Mariposa County, CA Short-Term Rentals: Primary-Residence-Only Rule (2026)

Unlike some jurisdictions, unincorporated Mariposa County does not limit vacation rentals to an owner's primary residence. Section 17.108.180 states that bed and breakfast establishments and vacation rentals 'are located in a residence owned by the applicant,' establishing an ownership requirement but not a primary-residence or owner-occupancy requirement. By contrast, agricultural homestays under the same section must be 'located in the residence of the property owner or accessory dwelling or other existing dwelling,' which is more tied to the owner's dwelling - but that is the Ag Homestay category, not the standard vacation rental. Nothing in the reviewed text of 17.108.180 requires the owner to occupy the home, to make it their primary residence, or to be present during guest stays for a vacation rental. This means whole-home, non-owner-occupied vacation rentals are permitted countywide subject to the bedroom (max three), occupancy (max ten), septic-capacity, parking, safety-inspection and registration requirements. Because Mariposa is Yosemite's primary gateway, this relatively permissive structure supports a large vacation-rental market. Operators should still confirm there is no separate area-plan restriction in places like Wawona, Fish Camp or Yosemite West, which can carry additional standards under their adopted plans.