Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Wawona, CA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Wawona, CA, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are restricted by zoning standards (Title 17) and require concurrent approval from the Yosemite National Park Superintendent for properties in Wawona. Regulations include occupancy limits (max 10 persons/5 bedrooms), mandatory building, fire, and health inspections, and specific bear-proof trash container requirements. 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 rentals are restricted by zoning standards (Title 17) and require concurrent approval from the Yosemite National Park Superintendent for properties in Wawona. Regulations include occupancy limits (max 10 persons/5 bedrooms), mandatory building, fire, and health inspections, and specific bear-proof trash container requirements.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Wawona. 1. Submit a combined Planning and Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) application through the Mariposa County online permitting system. 2. Undergo mandatory inspections by the Building, Fire, and Environmental Health departments to ensure compliance with safety checklists. 3. For Wawona properties, wait for the 21-day National Park Service review; final approval requires both a Planning approval letter and a TOT Certificate.

1. Submit a combined Planning and Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) application through the Mariposa County online permitting system. 2. Undergo mandatory inspections by the Building, Fire, and Environmental Health departments to ensure compliance with safety checklists. 3. For Wawona properties, wait for the 21-day National Park Service review; final approval requires both a Planning approval letter and a TOT Certificate.

Vrbo is permitted in Wawona, 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 Wawona 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 Wawona. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.