Merced County, CA Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Permits (2026)

114 rather than being allowed by right. 270(C)(1) requires that short-term rentals 'are required to be the primary residence of the owner,' and (C)(2) bars the use entirely from non-habitable structures, tents, yurts, RVs, accessory dwelling units, and any unit already restricted by a county covenant such as affordable housing, farmworker housing, or a Williamson Act contract. Subsection C(4) opens a narrow path in agricultural zones: a short-term rental can be permitted on a parcel with an existing, CUP-approved agricultural tourism enterprise if it sits within 100 feet of that enterprise, is incidental and subordinate to it, and a right-to-farm certificate is recorded before the permit issues.

Once approved, subsection D(12) requires a copy of the permit and its standards in every rental agreement, and D(13) layers on three notice duties: an exterior identification sign no larger than 8-1/2 by 11 inches, an interior notice by the front door listing every permit standard, and written notice mailed to every property owner within 300 feet of the parcel before the permit issues. Subsection D(2) also requires a local emergency contact available 24 hours a day within a 30-mile radius to respond to tenants, neighbors, the Sheriff, or Code Enforcement.