Amador County Council proposes exemption for small short-term vacation rentals

The Amador County Board of Supervisors convened on May 27, 2025, to discuss the establishment of a tourism and marketing district, focusing on regulations for short-term vacation rentals. The meeting featured presentations from Kathleen Mahan, Laura Waltz, and Tracy Birkner, who outlined proposed changes to the existing rental policies.

The primary topic of discussion was the introduction of an exemption for specific short-term vacation rentals that differ significantly from traditional bed and breakfasts. The proposed exemption would apply to rentals that are either a single room in an owner's primary residence or an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) without a full kitchen, thereby not suitable for long-term occupancy. The board emphasized that the property owner must reside on-site during the rental period and can only operate one rental unit to qualify for the exemption.

During the presentation, it was noted that the exemption aims to simplify the process for a small subset of rentals, estimated to be less than 5% of the total short-term rentals in the area. Current estimates suggest there are over 200 short-term rentals in Amador County, with only a few potentially qualifying for this exemption. The board discussed the importance of maintaining fairness in the rental market, ensuring that larger operators with multiple whole-home rentals do not benefit from the exemption.

The discussion highlighted the need for property owners seeking exemption to apply to the Amador Council of Tourism, providing necessary documentation to verify compliance with the new criteria. The board expressed a desire to keep the exemption process straightforward while ensuring that it does not undermine the overall regulatory framework.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the board's commitment to balancing the interests of small rental operators with the need for fair competition in the tourism sector. Further discussions and refinements to the proposed regulations are expected as the board continues to address community feedback and data collection on short-term rentals.