🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - Madera County, CA
Short-Term Rentals in Focus as Madera County Resets Ordinance Schedule
Madera County Adjusts STVR Ordinance Rollout
Madera County is giving residents and short-term rental operators a little extra runway as it prepares to release its proposed Short-Term Vacation Rental (STVR) Ordinance. The County has updated its timeline, pushing the anticipated Planning Commission hearing to February 4, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., instead of the previously announced January date.
Officials say the decision was made to avoid dropping a complex, document-heavy proposal during the holiday season. The revised schedule allows the draft ordinance expected to be posted during the first week of January 2026 to be reviewed with fewer distractions and more opportunity for thoughtful feedback. Updates and materials will be shared through the County’s STVR webpage, with email notifications once the draft is live.
The ordinance itself would introduce a comprehensive framework for short-term vacation rentals across Madera County’s unincorporated areas. Right now, STVRs operate with relatively limited formal oversight. County staff say the proposed rules are meant to clarify expectations for property owners while responding to community concerns about noise, parking, and neighborhood character.
A central feature of the draft is a new permitting system. Operators would need a non-transferable STVR permit, along with a business license and a transient occupancy tax certificate. If a property is sold, the permit would not carry over, new owners would have to apply, ensuring continued compliance with County standards.
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Operational rules tackle common pain points. Occupancy limits would reflect the size of each rental unit. On-site parking requirements aim to prevent overflow onto residential streets. Noise standards, including quiet hours, are intended to reduce late-night disruptions, while trash and waste rules would require operators to manage disposal responsibly.
Safety requirements also figure prominently. The draft ordinance would require compliance with fire and life safety codes, including defensible space where applicable. County officials emphasize that these measures protect guests, neighbors, and emergency personnel alike.
Ultimately, County staff describe the ordinance as a balancing act. Short-term rentals support tourism and the local economy, but residents value stable, livable neighborhoods. With the February Planning Commission hearing approaching, the coming weeks will be key for public input as Madera County considers its next steps in regulating short-term vacation rentals.
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