Coarsegold, California Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Coarsegold, CA?

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Coarsegold, CA, though the regulatory landscape is currently evolving. Coarsegold is located in Madera County's unincorporated areas, where short-term vacation rentals (STVRs) are permitted subject to county regulations. However, as of the latest information available, Madera County is still developing its comprehensive STVR ordinance framework.

Current Status (as of 2025): While short-term rentals can operate, the county has minimal existing regulations and is in the process of implementing a formal ordinance to establish clearer standards and permitting requirements. Investors should be aware that regulatory requirements are likely to become more structured as the county finalizes its ordinance.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Coarsegold?

Coarsegold hosts earn a median $31,638/year with $245 ADR and 52% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $55,554+ per year.

See the full Coarsegold market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Coarsegold

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Initial Planning & Compliance Assessment

Verify property zoning allows for short-term rentals
Review current county requirements and proposed ordinance updates
Assess property suitability for STVR operations

2. Essential Permits and Licenses

Obtain Short-Term Vacation Rental (STVR) permit (non-transferable)
Secure Business License
Acquire Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Certificate
Complete Fire Safety Inspection and obtain passing certification

3. Platform Registration

Register property on rental platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.)
For VRBO: verify voluntary collection agreement is enabled on your account
Note: Only Airbnb currently submits TOT to Madera County on behalf of registered operators

4. Tax Registration and Setup

Register for TOT collection and remittance
Set up systems for TBID assessment collection
Implement quarterly reporting procedures

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Documentation:

Permits & Licenses:

STVR Permit (non-transferable, pending ordinance finalization)
Business License (through Madera County Treasurer-Tax Collector)
Transient Occupancy Tax Certificate (TOT Certificate)

Safety & Compliance:

Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (required before permit processing)
Fire inspection fee: $190.00 (subject to annual increase on July 1st)
Compliance with operational standards (occupancy limits, parking, noise restrictions)

Tax Registration:

TOT registration (9% tax rate)
TBID registration (2.5% assessment rate)
Combined tax/assessment rate: 11.5%

Operational Guidelines (Per Proposed Ordinance):

Occupancy & Parking:

Maximum occupancy limits (specific numbers pending final ordinance)
On-site parking requirements
Compliance with residential parking standards

Safety & Environmental:

Noise restriction compliance
Proper trash disposal protocols
Fire safety equipment and compliance
Emergency contact posting requirements

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Madera County Level (Current):

Tax Requirements:

Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): 9% on gross rental revenue for stays ≤30 days
Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID): 2.5% assessment (increased from 2% effective January 1, 2025)
Combined Rate: 11.5% total tax/assessment burden

Platform Collections:

VRBO: Voluntary collection agreement in effect for unincorporated areas (effective May 1, 2025)
Airbnb: Collects and remits TOT on behalf of registered operators
Other Platforms: Operator responsibility for tax collection and remittance

Proposed Ordinance (Under Development):

Core Requirements:

Non-transferable STVR permit
Business license and TOT certificate
Operational standards including:
- Occupancy limits
- On-site parking requirements
- Noise restrictions
- Trash management protocols
- Fire safety compliance

California State Requirements:

General Framework:

TOT authorized under Revenue and Taxation Code Section 7280
Local implementation through county ordinances
Compliance with state health and safety standards

Contact Information for Local Authority

Madera County Planning Division

Address: 200 W. 4th Street, Madera, CA 93637
Phone: 559-675-7703
Website: Planning Division

Fire Marshal's Office (Fire Inspections)

Phone: (559) 377-4879
Email: firemarshal@maderacounty.com
Inspection Scheduling: Call before 4 PM or email before 3:30 PM for next-day inspection

Treasurer-Tax Collector (Business Licenses & TOT)

Address: 200 W. 4th Street, Madera, CA 93637
Phone: 559-675-7703
Website: TOT Registration Portal
New Operators Portal: TOT New Operators
Quarterly Returns: TOT Reporting

Links to Source Pages

Primary County Resources:

Draft Ordinances:

Supporting Documentation:

California State Resources:

Revenue Taxation Code Section 7280

Important Notes for Investors:

The ordinance is still in development phase with workshops scheduled through August 2025
Final requirements may change from current proposals
Existing TOT and business license requirements remain in effect
Fire safety compliance is already mandatory
Platform-specific tax collection arrangements may evolve

This guide reflects the current regulatory environment as of 2025. Given the ongoing ordinance development, investors should regularly check county resources for updates and maintain flexibility in their business plans to accommodate future regulatory changes.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Coarsegold

Coarsegold is a small unincorporated community in Madera County, California, set in the rolling Sierra Nevada foothills at an elevation of roughly 1,500 feet. With a population of approximately 1,500 residents, it has the relaxed, rural character of an old foothill town, and the dry, oak-studded landscape gives it a distinctly Western feel. The town is best known as a gateway to the southern entrance of Yosemite National Park and for its connection to the California Gold Rush, which it still celebrates every fall. Coarsegold sits along Highway 41, roughly 35 miles north of Fresno, making it a convenient first or last stop for travelers heading up into the mountains.

The headline attraction in the area is Yosemite National Park, whose southern Wawona entrance and the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias are reached by driving north on Highway 41 for about 40 miles from Coarsegold. From here, visitors can continue on to Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point, and the high country, all of which draw millions of visitors each year and give Coarsegold a steady flow of travelers looking for a quieter, more affordable place to stay just outside the park boundaries.

Just a short drive east of town, Bass Lake is a popular warm-weather destination for swimming, fishing, houseboating, and lakeside dining. It sits at the foot of the high country, and the drive from Coarsegold takes roughly 20 to 25 minutes along winding mountain roads. The lake feels far more accessible than the alpine reservoirs higher up, and it offers a family-friendly complement to the more strenuous pursuits available inside the national park.

In town itself, the Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino is a notable landmark, offering lodging, dining, gaming, and live entertainment under one roof. The property reflects the region's mining-era heritage, and its presence makes Coarsegold a small but genuine year-round destination rather than just a pass-through. The surrounding area also preserves reminders of the 1849 Gold Rush, including historic buildings and a small museum operated by local historical groups.

For prospective short-term rental owners, Coarsegold offers an appealing combination of small-town character and access to some of California's most iconic outdoor destinations. Its location along the Highway 41 corridor, between Fresno and Yosemite, gives it year-round tourism potential drawn from national park visitors, lake-goers, and casino guests, while the foothill setting keeps the pace slower and the cost of entry more modest than towns inside the park itself.