The South Lake Tahoe City Council has voted to extend its temporary pause on vacation home rental (VHR) permits as it works to implement a new rental ordinance. This decision comes after years of restrictions under Measure T, which was recently overturned by the El Dorado County Superior Court.
At Tuesday’s council meeting May 6, 2025, community members passionately voiced opinions on both sides of the issue. Some residents, like Ed Moser, expressed concern that reversing Measure T goes against voters’ wishes, stating during public comment that the measure “was voted on by the people for the people and won.”
Meanwhile, Steve Teshara, representing the Tahoe Chamber as Director of Government Relations, argued that Measure T placed excessive limitations on property owners’ rights.
The city’s proposed new ordinance resembles pre-Measure T regulations but incorporates several modifications based on community feedback. Lisa Underwood from Tahoe Keys Resort noted these changes include “a reduction in occupancy to allow for more family-friendly tourism.”
Not everyone is satisfied with the proposed changes, particularly the Tahoe Neighborhoods Group who originally campaigned for Measure T. The group has filed an appeal against the court’s decision to overturn the measure, with their appeal scheduled for May 22.
In a written statement, Peggy Bourland, Chair of the Tahoe Neighborhoods Group, emphasized that “an appeal is needed to protect and defend the will of the people/voters.”
The city’s moratorium on VHR permits will now continue through June 19, after which the new ordinance will take effect if the appeal is unsuccessful.
This development represents a significant shift in South Lake Tahoe’s approach to vacation rentals after approximately seven years of restrictions in residential zones under Measure T, which was initially approved by voters in 2018.