Washoe County Short-Term Rental Rules: 2026 Homeowner Guide to Article 319

The Current Washoe County STR Rule Is Article 319

For properties in unincorporated Washoe County, including Tahoe-area communities such as Incline Village and Crystal Bay, the County's current Short-Term Rental program identifies Washoe County Code Chapter 110, Article 319 as the adopted STR ordinance. That distinction matters because outdated summaries can point owners to the wrong article number or an older version of the process. Before acting on any STR advice, use the current Washoe County STR page and current Article 319 materials.

Start With the Property and the Required Permit Path

Washoe County requires an STR permit for short-term rental operation under its Article 319 framework. The exact review path can depend on the property's characteristics and applicable tier, so homeowners should confirm the current permit process rather than assuming every property follows the same approval track. The County's current STR materials address application documentation, inspections, a local responsible party, and other operating standards. Owners should use the County's current permit instructions and forms for the specific property instead of relying on a generalized checklist from a third-party website.

Renewals Have Their Own Timing

Washoe County's current STR page states that permit renewals are available and that owners cannot start the renewal process more than 30 days before permit expiration. The County also currently states that Tier II administrative-permit applications are accepted on the standard intake day, the 8th of each month, or the next business day when the 8th is not a working day. That timing is relevant only when the property's application path requires that Tier II administrative review. Because procedures and fees can change, verify the current County instructions at the time you apply or renew.

What Owners Should Verify Before Listing or Renewing

A practical compliance review should confirm:

• that the property is in unincorporated Washoe County and subject to the County's Article 319 framework;
• the correct STR permit and review tier for the property;
• current application and inspection requirements;
• the required local responsible-party arrangement;
• current parking, occupancy, safety, and operational standards applicable to the property;
• renewal timing; and
• the current County fee schedule and forms.

This is more useful than relying on a static list because the County updates its STR program pages and application materials over time.

Compliance Is an Operating Process

A permit should not be treated as a one-time setup task. Owners still need a system for keeping required information current, responding to property issues, maintaining the property, and handling renewals. For an owner who lives outside the Tahoe area, the main operational question is whether that system can be managed reliably from a distance or whether a qualified local manager or responsible party should handle part of it.

Verify Before You Make a Rental Decision

Tahoe Property Pros can help organize the property-specific questions that should be answered before an owner relies on STR assumptions. Start with the property address, confirm the jurisdiction, and then review the current County requirements that actually apply. Use the Check My Property review if you want to begin with the property rather than a generic Tahoe rule summary.

Official Sources

Washoe County — Short-Term Rentals

Washoe County — STR Permits