Do you happen to have a property in Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley or 29 Palms? Thinking about turning your San Bernardino County property into an Airbnb? Or maybe you’re already hosting but worried about staying legal? This guide covers everything you need to know about running a successful, legal short-term rental in San Bernardino County, based on the county’s Ordinance 4439 and current regulations.
Eligible Hosting Locations
San Bernardino County only allows short-term rentals in specific areas:
- Short-term rentals are ONLY permitted in mountain and desert areas of unincorporated San Bernardino County
- If you live in the city of San Bernardino or another incorporated city, different rules apply – check with your local city planning department
Many would-be hosts invest time and money before discovering their property isn’t eligible. Don’t make that mistake!
Quick takeaway: Verify your property is in an eligible area before making plans. Being in San Bernardino County doesn’t automatically mean you can operate an Airbnb. You can call San Bernardino county
Toll Free (800) 722-4542
Direct Line (909) 387-8311
Permit Process & Fees
To avoid hefty fines, you’ll need the right permits:
Application Steps
- Submit your application through the county’s EZ Online Permitting Portal Website
- Pay the initial fees:
- Application Fee: $600
- Permit Fee: $285
- Property Owner Notification Fee: $250
- Total for NEW application: $1,135
After application, there’s a 20-day period for neighbors to comment, followed by a 30-day appeal period. Your permit activates on the first business day after this process completes.
Pro tip: Start this process at least 2-3 months before you plan to host.
Annual Renewals
- Renewal WITH changes: $1,135
- Renewal with NO changes: $550
- Your property gets re-inspected each renewal
- Selling your property? You’ll need a new application – permits are not transferable
- Operating without a permit brings fines up to $1,000 PER DAY
Cost-Saving Tip
The county offers a $150 one-time credit if you install an outdoor noise monitoring device. Provide verification when you apply.
Owner Limits & Property Restrictions
The ordinance sets specific limitations:
- You can own no more than two short-term rental properties in the county
- Properties under 2 acres can have only one Short-Term Rental (STR) permit; those 2+ acres may have up to two
- Individual apartments in multi-family buildings can’t be used as STRs
- Alternative shelters (tents, RVs, etc.) aren’t eligible for STR permits
Quick takeaway: Understand ownership limits before investing in multiple properties.
Tax Requirements
San Bernardino County collects a 7% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on short-term stays. Here’s what to do:
- Register for a TOT certificate with the county tax collector
- Submit quarterly statements using county-provided forms
- Know your platform’s policy – Airbnb collects and remits this tax automatically for their bookings
If using VRBO, Booking.com, or another platform, you may need to handle collection and remittance yourself. According to recent information, while Airbnb collects TOT for hosts in San Bernardino County, VRBO does not.
Quick takeaway: Register for your TOT certificate regardless of platform, and know who’s responsible for tax collection.
Insurance Guidelines
Your regular homeowner’s policy likely won’t cover commercial short-term rental use. Here’s what you need:
- While San Bernardino County doesn’t specify minimum coverage, nearby cities require $500,000 to $1 million in liability coverage
- Consider specialized short-term rental insurance that covers:
- Guest damage
- Liability for guest injuries
- Loss of income
- Protection against squatters
- Ask the insurance provider if they allow short term rental before signing up for a home-owner insurance.
Airbnb’s AirCover offers up to $3 million in protection, but read the fine print – many hosts supplement with dedicated STR insurance.
Quick takeaway: Ask your insurance agent specifically about short-term rental coverage.
Operating Requirements
Follow these rules to keep your permit:
Responsiveness
- 24/7 availability – you need a contact number that’s always answered
- You must respond within ONE HOUR to any complaints, even at night
- You must be able to physically reach the property within one hour
- Keep records of all complaints and resolutions
The county has established a 24/7 complaint hotline (1-833-722-7871) for residents to report issues with short-term rentals.
To stay compliant, make sure to set up a 24/7 answering phone service like Fast Response AI.
Guest Count and Parking
- Occupancy limits by bedroom count:
- Studio/one-bedroom: 4 occupants
- Two-bedroom: 6 occupants
- Three-bedroom: 8 occupants
- Four-bedroom: 10 occupants
- Five-bedroom: 12 occupants
- Maximum 12 occupants total, regardless of size
- Guests must park on your property – no street parking
- Your occupancy might be limited by available parking spaces
Prohibited Activities
These activities are forbidden at your STR and require a special permit for the county not covered by the Short Term Rental permit:
- Weddings and receptions
- Corporate retreats or business meetings
- Conferences
- Film or photography shoots
- Parties (including fraternities)
- Any commercial activity
Quick takeaway: Set clear guest expectations and respond quickly to problems. Prevention beats damage control.
Required Postings
The county requires you to post specific information inside your rental:
- Your STR permit near the front door
- An evacuation map
- A clearly visible notice including:
- Property address
- Your 24/7 contact information
- Maximum occupancy and vehicle limits
- Snow removal contact information
- Trash disposal instructions
- Reminder that disturbing the peace violates county code
Additionally, provide a “Good Neighbor” brochure to all guests explaining neighborhood expectations and have them acknowledge receipt. As a host we usually do this through Airbnb messaging but there are many ways to go about it.
Quick takeaway: Proper posting helps set guest expectations and protects you if issues arise.
Neighbor Relations
Your neighbors can be your biggest allies or your worst enemies:
Before You Host
- Introduce yourself to neighbors
- Share your contact information and hosting plans
- Listen to their concerns
- Consider a goodwill gesture
During Operations
- Notify neighbors when guests are coming
- Address concerns immediately
- Follow up after resolving issues
A simple introduction template:
“Hi, I’m [name]. I own the property at [address] and plan to use it as a short-term rental. I want to be a good neighbor, so here’s my phone number for any concerns. I’ll respond quickly and take issues seriously.”
Quick takeaway: Good neighbor relationships are easier to maintain than repair.
Problem Management
Even with preparation, problems happen. Here’s how to handle them:
Noise Complaints
- Respond immediately – call your guests
- Be polite but firm about expectations
- Document the complaint and your response
- Follow up with the neighbor who complained
- Consider noise monitoring devices (with disclosure)
The ordinance prohibits guests from making loud, excessive, or intrusive noise that disturbs the peace.
Parking Issues
- Provide clear parking instructions before arrival
- Include photos of designated parking areas
- Mark parking spots clearly on your property
- Have a plan for guests with multiple vehicles
Remember, guests cannot park on neighboring properties, public roads, or create obstructions.
Guest Screening
- Check for complete profiles and reviews
- Set clear expectations in house rules
- Consider security deposits for higher-risk bookings
- Be selective with bookings that seem risky
Quick takeaway: Have plans for common problems. Document everything and respond promptly.
Permit Suspension & Revocation
The county can suspend or revoke your permit for various reasons:
Suspension Reasons
- Building code violations or unsafe conditions
- Failing to comply with violation notices
- Any STR ordinance violation
Revocation Reasons
- Severe building code violations requiring immediate vacation
- Failing to address suspension conditions within 60 days
- Same violation recurring within 12 months of suspension
- Two suspensions within a 24-month period
- Obtaining the permit through fraud
- Permit issued in error
After revocation, you must wait 12 months before applying for a new permit.
Penalties & Enforcement
San Bernardino County enforces STR regulations strictly:
- First citation: Up to $1,000
- Third citation: Up to $5,000
- Criminal misdemeanor classification for violations
- Permit revocation after multiple problems
- $1,000 per day for operating without a permit
The county actively searches for unpermitted rentals by checking online listings against their permit database and responding to neighbor complaints. Enforcement has increased significantly in recent years, with the county launching a 24/7 complaint hotline and after-hours response team in 2023.
Quick takeaway: The cost of non-compliance far exceeds proper permitting and operations.
Future Regulatory Changes
San Bernardino County has been evaluating the impact of short-term rentals on housing availability and affordability in the region. The county’s Land Use Services Department has been gathering data and may implement more intensive regulations.
County officials are expected to deliver findings and recommendations regarding short-term rentals, with potential changes to the existing ordinance. Property owners should stay informed about these developments as they could affect permit requirements and operational standards.
Quick takeaway: Follow county announcements to stay ahead of potential regulatory changes.
Pro Host Tips
Stand out from the crowd with these strategies:
- Create a digital guidebook with local recommendations and emergency info
- Set Up a 24/7 AI Phone Assistant to satisfy county requirements on responding to guest questions and complaints promptly
- Install smart home technology like noise monitors, keyless entry, and security cameras
- Build relationships with local service providers – plumbers, electricians, and handymen
- Join host communities to stay informed about regulation changes
- Use professional photography to improve booking rates
- Implement dynamic pricing to maximize occupancy and revenue
- Focus on 5-star experiences with special touches and quick communication
Hosts who implement these strategies typically earn 20-30% more than those who don’t.
Quick takeaway: Success comes from creating an excellent process and attention to details. By going above and beyond, you can create a standout guest experience and earn more.
Conclusion
Running an Airbnb in San Bernardino County requires work but can be rewarding when done right.
Successful hosts limit their legal exposure by adhering to local regulations. By following the rules and exceeding expectations, you can build a profitable, sustainable short-term rental business.
Start by checking your property’s eligibility, then work through the permit process. The time and effort you invest upfront will make your AirBnb operations smoother later on.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify current requirements with San Bernardino County officials and your attorney before making business decisions.
Sources
Footnotes
- San Bernardino County Code Enforcement – Short-Term Rentals. https://str.sbcounty.gov/
- San Bernardino County Ordinance 4439 – Short-Term Residential Rental Regulations https://sanbernardino.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=11026216&GUID=FA56CD83-9B2E-4D0C-9117-230256FB8DB1
- Airbnb Help Center – San Bernardino County, CA. https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/2469
- BnB Calc – San Bernardino County Short-Term Rental Regulation Guide. https://www.bnbcalc.com/blog/short-term-rental-regulation/San-Bernardino-County-California-Guide
- Serenity Sentry – San Bernardino County Short Term Rental Regulations Overview. https://www.serenitysentry.com/
- Avalara – San Bernardino County Short-Term Rental Violations. https://www.avalara.com/mylodgetax/en/blog/2021/07/san-bernardino-county-drastically-increases-fines-for-short-term-rental-violations.html
- Hospitable – Airbnb Noise Complaint: 101 for Hosts. https://hospitable.com/airbnb-noise-complaint/
