Western Placer voters could decide whether to match Tahoe’s hotel tax rate
The Placer County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to move forward with a proposal that will ask voters to increase the taxes paid by visitors in western Placer County.
The proposal would raise the transient occupancy tax, also known as the hotel tax, from 8% to 10%. The tax is paid by people who stay in hotels, motels and vacation rentals, not by local residents.
Placer County established an 8% hotel tax that applies countywide.
In 1996, voters in North Lake Tahoe approved an additional 2% tax to help pay for tourism-related costs. As a result, visitors in eastern Placer County have long paid a 10% hotel tax.
North Lake Tahoe’s 2% increment has been reauthorized by voters multiple times, including in 2002, 2012 and 2022.
If voters approve the new measure, western Placer County would have the same 10% tax rate as North Lake Tahoe and nearby cities, including Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln and Auburn.
County officials estimate the higher tax could generate an additional $350,000 to $400,000 annually. The revenue could help fund tourism-related infrastructure, public services, affordable housing projects and other community needs.
Supervisors are expected to take another vote June 30 to formally place the measure on the Nov. 3 ballot. If approved by a majority of voters, the new tax rate would take effect and remain in place unless voters choose to end it in the future.
This story was originally published June 12, 2026 at 9:00 AM.
