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STR Regulations for San Bernardino, California

San Bernardino County, CA Short-Term Rental (STR) Guide

Overview: Short-Term Rentals (STRs) are explicitly allowed in San Bernardino County, California, specifically within the Mountain and Desert regions. They are defined as rentals for 30 consecutive calendar days or less. A county-issued permit is mandatory for all STR operations.

1. How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business

Starting an STR in San Bernardino County involves a multi-step process focused on compliance and verification.

Step 1: Apply for a Permit

  • Submit an application online through the County's EZ Online Permitting Portal. This is the official and only method for application.
  • Key Application Details: You will need to provide property details and contact information. You will also be responsible for acknowledging and agreeing to comply with all relevant regulations (Fire, Building, Zoning, and Health and Safety Codes).
  • Application Fee: The non-refundable initial application fee is $667.

Step 2: Property Inspection

  • Exterior Inspection: A Code Enforcement Officer will conduct a mandatory exterior inspection of your property to verify it meets county requirements.
  • Interior Self-Certification: You must submit a completed "Interior Checklist & Owner Acknowledgement" form to self-certify that the interior of the rental property complies with safety standards (e.g., smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguisher). This form is available on the county website.

Step 3: Receive Your Permit

  • Upon successful completion of the application, inspection, and submission of the interior form, you will be issued a unique STR permit number.
  • Display of Permit: The registration certificate must be displayed prominently within the rental property.

Step 4: List and Operate

  • Once you have your permit number, you may list your property on platforms like Airbnb. The permit number must be included in your listing.
  • Tax Registration: You must also apply for a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Registration Certificate from the San Bernardino County Tax Collector to collect the 7% TOT from guests.

2. Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

The following are essential to operate legally:

  • Short-Term Rental Permit: Issued by San Bernardino County Code Enforcement after application and inspection.
  • Interior Checklist & Owner Acknowledgement Form: Self-certification of interior safety requirements.
  • Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Registration Certificate: Required to collect and remit the 7% TOT.
  • 24-Hour Contact Number: You must provide a phone number that is monitored 24/7 for complaint resolution.

Guidelines to Follow:

  • Occupancy Limits: The number of guests and vehicles allowed per rental is strictly limited.
  • Allowed Property Types: Single-family dwellings, duplexes, condominiums, a room in a dwelling, guest houses, and some accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
  • Prohibited Property Types: Multi-family structures (apartments), yurts, travel trailers, and RVs.
  • Commercial Activity Ban: The property cannot be used for commercial activities such as weddings, corporate retreats, business meetings, filming, or parties unless regulated under a separate, approved county permit.

3. Specific Regulations (County, State)

County Regulations (San Bernardino County Code)

  • Permit Requirement: Mandatory for all STRs in the Mountain and Desert regions.
  • Operational Rules: Adherence to Fire, Building, Zoning, and Health and Safety Codes.
  • Enforcement: Non-compliance can result in fines of $1,000 per day for operating without a permit. There is also a 24/7 complaint hotline to report violations.
  • Permit Renewal: The permit must be renewed annually with a fee of $600 and a re-inspection.
  • Noise Regulations: You must comply with San Bernardino County's Noise Ordinance (§ 83.01.080).

State Regulations (California)

  • While the county provides the primary regulations for STRs, California state law governs other general aspects of your business, including taxation, business operations, and landlord-tenant law for any long-term rental relationships.

4. Contact Information for Local Authority

5. Important Resources & Links to Source Pages

San Bernardino

Market Saturation Score

036912
High Saturation
9/ 12
months with declining YoY revenue
8–10 declining months: high saturation - supply likely outpacing demand.
View Full San Bernardino Market Analysis →

Photos of San Bernardino

Overview of San Bernardino

San Bernardino ( SAN BUR-nə-DEE-noh) is a city and county seat of San Bernardino County, California, United States. Located in the Inland Empire region of Southern California, the city had a population of 222,101 in the 2020 census, making it the 18th-largest city in California. San Bernardino is the economic, cultural, and political hub of the San Bernardino Valley and the Inland Empire. The governments of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico have established the metropolitan area's only consulates in the downtown area of the city. Additionally, San Bernardino serves as an anchor city to the 3rd largest metropolitan area in California (after Los Angeles and San Francisco) and the 13th largest metropolitan area in the United States; the San Bernardino-Riverside MSA. Furthermore, the city's University District serves as a college town, as home to California State University, San Bernardino. San Bernardino was named in 1810, when Spanish priest Francisco Dumetz led an expedition through the area. In 1839, the Mexican government granted Californio ranchero José del Carmen Lugo the right to settle the area, which was formalized when he was granted Rancho San Bernardino in 1842. Following the American Conquest of California, the community on the rancho incorporated as a city in 1854. The city grew significantly in the late 19th century as a commercial hub at the crossroads between Southern California and the American Southwest. Today, San Bernardino is an important hub for the Inland Empire and Southern California.

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