Short Term Rentals in El Dorado Hills

WHAT IS ACTUALLY ALLOWED?

If you’re thinking about buying in El Dorado Hills with the intention of running a short-term rental (STR) — like Airbnb, VRBO, or similar — it’s essential to understand two key layers of rules that govern whether you can legally operate one.

Two Systems Control STRs Here

Just like in Serrano and many other master-planned communities, both public regulations and private HOA rules must allow it before an STR is permitted at a specific property:

  1. El Dorado County (Public Rules) — Counties regulate zoning, permits, taxes, and safety standards. You may need county approval, registration, or specific permits to operate a vacation rental in unincorporated areas like El Dorado Hills.

  2. Homeowners Associations (Private Rules) — Most HOA communities (including many in El Dorado Hills) have CC&Rs and rules that either outright restrict or prohibit short-term rentals, or require minimum stays that effectively rule out nightly rentals.

If either the county or the HOA says no, you cannot legally operate a short-term rental at that address.

Short Term Rental FAQ

  • HOAs are designed to protect long-term residential character. Many associations restrict or prohibit STRs because of concerns around:

    • Transient occupancy

    • Increased traffic and parking issues

    • Noise and neighborhood disruption

    • Wear on shared amenities

    As a result, CC&Rs often require minimum lease terms (commonly 30 days or longer), which effectively bans nightly or weekly rentals.

  • Yes. HOA rules override county permission for properties within that association.

    Even if El Dorado County zoning and regulations would otherwise allow a short-term rental, the HOA’s CC&Rs are private contractual rules that homeowners must follow.

  • Most planned communities and master-planned neighborhoods have HOA restrictions, including (but not limited to):

    • Serrano

    • Blackstone

    • Summit

    • Heritage

    • Promontory and similar developments

    Each HOA is different, so rules must be verified for the specific property — assumptions can be costly.

  • Yes — primarily homes that are NOT in an HOA.

    For non-HOA properties, owners must still comply with:

    • El Dorado County zoning requirements

    • Any required permits or registrations

    • Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) rules

    • Safety, occupancy, and operational standards

    Eligibility should always be confirmed before purchase.

  • Generally, no.

    Most HOAs and local regulations define short-term rentals as stays under 30 days. Many HOA communities that prohibit STRs still allow 30-day or longer rentals, which can be a viable alternative for some buyers.

  • It depends — but in most cases, no. While El Dorado Hills is located in unincorporated El Dorado County (where STRs may be allowed with county compliance), many homes are located within HOAs that prohibit short-term rentals through their CC&Rs.

    Both the county and the HOA must allow short-term rentals. If either says no, STR use is not permitted.

  • While HOAs can amend CC&Rs, it typically requires:

    • A formal vote of the membership

    • A supermajority approval

    • Legal recording of amended documents

    This is rare and unpredictable, so buyers should never purchase assuming future STR approval.

  • The most common mistake is assuming:

    “If the county allows it, I’m fine.”

    In reality, HOA restrictions are the #1 reason STR plans fail in El Dorado Hills. Verifying both layers of rules upfront is essential.

  • Yes. If you’re considering a property and STR use matters, I can help:

    • Identify whether the home is in an HOA

    • Review HOA rental restrictions

    • Point you to the correct county resources

    • Help you understand realistic rental options