Mariposa County, CA Short-Term Rentals: Host Presence Rule (2026)

Unincorporated Mariposa County does not impose an on-site host-presence requirement for vacation rentals. Nothing in Section 17.108.180 requires the owner or a manager to be physically present, on-site, or within a set distance during guest stays. Instead the ordinance relies on a reachable-contact model. Subsection J requires the vacation rental to 'place a minimum 5 x 7 inch weather-proof NOTICE that is easily and conspicuously visible at or near the main entrance to the vacation rental which contains the name and phone number of the property owner or rental manager,' and provides that 'the property owner or rental manager must be available by phone in case of an emergency.' Subsection I separately requires an in-unit notice with emergency instructions including 'the name and phone number of the property owner or rental manager.' Together these establish a 24/7 phone-reachable responsible party rather than an in-person host. This differs from agricultural homestays, which by definition operate from the owner's own residence or dwelling and thus involve the owner's presence on the parcel. For a standard vacation rental, remote management with a reachable owner or manager is permitted. Operators should still verify any additional area-plan conditions for locations like Wawona, Fish Camp, or Yosemite West.