Overview: STR Status in Old-Station, CA

Short-term rentals are allowed in Old-Station, California, but under strict regulations enforced by Mono County. As an unincorporated community within Mono County, Old-Station operates under county-wide short-term rental regulations rather than city-specific ordinances. The county maintains a comprehensive regulatory framework designed to balance tourism benefits with housing availability and neighborhood character preservation.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Old-Station

Starting a short-term rental in Old-Station requires navigating Mono County's multi-layered permitting process:

Step 1: Property Qualification Assessment

• Verify your property meets basic eligibility requirements
• Confirm no safety or infrastructure conflicts (emergency access, road conditions, water/sewer adequacy)
• Check HOA restrictions if applicable
• Ensure compliance with underlying land use designation

Step 2: Permit Acquisition Process

1. Obtain Use Permit (Chapters 25 and 32 of Mono County Code)
2. Apply for STR Activity Permit (Chapter 5.65 of Mono County Code)
3. Secure Business License
4. Obtain Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Certificate
5. Complete any additional applicable regulations

Step 3: Operational Setup

• Ensure all safety and health standards are met
• Establish proper insurance coverage
• Set up tax collection and remittance systems
• Create rental agreements and house rules

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Permits and Licenses:

1. Use Permit - Required under Mono County Code Chapters 25 and 32
2. STR Activity Permit - Chapter 5.65, specific to property owner and non-transferable
3. Business License - Mono County business registration
4. Transient Occupancy Tax Certificate - Required for tax collection/remittance

Compliance Requirements:

• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in all sleeping areas
• Fire extinguishers (2A:10B:C type) mounted 3-5 feet above floor
• Clearly visible property address
• Structural safety compliance (stairs, decks, handrails)
• Proper ash disposal containers for fireplaces
• Emergency escape route compliance
• Utilities in good operating condition
• Fenced/locked pools, hot tubs, and spas

Restrictions and Limitations:

• One permit per person/entity and one per parcel
• Owner must apply directly; management companies cannot be primary applicants
• Permit terminates upon property sale/transfer
• No STR operation in avalanche zones November 1 - April 15
• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) prohibited from STR use

Specific Regulations by Level

County-Level Regulations (Mono County)

• Hosted Rentals: Owner must live on-site during all rentals
• Non-Hosted Rentals: Allowed with additional restrictions
• 500-foot notification radius for neighboring properties
• Community-specific restrictions may apply based on location

Neighborhood-Specific Restrictions (if applicable)

Note: Old-Station doesn't have specific neighborhood restrictions listed in the provided documents, but general county-wide policies apply.

State-Level Regulations (California)

• Compliance with California Building Code for transient lodging
• Transient Occupancy Tax collection and remittance
• Health and safety standards per state regulations

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contacts:

Mono County Community Development Department

• Phone: (760) 924-1800
• Email: communitydevelopment@mono.ca.gov
• Address: Mono County Courthouse, 278 North Main Street, P.O. Box 347, Bridgeport, CA 93517
• Website: www.monocounty.ca.gov

Mono County Planning Division

• Phone: (760) 924-1810
• Email: planning@mono.ca.gov

Mono County Tax Collector

• Phone: (760) 932-5480
• Website: www.monocounty.ca.gov/tax-collector

Additional Resources:

Mono County Sheriff's Department (Enforcement)

• Phone: (760) 932-7549
• Website: www.monocounty.ca.gov/sheriff

Important Links to Source Pages

Official County Resources:

• Mono County General Plan: monocounty.ca.gov/planning
• Land Use Maps: monomammoth.maps.arcgis.com
• Business Licensing: www.monocounty.ca.gov/finance
• Transient Occupancy Tax: www.monocounty.ca.gov/tax-collector
• Short-Term Rental Regulations: monocounty.ca.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/mono_basin_rpac/meeting/34268/4a.1_draft_str_policy_revisions_-_clean_version.pdf

Regulatory Documents:

• Mono County Code Chapter 5.65: STR Activity Permits
• Land Use Element Chapter 25: Short-Term Rentals
• Land Use Element Chapter 26: Transient Rental Standards
• Development Standards: Various chapters covering operational requirements

Key Investment Considerations

Financial Obligations:

• Transient Occupancy Tax: Currently 10% of rental rates
• Permit fees: Vary by permit type and property characteristics
• Business license fees: Annual renewal required
• Compliance costs: Safety equipment, insurance, property improvements

Operational Challenges:

• Owner-residency requirement: Limits passive investment opportunities
• Seasonal restrictions: Avalanche zone limitations
• Strict safety standards: Higher upfront compliance costs
• Limited scalability: One permit per person/entity restriction

Market Positioning:

• Tourism-driven demand: Strong summer and winter recreation markets
• Competition with hotels: County promotes "level playing field" with traditional lodging
• Housing stock concerns: 32.8% of county housing is vacation homes, creating political pressure

This regulatory environment requires careful consideration of both compliance costs and operational constraints before investing in short-term rental properties in Old-Station, California.