Oakhurst, California Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

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.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Oakhurst?

Oakhurst hosts earn a median $45,542/year with $274 ADR and 57% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $69,491+ per year.

See the full Oakhurst market breakdown

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

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.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Oakhurst

Oakhurst is a small unincorporated community and census-designated place in Madera County, California, situated in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada at an elevation of roughly 2,300 feet. With a population of approximately 2,800 to 3,000 residents, it carries the relaxed character of a mountain gateway town, with pine-scented air, a low-slung commercial strip along Highway 41, and a steady hum of visitors passing through on their way to the high country. Oakhurst is best known as the principal southern gateway to Yosemite National Park, and it is also a popular base for visitors exploring the surrounding national forest and foothill reservoirs. The nearest major city is Fresno, which lies about 45 miles to the south along State Route 41.

The most obvious draw is Yosemite National Park, whose southern Arch Rock entrance is reached in roughly a 20- to 25-minute drive north of town. From Oakhurst, visitors can access the park's Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias, the Wawona area, and a scenic route into Yosemite Valley via the Big Oak Flat or Wawona roads. The south-entrance route is also a favorite for travelers coming from Southern California, giving the town a steady year-round flow of overnight guests.

A few miles south of town, Bass Lake is a popular four-season recreation destination nestled in the Sierra National Forest. The reservoir offers boating, swimming, and fishing in summer, and a small ski area at the lake's south shore operates in winter. It draws a mix of families and outdoor enthusiasts and is generally reached from Oakhurst in about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the season and traffic.

The community itself is anchored by Fresno Flats Historical Park, a small open-air museum that preserves and relocates pioneer-era buildings from the surrounding region, including a one-room schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, and historic residences. It offers a quiet, family-friendly counterpoint to the larger natural attractions and is a short drive from anywhere in town. Just a few miles to the south in neighboring Coarsegold, the Sierra Mono Museum and the small historic district of Coarsegold provide additional cultural stops for travelers interested in the region's Mono and pioneer heritage.

Encompassing much of the area around Oakhurst, the Sierra National Forest offers hiking, camping, fishing, and off-road trails across more than a million acres of conifer forest, granite, and alpine meadow. Its proximity means visitors staying in Oakhurst can quickly reach trailheads, scenic byways, and lesser-known swimming holes without the crowds of the national park.

Oakhurst is a compelling base for short-term rentals precisely because it sits at the intersection of accessibility and natural appeal. Travelers gain a comfortable, amenity-rich community with restaurants, lodging, and services, while remaining within a short drive of Yosemite, Bass Lake, and the broader Sierra National Forest. That combination of small-town charm, year-round visitor traffic, and proximity to some of California's most celebrated landscapes makes the area a natural fit for owners looking to capture both peak-season and shoulder-season stays.