Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Madera, CA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Madera, CA, but with restrictions. Short-term vacation rentals in Madera County (unincorporated areas) are subject to a county STVR ordinance requiring a non-transferable permit plus a business license and transient occupancy tax (TOT) certificate; the draft and guidance impose operational standards including occupancy limits, on-site parking, noise and trash management, and fire/life-safety compliance (fire inspection required). A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term vacation rentals in Madera County (unincorporated areas) are subject to a county STVR ordinance requiring a non-transferable permit plus a business license and transient occupancy tax (TOT) certificate; the draft and guidance impose operational standards including occupancy limits, on-site parking, noise and trash management, and fire/life-safety compliance (fire inspection required).

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Madera. 1) Register for and obtain a County business license and Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) certificate via the Madera County Treasurer–Tax Collector portal within 30 days of starting operations; 2) Apply for the non-transferable STVR permit through the Madera County Planning Division; 3) Pass a required fire inspection (fee applies) before the permit is processed and remit TOT returns quarterly.

1) Register for and obtain a County business license and Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) certificate via the Madera County Treasurer–Tax Collector portal within 30 days of starting operations; 2) Apply for the non-transferable STVR permit through the Madera County Planning Division; 3) Pass a required fire inspection (fee applies) before the permit is processed and remit TOT returns quarterly.

Vrbo is permitted in Madera, CA under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Madera are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Madera. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.