Town of Mammoth Lakes Loft Compliance: What You Need to Know Before You Airbnb

At Destination Real Estate, we’re all about helping our clients enjoy the journey—and that includes staying informed about local rules that could impact your property. One of the most surprising ones in Mammoth Lakes has to do with lofts—yes, those cozy upstairs spaces you see in almost every condo around town.

Here’s what you need to know before you rent your Mammoth condo on Airbnb or VRBO.

Most Lofts in Mammoth Aren’t Technically Safe for Sleeping

When the Town of Mammoth Lakes started conducting Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) inspections, they discovered that many lofts being used as sleeping areas weren’t up to current safety standards.

Inspectors found things like:

• Stairs that were too narrow or steep

• Ceilings that were too low

• Enclosed spaces with poor ventilation or no fire escape

All of this raised concerns about what could happen in an emergency like a fire.

We’ve All Done It

Let’s be honest—we’ve all seen those lofts, and most of us have let kids or guests sleep up there. These condos were built long before Mammoth Lakes was officially incorporated as a town, and for decades, nobody thought twice about it.

When the Town began enforcing stricter standards, they asked property owners to remove beds and sleeping furniture from lofts and post signs saying “Not a Sleeping Area.”

Technically, this didn’t change your rental’s total occupancy—you could still say your property “sleeps six”—you just weren’t supposed to list the loft as a bedroom.

And of course, many owners quietly put the furniture back after inspections.

Why This Created Frustration

The situation didn’t feel fair. Buyers had purchased condos with existing loft layouts that had never been an issue before, and now they were being told to make changes. Meanwhile, the Town was genuinely trying to improve safety for visitors.

After plenty of discussion (and a big thank you to the Mammoth Lakes Board of REALTORS® for advocating for homeowners), a more practical approach was developed.

The New Rule

The Town is no longer asking people to remove beds from their lofts.

Instead, they now require property owners and Airbnb hosts to sign a waiver acknowledging that the loft doesn’t meet current safety standards. It’s up to the owner to decide whether or not to advertise the loft as a sleeping area—but that decision comes with personal responsibility.

You can find the official information on the Town of Mammoth Lakes website, but this is the gist of it—and how we got here.

The Takeaway

If you’re thinking about buying or renting out a property in Mammoth, this is one of those local details that can make a big difference. Before you list your condo or make a purchase, talk with someone who understands how these rules work and what they mean for your rental potential.

At Destination Real Estate, our team knows the ins and outs of Mammoth properties—because we live it every day. Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, we’ll help you make informed decisions so you can Enjoy the Journey. Love the Destination.