Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Merced County, CA

Short-term rentals must be the owner’s primary residence (documented by two forms of ID) and are limited to one per parcel. Vacation rentals (entire-home) are capped at 180 days per year, while hosted rentals require concurrent owner occupancy; occupancy is limited to five guest rooms and based on bedroom count and septic capacity.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Merced County. 1) Obtain a County land-use/administrative permit for a short-term rental from the Planning Division. 2) Register for a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Certificate with the Merced County Treasurer/Tax Collector within 30 days of starting business. 3) Comply with operational standards including designating a 24-hour local contact within 30 miles and mailing written notice to all property owners within 300 feet.

1) Obtain a County land-use/administrative permit for a short-term rental from the Planning Division. 2) Register for a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Certificate with the Merced County Treasurer/Tax Collector within 30 days of starting business. 3) Comply with operational standards including designating a 24-hour local contact within 30 miles and mailing written notice to all property owners within 300 feet.