Douglas County launches VHR website and FAQ page

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - The Douglas County Commissioners approved a new ordinance (click here to view the ordinance) establishing new guidelines for Vacation Home Rentals (VHRs) in Douglas County which will take effect Thursday, July 15, 2021.

Many of the changes are confusing, and much different from before so, in order to assist the public with understanding the changes, the County updated its VHR webpages with resources including guidelines for new and existing permit holders and a list of Frequently Asked Questions (click here to view the FAQs).

On June 3, 2021 the Board of County Commissioners adopted significant changes to the Douglas County Vacation Home Rental (VHR) program. Douglas County staff updated the County’s website to assist new and existing permit holders with understanding the requirements effective July 15, 2021.

“We know this is a very important matter for many who have been waiting for further guidance, and we are asking for patience as we work diligently to meet the July 15, 2021 deadline,” said Douglas County Assistant Manager Jenifer Davidson. “We created an FAQ webpage to assist the public in getting the answers they need as quickly as possible. In addition to reviewing the information on the website, all permit holders are encouraged to read the adopted ordinance in its entirety.”

Information Regarding New Permits and the VHR Permit Waitlist

The new ordinance places a maximum cap of 600 permits which may be issued in the Tahoe Township. In addition to the overall cap, there is a limit on the total percentage of VHRs that may be permitted per neighborhood area. Permitted VHRs may not exceed 15 percent of the available housing units for single-family residential neighborhoods and 20 percent for multi-family residential neighborhoods. A searchable map showing density by neighborhood has been created for the public to view and can be found on the VHR webpages (click here to view the searchable map).

The temporary suspension placed on new permits by the Board of County Commissioners in February 2021, will also be lifted on July 15, 2021. Because the new ordinance placed a cap on the maximum number of VHR permits, new applicants will not be able to obtain a permit immediately. New applicants will be required to apply annually to be placed on a waitlist to qualify to be eligible for a future permit. Douglas County Code Enforcement will begin accepting waitlist applications from July 1, 2021, through July 31, 2021. Once the waitlist application period closes, an applicant’s position on the waitlist will be determined by random selection (lottery) conducted by an independent third party selected by the County. The results of this process will be presented at a public meeting of the Vacation Home Rental Advisory Board. The time, place, and manner of this meeting will be posted on the County's website three days prior to the meeting. Click here for more information regarding the VHR Permit Waitlist.

Information Regarding How to Lodge a VHR Complaint

In addition to making significant changes to the ordinance, Douglas County hired two new full-time Code Enforcement Officers and created a 24/7 VHR Hotline for complaints. This hotline is manned by live Code Enforcement Officers dedicated to investigating and resolving all VHR related issues. To lodge a complaint call 775-783-6027 or email vhr@douglasnv.us.