Mariposa County, CA Short-Term Rentals: Permit Requirements (2026)

The entire county is unincorporated, so Mariposa County's own zoning code governs short-term rentals everywhere. Under Mariposa County Code Section 17.108.180, bed and breakfast and vacation rental establishments (residential transient occupancy facilities) are 'considered permitted in all principal zones, except the M-1 and M-2 zones,' and the facility must be 'a residence owned by the applicant.' Prior to a certificate being issued, subsection N requires the applicant to 'apply to the Planning Department for site plan review and approval,' which is then forwarded to the Building Department, Health Department, County Fire Department and CalFire for review. The County's TOT information packet states the Building, Fire and Planning Departments must inspect the residence and the Health Department reviews/inspects Health requirements. Under subsection O, after all agencies approve, 'a valid transient occupancy registration certificate shall be issued by the Mariposa County Tax Collector pursuant to Chapter 3.36 of Title 3,' and 'the facility is not considered to be legally operating until the facility is issued a valid transient occupancy registration certificate.' Standards were last amended by Ordinance 1116 (2016). Note: a moving-target detail is that properties served by the Mariposa Public Utility District may also be affected by MPUD Ordinance #58 (sewer laterals); the County recommends contacting MPUD before applying.