Thinking about listing your Incline Village home as a short-term rental, or buying one to host? Fire safety rules here are strict for good reason, and getting them right protects your guests and your investment. In a few minutes, you will learn what you must install, what is not allowed outdoors, how inspections work, and how to avoid the most common pitfalls. Let’s dive in.

Who sets the rules in Incline Village

In Incline Village and Crystal Bay, short-term rentals are regulated by Washoe County’s STR program, which sets permits, inspections, and safety standards. You can review the county’s program overview on the Washoe County STR pages. The local fire authority is the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, which enforces fire-safety items and conducts STR fire inspections. Applications and permit steps run through Washoe County’s process, and you will coordinate any required fire inspections with NLTFPD.

• Explore county rules and contacts on the Washoe County STR hub: Washoe County Short-Term Rentals
• See local fire requirements on the NLTFPD STR page: NLTFPD Short-Term Rentals
• Start your permit and scheduling steps: Washoe County STR permits and forms

What you must install and maintain

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

You need smoke alarms that are present, interconnected, and less than 10 years old. Carbon monoxide alarms are required on each level when the home has fuel-fired appliances or an attached garage. Interconnection, so all alarms sound together, is a frequent reason for failed inspections.

Fire extinguishers

Provide at least one UL-listed extinguisher per floor. NLTFPD cites a minimum rating of 2A:10BC for STRs. Extinguishers must be mounted, easy to access, and serviced annually by a Nevada-licensed company, with service records kept on file.

Emergency lighting and exit visibility

Emergency lighting that illuminates the path of egress and works during a power outage is required. Simple battery-backed or plug-in units that are rated for emergency use can meet this requirement. Make sure your street address is clearly visible for responders.

Escape ladders

If a sleeping room’s emergency escape window sill is more than 16 feet above finished grade, you must provide a properly installed escape ladder. This requirement does not apply if the property has an approved fire sprinkler or monitored alarm system. Install ladders according to manufacturer instructions.

Fire protection systems

If your home has fire sprinklers, a monitored fire alarm, or other fire protection systems, they must be inspected and serviced per NFPA standards by Nevada-licensed providers. NLTFPD requires submission of service reports through its compliance platform. Keep annual service on schedule and maintain your records. Learn more about service and reporting on the district’s page for Fire Protection Systems.

Chimneys and fireplaces

Provide proof of regular chimney and fireplace inspection and cleaning for solid-fuel appliances. NLTFPD will verify servicing history to reduce creosote and carbon monoxide hazards.

Guest safety information and evacuation

You must supply a Vacation Rental Safety Information Sheet and an Emergency Preparedness Guide. Washoe County provides templates, and NLTFPD expects evacuation route information posted where guests can see it. Find county forms on the STR permits and forms page.

Knox Box for firefighter access

If your property has a monitored alarm or automatic fire sprinkler system, a residential Knox Box is required. Keep contact details, keys, and codes current.

Outdoor fires, grilling, and wildfire risk

Fire pits and recreational fires

Solid-fuel recreational fires and wood or charcoal fire pits are not allowed at STRs in Incline Village. Natural gas or propane exterior fire features may be allowed only with an NLTFPD operational permit and they must meet manufacturer specifications and permit conditions. Get the details on the county’s STR fire safety guidance.

Grills and barbecues

If you provide a grill, place it a safe distance from structures and combustible materials and follow manufacturer instructions. Do not use grills on combustible decks unless the unit is rated and installed for that surface. During Red Flag warnings or local restrictions, some outdoor flame activity may be suspended.

Burn permits and seasonal restrictions

NLTFPD requires an Operational Burn Permit and on-site inspection for recreational fires and gas fire features. Open burning rules are seasonal and may be suspended. Red Flag warnings can prohibit open flames, even if you have a permit. Check current status and permits on NLTFPD Outdoor Burning.

Defensible space

Expect defensible space to be evaluated during fire inspections. Maintain vegetation clearance and reduce fuels to meet local guidance. This is a top priority in Tahoe’s wildfire environment.

Inspections: timing and how to schedule

Washoe County requires an initial STR building inspection and periodic re-inspections. The county outlines a 4-year combined building and fire re-inspection cadence. Review the inspection checklist, correct issues in advance, then schedule through the county process, coordinating any fire inspection items with NLTFPD. See the county’s steps and common issues on STR inspections.

• Start applications and find required forms: Washoe County STR permits and forms

Avoid common inspection failures

The county highlights three frequent problems that cause STRs to fail:

• Non-interconnected smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
• Missing emergency lighting for egress paths.
• Missing escape ladders in bedrooms where the window sill is more than 16 feet above grade.

Fix these before scheduling to save time and fees.

Enforcement, complaints, and your responsible party

Washoe County enforces STR permits and penalties. Repeated violations, operating without a permit, or failing to maintain required safety standards can result in fines or permit action. You must designate a local responsible party who can respond quickly to complaints or emergencies. Neighbors or guests can file complaints through the county’s portal, and fire-related issues route to NLTFPD. Report or learn about the process at the county’s page to file an STR complaint.

Quick compliance checklist

• Display your STR permit number where required and keep responsible party contact info current.
• Install interconnected smoke alarms and CO alarms on every level; replace units older than 10 years.
• Mount at least one serviced 2A:10BC extinguisher per floor and keep annual servicing records.
• Provide emergency egress lighting that works during power loss.
• Install escape ladders where the window sill is more than 16 feet above grade, unless you have an approved sprinkler or monitored alarm.
• If you have a monitored alarm or sprinklers, install a Knox Box and keep keys and codes up to date.
• Do not offer solid-fuel fire pits. Permit gas or propane features only when allowed and per NLTFPD rules. Follow grill manufacturer instructions and local restrictions.
• Maintain defensible space and document your fuel-reduction work.
• Keep service reports for sprinklers, alarms, extinguishers, and chimney cleanings, and submit required reports to the fire district.

Your short-term rental can meet local standards and welcome guests safely with the right plan and partners. If you are weighing a purchase or preparing to sell, you can lean on our local perspective to understand how STR rules affect value, guest appeal, and timing. For personalized guidance on buying or selling in Incline Village and across Lake Tahoe’s east shore, connect with Jamie & Kirk Baines.

FAQs

Are outdoor fire pits allowed at short-term rentals in Incline Village?

• Solid-fuel fire pits and recreational wood or charcoal fires are not allowed; gas or propane features require an NLTFPD permit and may be restricted during high fire danger.

What alarms and extinguishers does an Incline Village STR need?

• Interconnected smoke alarms and CO alarms on every level, plus at least one UL-listed 2A:10BC extinguisher per floor that is serviced annually by a Nevada-licensed provider.

Who enforces STR fire rules and what if you fail an inspection?

• Washoe County enforces permits and penalties, while NLTFPD enforces fire-safety items; if you fail, you may receive a courtesy re-inspection, but repeated failures can lead to extra fees or permit action.

How do you schedule STR inspections or get a burn permit?

• Apply and schedule STR building inspections through Washoe County, and coordinate STR fire inspections and any Operational Burn Permits directly with NLTFPD’s published process.