Mammoth Lakes Short Term Rental Update - March 2024

The moratorium on short-term rentals (STR) was put into place on October 18, 2023. This restricted the issuance of new transient occupancy tax certificates in specific areas. In other words, no new nightly rental permits were allowed to be issued in certain complexes (based on zoning). The Town Council announced their goal was to make decisions about STR by the end of May 2024.   On March 6, 2024, the Town Council took significant steps forward by considering two key articles as they relate to STRs. Once adopted, these ordinances will go into effect April 22, 2024.   The short version: As of April 22, 2024 nightly rentals will be allowed where they were allowed prior to the implementation of the ordinance on October 18, 2023.  So, things are pretty much the same as they were before in terms of renting condos out nightly.  There will be a Certified Properties program which brings more structure and accountability to STRs in Mammoth Lakes.   For those who like more details, the long version can be broken down in two parts.   First, they addressed updates to municipal code (sections 3.12 and 5.40) which specifically govern the operation of STRs within the Town of Mammoth Lakes. These sections were updated to address a two key areas:   Establish/update operating requirements for properties who have transient (nightly) rentals. Replacement of the existing transient occupancy tax certificate system with a "Certified Property" structure. The purpose is to provide additional disclosures by operators of STR properties and provide operators greater flexibility in how they manage and operate. The "Certified Properties" Program will ensure STR properties are periodically inspected, offer emergency contact info to guests, have identified cleaning services, and the Town will have more tools for dealing with violations of the operating standards for STRs. The program is intended to better regulate STR and does not cap the number of STR nor restrict their location.   Second, the Council conducted the first reading of an ordinance aimed at lifting the existing moratorium on STRs.   Here is my understanding of how it works: Since there were no major changes requested during this first reading, the formal adoption process will proceed with a second reading scheduled for March 20. Upon adoption, both of these measures will come into effect on April 22, 2024. In essence, these updates mean we'll have new rules and regulations in place, and the moratorium on STRs will be officially lifted.   It's important to note that these changes do not introduce any additional restrictions on STRs.   Once this information is posted to the Town of Mammoth Lakes website, the links will be posted here. In the meantime, you can watch the video recording of the March 6 Town Council meeting where this was discussed (fast forward to 1:38:20).   Thank you to everyone who was involved in the process by writing letters, sending emails and participating in the meetings. Special thanks to the community members served on the STR Advisory Committee and Town Staff. I truly believe the participation of each person made a difference.