Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Coulterville, California. Short-term rentals operate under Mariposa County regulations, as Coulterville does not have its own municipal short-term rental ordinance. STRs are permitted throughout Mariposa County, including Coulterville, but are subject to comprehensive county-wide regulations and permitting requirements.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Coulterville

Initial Assessment and Eligibility

Before beginning the application process, property owners must:

1. Verify Zoning Compliance: Confirm your property is located in an area that permits short-term rentals within Mariposa County zoning framework
2. Assess Infrastructure Capacity:
   • Evaluate septic system capacity and condition
   • Confirm water quality meets county standards (particularly important for properties on private wells)
3. Review Coulterville-Specific Requirements: Since Coulterville falls under "Coulterville and All Other Countywide" planning area standards, review the specific document for this zone (17.108.180)
4. Contact MPUD if Applicable: If your property is serviced by Mariposa Public Utility District, contact them at 209-966-2515 regarding Ordinance #58, which governs private sewer lateral replacement and may affect your ability to proceed

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Pre-Application Consultation: Contact the Planning Department for initial guidance on your specific property
2. Environmental Health Assessment: Obtain septic and water quality documentation
3. Complete Required Documentation: Prepare all necessary forms and supporting materials
4. Submit Application: Use the online permitting system or submit in person
5. Schedule Inspections: Coordinate with Building, Fire, and Environmental Health departments
6. Obtain TOT Certificate: Complete Transient Occupancy Tax registration

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Documentation

Environmental Health Requirements:

• Septic tank inspection and pumping report (within 3 years of application)
• Inspection report from a Certified Septic Pumper
• Flow test results on leachfield capacity
• Septic system design capacity documentation
• Drinking water analysis for properties on private wells
• Testing from a Certified Water Testing Laboratory

Planning and Zoning Documentation:

• TOT Property Characteristics Form (completed by Assessor's Office)
• Site plan drawing meeting county requirements
• Planning area-specific compliance documentation
• Building Department compliance verification
• Fire and Safety inspection clearance

Required Permits and Licenses

1. Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Certificate: Mandatory for all vacation rentals
2. Planning Department Approval: Based on Coulterville planning area requirements
3. Environmental Health Clearance: For septic and water systems
4. Building Department Inspection: Code compliance verification
5. Fire Department Safety Clearance: Fire code compliance

Application Checklists (Available from County)

• Building Department checklist
• Fire and Safety checklist
• Planning Department checklist
• Health Department checklists

Fee Schedule

Environmental Health review fee: $99 (additional inspection fees apply)

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Health and Environmental Standards

Septic System Requirements:

• Maximum occupancy determined by septic system design capacity
• Required inspection within 3 years of application
• Pumper's report certifying tank condition and leachfield flow test
• Exemptions for new systems (under 3 years) and properties on public sewer

Water Quality Standards:

• Mandatory drinking water analysis for properties on private wells
• Testing must meet Water Quality Monitoring Schedule frequencies
• Exemptions for properties connected to public water systems

Occupancy and Safety Regulations

Maximum Occupancy: Based on septic system capacity and building code requirements for legal bedrooms

Safety Requirements:

• Compliance with applicable building codes
• Fire code compliance and prevention measures
• Property standards maintenance
• Emergency contact information availability

Financial Obligations

Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT):

• Must be collected from guests at current county rate
• Regular filing and remittance required
• TOT certificate must be maintained and renewed annually

Ongoing Compliance:

• Annual self-inspection requirements
• Regular TOT filing and remittance
• Response to guest complaints and county inquiries
• Maintenance of property compliance with all safety codes

Coulterville-Specific Considerations

Since Coulterville falls under the "Coulterville and All Other Countywide" planning area classification, operators must comply with:

• Standard county-wide vacation rental regulations
• General planning area requirements outlined in County Code 17.108.180
• Standard environmental health requirements
• Regular county inspection protocols

California State-Level Regulations

In addition to county requirements, operators must comply with California state regulations including:

• State tax obligations beyond TOT
• California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance where applicable
• State building and fire codes
• Consumer protection regulations
• Fair housing laws
• ADA compliance requirements

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Environmental Health Department (Primary Contact)

Mariposa County Environmental Health

• Physical Address: 5100 Bullion Street, Mariposa, CA 95338
• Mailing Address: PO Box 5, Mariposa, CA 95338
• Phone: 209-966-2220
• Fax: 209-966-8248
• Email: eh@mariposacounty.org
• Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm (Closed on County Holidays)

Planning Department

• Phone: 209-866-5151
• Email: planningdept@mariposacounty.org
• Online Permitting: Development Services Permitting Center

Mariposa Public Utility District (if applicable)

• Phone: 209-966-2515
• Website: www.mariposapud.org

Treasurer/Tax Collector (TOT)

• Contact through main county system for TOT-related matters

Links to Source Pages

Official County Resources

• Mariposa County Bed & Breakfast/Vacation Rental Information
• Coulterville and All Other Countywide Standards (PDF)
• County Permitting System
• TOT Property Characteristics Request Form

Key Application Documents

• General Information Packet (PDF)
• TOT Property Characteristics Form (PDF)
• Site Plan Grid Form (PDF)
• 2025 Planning Fee Schedule (PDF)

Compliance Resources

• Building Department checklist (PDF)
• Fire and Safety checklist (PDF)
• Planning Department checklist (PDF)
• Health Department checklists (PDF)

Additional References

• Mariposa County Zoning Lookup Tool
• Ordinance #58 Private Sewer Lateral Replacement Program
• TOT Filing and Forms

Important Compliance Notes

Ongoing Obligations

• Maintain current septic and water system certifications
• File TOT returns on schedule
• Respond promptly to guest complaints and county inquiries
• Keep property in compliance with all safety codes
• Update permits and licenses as required
• Complete annual self-inspections

Enforcement and Penalties

• County maintains inspection authority
• Non-compliance can result in permit revocation
• Financial penalties for unpaid TOT
• Potential legal action for serious violations

This regulatory framework ensures that short-term rental operations in Coulterville maintain high standards for guest safety, environmental protection, and community compatibility while providing a clear pathway for legitimate business operations in this attractive tourist destination market near Yosemite National Park.