Redding Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are short term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) regulations in Redding,California?

Redding, California has put in place specific regulations around short-term vacation rentals booked through platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. These rules aim to allow some short-term rental activity while preserving neighborhood character and long-term housing stock.

As in many cities, short-term rentals have become an increasingly popular way for homeowners to generate supplemental income. However, completely unregulated short-term rentals can negatively impact communities in various ways. Issues seen in some cities include loss of neighborhood cohesion when homes transition to transient hotels, parking and trash problems from temporary visitors unfamiliar with local norms, and conversion of badly needed long-term rental housing to more profitable vacation rentals.

To balance these concerns, Redding has taken a moderate regulatory approach. The city caps the number of non-hosted whole home vacation rental permits at 400 citywide. Operators must obtain a city permit and business license, submit to inspections, collect and remit transient occupancy taxes, and provide local contact information. Owner-adjacent hosted homestays face fewer restrictions. Additionally, all short-term rentals must comply with existing zoning rules on parking, trash storage, noise limits, and more.

The regulations aim to enable small-scale homesharing and vacation rental activity that complements existing neighborhoods and tourism infrastructure. At the same time, the rules place some limits on large-scale conversion of homes to transient hotels in residential areas. The result is a compromise between supporting limited short-term rental economic activity while maintaining community character.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Redding

Operating a short term rental in Redding requires learning the local regulations and licensing requirements. The city government caps the number of non-hosted "Vacation Rentals" at 400 citywide. Their stated goal balances tourism revenue with preserving neighborhood character.

For hosted "Homestays", renting out rooms in your owner-occupied home, the process is simpler. You still need a city permit and business license, plus tax compliance. However there's no cap on hosted units.

First-time operators should thoroughly review Redding's codes covering short term rentals. Or meet with planning department staff to discuss requirements before buying a property or signing any rental agreements. Key steps include:

• Researching location zoning rules on the city planning website
• Filing the Vacation Rental permit application and allowing time for public comment
• Obtaining a city business license
• Opening a Transient Occupancy Tax account
• Receiving the final permit before hosting any guests

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Redding

The city of Redding requires all short term rental hosts to acquire a permit and business license before listing or renting out their property. This applies to both entire home Vacation Rentals as well as Hosted Homestays, where you rent out rooms in your owner-occupied residence.

The permitting process acts as the city's mechanism to regulate and monitor short term rental activity. Without acquiring an approved permit, operating a short term rental in Redding is prohibited.

The application involves submitting details on the rental property, such as floor plans, parking availability, and local site manager contact information. There are also public notification requirements where nearby residents can provide input.

Once the permit is reviewed and approved, you must then obtain a city business license to transact short term rentals. This allows you to legally advertise and host paying guests.

The licensing system essentially functions as Redding's tracking system for short term rental units. It provides the city oversight and control to enforce regulations. Before listing your Redding property on Airbnb, VRBO or other platforms, you must complete both permitting and licensing steps.

Required Documents for Redding Short Term Rentals

Starting a short-term rental business in Redding requires submitting the right paperwork. Here's what property owners need to provide to get city approval:

Vacation Rental Permit Application All prospective hosts must fill out and file a Vacation Rental permit application form. This multi-page document asks for details on your property, local contacts, and planned rental operations. Questions cover topics like:

• Property address
• Floor plans with room dimensions
• Parking spaces and surfaces
• Maximum guest occupancy
• Local site manager's contact information

Site Plan and Floor Plans In addition to listing rooms and dimensions on the permit application, you must also submit drawings showing property boundaries, buildings, landscaping, parking areas, and floor plans. These should be neatly drafted to scale. The city needs to verify aspects like sufficient parking spaces.

Local Site Manager Contact Your application must provide current phone and email contact information for a local site manager. This person must reside within 45 minutes driving time of your vacation rental property. They need to be available 24/7 to respond quickly to any issues.

Permit FeesA $650 fee for the Vacation Rental permit must be paid when submitting your completed application. Cash, check, or credit card accepted.Preparing professional documentation and paying permit fees are necessary steps to getting your short-term rental business legally approved in Redding. Reach out to the city Planning Division if you need help with any required documents.

Redding Short Term Rental Taxes

As a short term rental owner in Redding, you must collect and remit transient occupancy taxes (TOT) on all rental revenue. The TOT rate is currently 10% of the rental price for each night booked.

To set up TOT payments, short term rental operators must open an account with the city's Finance Department. This involves submitting a Transient Occupancy Registration form along with your business license number. Registration forms are available on the city website or can be obtained in person at City Hall.

Once your TOT account is established, you will receive login credentials to file and pay TOT online on a monthly basis. Taxes must be remitted monthly even if you had no bookings. The payment portal allows you to enter the number of rental nights and amount collected each period. Late payments incur penalties and interest.

Keeping accurate accounting records on nightly rates and bookings is crucial. The city may request these records at any time to verify that the correct TOT amounts have been remitted. Failing to register your rental business or not paying due TOT could result in fines or legal action.

Reaching out to the Finance Department staff with any questions on registering your business, setting up tax payments, or using the online filing system is recommended, especially for first-time operators. They can clarify requirements and ensure you get off to a compliant start.

Redding wide Short Term Rental Rules

Redding has implemented clear regulations that apply to all short term rentals across the city. These rules aim to allow hosts to operate successful businesses while protecting neighborhood character.

The city has capped the total number of non-hosted entire home vacation rental units at 400. This limit prevents oversaturation and allows enforcement resources to be effectively allocated.

All short term rentals must provide adequate onsite parking for guests, with details varying based on factors like property size and zoning. Parking requirements ensure ample spots are available for renters without crowding residential streets.

Additionally, each rental must designate a local site manager who can respond in-person to issues within 45 minutes. Having a quickly available point of contact enables problems to be addressed rapidly, helping maintain positive relations with neighbors.

By implementing understandable short term rental rules, providing permitting guidance, and dedicating staff to oversight, Redding has taken proactive steps to allow hosts to thrive. The regulations aim to strike a productive balance between enabling tourism and preserving communities. Responsible hosts who educate themselves and comply with requirements can successfully operate local short term rentals.

Does Redding strictly enforce STR rules?” Is Redding Airbnb friendly?

The city of Redding actively oversees short-term rental operations through its permitting process and caps on the total number of vacation rental units allowed. All hosts must apply for a city permit, pay fees, undergo inspections, collect and remit taxes, and comply with regulations on issues like parking and local contacts.

The detailed requirements and tight limit of only 400 citywide vacation rentals indicates that Redding regulates this industry closely. The city government has been clear that its goals are supporting tourism through short-term rentals while preserving the character of local neighborhoods.

This oversight comes across in the city's direct messaging around compliance. As stated on the Redding city website, "Short-term rentals that do not comply with these regulations are subject to enforcement action, including fines."So while Redding does allow and tax short-term rentals, hosts should expect strict monitoring and penalties for violations. The city has structured the rules to facilitate tourism but not at the expense of communities.

Redding cannot be considered an "Airbnb-friendly" city that takes a hands-off, open-door approach. Instead, they welcome short-term rental businesses that follow the regulations.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Redding

Starting a short term rental business in Redding, CA requires following several key steps to ensure full compliance with city regulations and licensing.

1. Research Applicable Rules and Permitting Requirements

First, thoroughly research all regulations for short term rentals in Redding. The city municipal code and zoning ordinances provide detailed requirements for hosted homestays versus entire vacation home rentals. Understanding these rules is crucial before moving forward.

2. Consult with City Planning Department

Schedule a consultation with the Redding Planning Division to discuss your plans and ask any questions. Getting guidance directly from city planners allows customizing your business approach to meet all requirements.

3. Submit Completed Permit Application

File the required permit application form for either a hosted homestay or a vacation rental based on your plans. Include all necessary details on parking, site management contacts, floor plans, etc. Allow several weeks for application review and processing.

4. Finalize Licensing and Tax Registration

Once approved for a short term rental permit, take care of remaining licensing tasks like obtaining a city business license and opening a Transient Occupancy Tax account. Stay organized with deadlines for renewal of all documentation.

5. Launch and Maintain Compliant Operations

With permits and licenses in place, you can now legally host short term guests! But regulations don’t end there – you must continue meeting city requirements for taxes, parking, responding to issues, and more. Stay up to date on any rule changes.

Who to contact in Redding about Short Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

To obtain complete and accurate information on requirements, permits, and zoning for operating a short term rental in Redding, contact the city Planning Division.

The Planning Division oversees short term rental regulations and enforcement. Their staff can provide definitive guidance on:

• Permit applications
• Allowed locations and zones
• Parking, taxes, and other rules
• Responding to complaints
• Renewing an existing permit

You can reach the Planning Division at:

City of Redding Planning Division

Phone: (530) 225-4022

Email: STR@CityofRedding.org

It is highly recommended you consult the Planning Division before establishing a short term rental business in Redding. Their expertise will help ensure you operate legally and avoid potential issues. Discussing your plans in advance is the best way to open a successful short term rental that meets local requirements.

What do Airbnb hosts in Redding on Reddit and Bigger Pockets think about local regulations?

I was unable to find any direct commentary from Redding Airbnb hosts on Reddit or BiggerPockets regarding their thoughts on the city's short-term rental regulations.

However, based on the strict permitting processes, rental caps, and enforcement policies in place, it's reasonable to infer that hosts face substantial barriers to entering the short-term rental market in Redding. The city likely enacted these rules to limit the growth of Airbnb and preserve neighborhood character.

As a result, the short-term rental business climate appears restricted compared to other cities in California. The extensive regulations limit the earning potential for hosts while protecting the interests of full-time residents wary of "commercialized" Airbnbs operating unchecked next door.

In summary, Redding hosts interested in home sharing face hurdles like permit applications, taxes, and caps on the total number of rental properties citywide. These policies aim to control short-term rental activity, not encourage it. The oversight deters casual hosts while rewarding dedicated operators willing to properly license their units.