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

YES - Short-term rentals are allowed in Oakhurst, CA, but they are regulated under Madera County's jurisdiction since Oakhurst is an unincorporated community. The county has implemented a regulatory framework requiring permits, business licenses, tax collection, and compliance with operational standards. As of 2025, operators must obtain a non-transferable Short-Term Vacation Rental (STVR) permit, a business license, and a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) certificate to legally operate in Madera County, including the Oakhurst area.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Oakhurst

Starting an STR business in Oakhurst requires following a structured permitting and registration process with Madera County. The process involves several sequential steps:

Step 1: Obtain Fire Inspection Approval All new STVR permit applicants must complete and pass a fire inspection before the permit can be processed. For permit renewals, a passing fire inspection is required by the renewal date. The 2025 fire inspection fee is $190.00 (subject to annual increases on July 1st). To schedule an inspection, call (559) 377-4879 or email firemarshal@maderacounty.com. Inspections can typically be scheduled for the next day if you call before 4 PM or email before 3:30 PM.

Step 2: Complete Fire Inspection Checklists Prepare for the fire inspection using the provided county checklists for short-term rentals, which include specific requirements for STR properties.

Step 3: Submit STVR Permit Application Apply for the non-transferable Short-Term Vacation Rental (STVR) permit through the Madera County Planning Division.

Step 4: Obtain Business License Register for a business license through the Treasurer-Tax Collector's office.

Step 5: Register for TOT Certificate Complete the Transient Occupancy Tax certificate registration process.

Step 6: Set Up Tax Collection and Remittance Understand your tax obligations and set up appropriate collection and remittance procedures.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Permits and Licenses Required:

• Non-transferable Short-Term Vacation Rental (STVR) permit from Planning Division
• Business License from Treasurer-Tax Collector
• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Certificate registration
• Fire inspection approval (passing grade required)

Key Operational Standards (as outlined in the draft ordinance):

• Occupancy limits compliance
• On-site parking requirements
• Noise restrictions adherence
• Trash management protocols
• Fire safety compliance
• Standards to safeguard public health and safety
• Protection of neighborhood character requirements

Fire Safety Requirements: Fire inspections are mandatory, with specific checklists provided for STR properties versus hotels/motels. The 2025 inspection fee is $190.00.

Documentation Needed: Property operators will need to provide documentation during the permit application process, though specific requirements should be confirmed with the Planning Division.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Madera County STVR Ordinance

The county has developed a Short-Term Vacation Rental ordinance to safeguard public health and safety while protecting neighborhood character. The ordinance establishes operational standards including occupancy limits, parking requirements, noise restrictions, trash management, and fire safety compliance. It creates accountability through permit requirements, tax compliance, and enforceable operational rules.

Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Requirements

Tax Rate Structure:

• TOT rate: 9% of gross revenue
• Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) assessment: 2.5% of gross revenue
• Combined rate: 11.5%

Implementation Timeline:

• TOT applies to accommodations for stays of 30 days or less
• The TBID rate increased from 2% to 2.5% effective January 1, 2025, continuing through January 31, 2035

Platform-Specific Requirements:

• VRBO: Voluntary collection agreement with VRBO began May 1, 2025, for bookings in unincorporated Madera County areas
• VRBO will collect and remit TOT (9%) and TBID (2.5%) directly to the county
• Operators must verify tax collection is enabled on their VRBO account
• Other platforms (Airbnb, etc.): Operators remain responsible for collecting, remitting, and reporting taxes directly to the county

Reporting Obligations:

• Quarterly returns with gross earnings reports are required for all operators
• Zero returns must be filed for quarters when the STR was not active
• Taxes for VRBO bookings in April 2025 or earlier must be reported and paid directly by operators

State-Level Regulations

Under California Revenue and Taxation Code Section 7280, TOT is authorized and enforced locally through Madera County Code of Ordinances Title 3 Chapter 3.20 - Uniform Transient Occupancy Tax.

Contact Information for Local Authority

Madera County Planning Division (STVR Permits):

• Address: 200 W. 4th Street, Madera, CA 93637
• Phone: 559-675-7703
• Website: maderacounty.com

Madera County Treasurer-Tax Collector (TOT, Business Licenses):

• Address: 200 W. 4th Street, Madera, CA 93637
• Phone: 559-675-7703
• Website: maderacounty.com/government/treasurer-tax-collector

Fire Marshal (Fire Inspections):

• Phone: (559) 377-4879
• Email: firemarshal@maderacounty.com

Important Note: The county has been holding workshops and community meetings regarding the STVR ordinance. An Oakhurst workshop was held May 28, 2025, at Oakhurst Elementary School, and additional meetings were scheduled. Operators should check the county website for updates on ordinance changes and upcoming meetings.

Links to Source Pages

• Madera County STVR Ordinance Overview
• Draft STVR Ordinance (PDF)
• Revised Draft STVR Ordinance 5/7/2025 (PDF)
• Revised Draft STVR Ordinance 7/23/2025 (PDF)
• TOT and TBID Information
• TOT Registration Process
• Fire Inspection Checklists
• California Revenue and Taxation Code Section 7280
• Madera County Code of Ordinances Chapter 3.20

Important Updates: The ordinance is currently in draft form with ongoing community engagement. Operators should monitor county announcements for final regulations and implementation dates, as the framework continues to evolve based on public input and county board decisions.