Where short-term rentals are allowed in Mammoth Lakes, CA

What Mammoth Lakes asks of you

• The code defines a transient rental as occupation of a transient occupancy unit for a period of 30 days or less.^[9]

• Transient use of residential property requires a business tax certificate together with a certified property authorization. Both must be maintained at all times.^[9]

• Short-term rental is generally not permitted in three zones: Residential Multi-Family 1, Residential Single Family, Rural Residential.^[7]

• The Town's Zoning Map shows whether an address is zoned for transient rentals. So does its online TOT Property Search Tool.^[4]

• No accessory dwelling unit can be registered with the Tax Collector. Housing under a recorded deed restriction limiting its sale price or rent is barred as well.^[10]

• The Certified Property application costs $250 annually, prorated by quarter. The annual renewal is $250.00.^[5]

• A Certified Property Authorization Number is valid for the current calendar year. One received in December expires on December 31.^[5]

• Every individual property needs its own approval as a Certified Property. The number does not transfer to a new owner.^[5]

• An owner who lets a property management company run the rentals needs no Business Tax Certificate of their own. The company operates under its certificate.^[5]

• A Town-approved inspector checks the unit before any new authorization, then every four years. The operator pays the actual cost directly to the inspector.^[9]

• Any advertisement, web advertising included, must carry the certified property authorization number.^[9]

• The Town's program guide gives the format TOML-CPAN-#####. It says posting a Business Tax Certificate number in its place is out of compliance.^[5]

• Transient renters are limited to two persons per bedroom, plus two. No unit may exceed ten persons unless the Town Tax Collector approves it.^[9]

• The local 24-hour emergency contact must answer an initial call within one hour. Corrective action has to start within 24 hours of that call.^[9]

• Failing to respond in a timely manner on two occasions results in revocation of the certified property authorization.^[9]

• The operator supplies the name and phone number of the cleaning service to the Town.^[9]

• A notice inside the unit gives the maximum occupants, the vehicle limit and an evacuation plan. The current visitor expectation guide is posted too.^[9]

• The code caps the fine for a first violation at $1,500.00. It lists $3,000.00 for a second within one year, with $5,000.00 for each additional violation.^[9]

• Operating without a valid business tax certificate brings a $500.00 administrative fine for the first violation.^[9]

• A second or subsequent violation carries a minimum enforcement charge of $2,500.00.^[9]

• An operator notified of a deficiency has 30 days to resolve it. If it is still uncorrected 45 days after the initial notice, the Town suspends the authorization.^[9]

What California asks wherever you host

These rules apply at this address whatever the city decides.

• No state license exists for short-term rentals in California. The state's 2025 act on booking platforms says it does not preempt a local short-term rental ordinance.^[1]

• Since July 1, 2024, every mandatory fee has to sit inside the rate you advertise. Only government taxes and fees may be added later.^[2]

• State law caps city fines when a short-term rental violation threatens health or safety. The first ceiling is $1,500. A second violation within the year reaches $3,000, each later one $5,000.^[3]