorium on permit applications. Property prices are a bit higher, but taxes are much lower. Here's the link to more info on STR permits on the Nevada side!

 https://www.douglascountynv.gov/cms/One.aspx?portalId=12493103&pageId=16775156