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.

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:

• Madera County STVR Ordinance Planning Page
• TOT Certificate Registration
• Fire Inspection Checklists
• County Code - TOT Chapter

Draft Ordinances:

• Draft Short-Term Vacation Rental Ordinance
• Revised Draft STVR Ordinance 5/7/2025
• Revised Draft STVR Ordinance 7/23/2025

Supporting Documentation:

• TBID Resolution No. 2014-049
• Sierra News Online Article on Ordinance Proposal

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.