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Big Bear City

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Big Bear City, CA

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STR Regulations for Big Bear City, California

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Big Bear Lake?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Big Bear Lake, California. The City of Big Bear Lake (zip code 92315) and San Bernardino County (zip codes including 92314) both permit short-term rental operations, though they operate under different regulatory frameworks with distinct requirements, fees, and enforcement procedures. Properties located within the City of Big Bear Lake jurisdiction must comply with city ordinances, while properties in the surrounding unincorporated county areas fall under San Bernardino County regulations.

The city has adopted a comprehensive vacation rental program (Ordinance No. 2023-518) that allows both hosted and un-hosted short-term rentals, with specific zoning allowances and operational standards. Similarly, the county permits short-term rentals in designated mountain and desert areas with their own permitting system and enforcement mechanisms.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Big Bear City?

Big Bear City hosts earn a median $28,336/year with $300 ADR and 35% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $45,082+ per year.

See the full Big Bear City market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in This Market

For Properties Within City of Big Bear Lake (Zip Code 92315)

  1. Verify Property Location: Ensure your property falls within the 92315 zip code boundary. Properties outside this area must register with San Bernardino County.

  2. Prepare Required Documentation: Gather all necessary documents before beginning the online application process.

  3. Complete Online Registration: Submit your application through the city's Govpilot system with all required attachments.

  4. Schedule Inspection: After application approval, complete the city-mandated inspection process.

  5. Pass Certification: All owners and agents must pass the annual 25-question certification exam with 100% accuracy.

  6. Pay Registration Fee: Remit the $550 registration fee upon application submission.

  7. Display License: Print and post the approved vacation rental license prominently within the property.

For Properties in San Bernardino County (Zip Codes Including 92314)

  1. Determine Eligibility: Confirm your property is located in the county's designated mountain or desert areas where STRs are permitted.

  2. Apply for County Permit: Submit your permit application through the county's online portal at ezop.sbcounty.gov.

  3. Complete Application: Provide all required information about the property, owner, and intended operations.

  4. Meet Requirements: Ensure compliance with all county occupancy, safety, and operational standards.

  5. Pay Fees: Remit the applicable permit fees as specified by the county.

  6. Maintain Permit: Renew your permit according to the county's renewal schedule.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City of Big Bear Lake Requirements

Required Documents:

  • Proof of ownership (recorded deed or final closing statement)
  • Entity documentation for trusts, LLCs, or corporations showing all involved parties
  • Liability insurance declaration pages
  • Owner/Agent Annual Certification exam results (100% score required)

Permits and Licenses:

  • Vacation Rental Program Registration Application
  • Annual vacation rental license (valid for one year)
  • Owner/Agent certification (renewed annually)
  • Proof of liability insurance coverage

Application Process:

  • Submit online application through Govpilot system
  • Pay $550 registration fee
  • Complete 2-4 week inspection process
  • Pass annual certification exam

Fee Structure:

  • Initial registration: $550
  • Annual renewal fees as specified by city ordinance

San Bernardino County Requirements

Required Documentation:

  • Property ownership verification
  • Contact information for 24/7 response capability
  • Compliance documentation for Fire, Building, Zoning, and Health & Safety Codes

Permits and Licenses:

  • County short-term rental permit (two-year validity)
  • Maximum occupancy approval based on property specifications

Permit Fees:

  • Two-year permit fee: $599
  • Additional fees may apply based on property characteristics

Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

City of Big Bear Lake Regulations (92315)

Zoning Compliance:

  • R-L and R-1 Zones: Single family units only; combined single family and detached guest house must rent as single unit
  • R-3 Zone: Single family units permitted; limitations on multiple unit properties
  • Commercial Zones: Single family units allowed in Village Commercial zone

Occupancy Limits:

  • Maximum 2 adult persons per bedroom plus 2 additional adult persons
  • Total maximum occupancy: 16 adult persons per rental property
  • No rentals to unaccompanied minors under 18 years of age

Operational Requirements:

  • 24/7 agent response capability within 30 minutes of city contact
  • In-person check-ins or virtual registration confirmation
  • Good Neighbor Policy acknowledgment by all guests
  • Annual home inspection required
  • Annual certification exam for all owners and agents
  • Off-street parking provision
  • 10 PM to 7 AM quiet hours enforcement
  • Maximum 2 vehicles per property

Safety Requirements:

  • Smoke detectors in all sleeping areas
  • Fire extinguishers on each level
  • Carbon monoxide detectors where applicable
  • Clear evacuation routes and posted emergency information

Tax Obligations:

  • Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): 9% of gross receipts
  • Tourism Business Improvement District assessment: 3%
  • Monthly remittance due by last day of following month

San Bernardino County Regulations

Geographic Coverage:

  • Mountain and desert areas of San Bernardino County
  • Properties in Big Bear City, Fawnskin, Sugarloaf, Baldwin Lake, Erwin Lake

Occupancy Determination:

  • Based on multiple factors including square footage, parking, and parcel size
  • Homes 800 sq ft or less: maximum 6 occupants
  • Homes 1,200 sq ft or less: maximum 8 occupants
  • 70 square feet per person, with additional space requirements for multiple occupants
  • Parking-based calculations: 1 car = 4 guests, 2 cars = 8 guests
  • Parcel size limitations: Maximum 10 guests on parcels under 1/4 acre, 12 guests under 1/2 acre, 15 guests on 1/2 to 1 acre parcels, 20 guests on 1+ acre parcels

Inspection Requirements:

  • Interior inspections conducted every two years
  • Safety compliance verification
  • Parking and occupancy validation

Operational Standards:

  • 24/7 complaint resolution phone number required
  • Compliance with Fire, Building, Zoning, and Health & Safety Codes
  • Maximum occupancy enforcement
  • Noise and nuisance prevention

Enforcement:

  • 24/7 complaint hotline: 1-833-SBC-STR1 (1-833-722-7871)
  • Online complaint filing system available
  • Citation and fine system for violations

California State-Level Requirements

Business Registration:

  • Required for most California jurisdictions
  • Business tax certificate needed
  • Federal EIN and tax identification numbers

Tax Requirements:

  • Transient Occupancy Tax collection and remittance
  • Federal income tax reporting on rental income
  • State income tax obligations
  • Business tax payments

Insurance Requirements:

  • Liability insurance coverage highly recommended
  • Property damage protection
  • Loss of rental income coverage options

Contact Information

City of Big Bear Lake

Physical Address: 39707 Big Bear Blvd. Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 10000

Phone: (909) 866-5831

Business Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Department Directory: Available at city website for specific department contacts

San Bernardino County

Physical Address: San Bernardino County Code Enforcement 268 W. Hospitality Lane, Suite 300 San Bernardino, CA 92415

24/7 Complaint Hotline: 1-833-SBC-STR1 (1-833-722-7871)

Email: shorttermrental@lus.sbcounty.gov

Online Portal: ezop.sbcounty.gov

Complaint Filing: Available online through sbcounty-str-complaints.deckard.com

Links to Source Pages

City of Big Bear Lake

San Bernardino County

State-Level Resources

Additional Resources

  • Big Bear Weather Information: Available through city website
  • Road Conditions: Check city website for current updates
  • Local Emergency Information: Available through city and county portals

Important Notes:

  • All applications must be submitted with complete documentation or risk automatic denial
  • Registration and inspection processes typically take 2-4 weeks to complete
  • Properties cannot be rented during the application and inspection period
  • Annual renewals are mandatory and subject to renewal notification systems
  • Tax remittances are required monthly, even for properties with no rental activity
  • Violations can result in fines ranging from $500 to $1,500 per offense
  • Code enforcement actively monitors compliance through complaint-based and proactive enforcement

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Big Bear City

Market Saturation Score

036912
Moderate Saturation
6/ 12
months with declining YoY revenue
5–7 declining months: moderate saturation risk - market may be nearing capacity.
View Full Big Bear City Market Analysis

Photos of Big Bear City

Overview of Big Bear City

Big Bear City is an unincorporated mountain community in San Bernardino County, California, situated in the San Bernardino Mountains at an elevation of roughly 6,750 feet. With a resident population of approximately 5,000, it sits adjacent to Big Bear Lake and functions as a quieter residential counterpart to the busier Big Bear Lake Village just to the west. The community is best known as a year-round alpine getaway and a gateway to the Big Bear Valley's outdoor recreation, with a crisp mountain atmosphere that draws weekend visitors from across Southern California. Los Angeles lies about 100 miles to the west, a drive of roughly two to two-and-a-half hours via Highway 18 or Highway 38, while San Bernardino sits roughly 50 miles to the southwest.

Just minutes from Big Bear City's residential streets lies Big Bear Lake, the seven-mile-long alpine reservoir that gives the entire valley its name and identity. The lake anchors summer activity with marinas, paddleboard and kayak rentals, fishing for trout and bass, and a paved shoreline path that loops much of the water. In winter, snow dusts the surrounding pines and the lake takes on a quieter, reflective character. Because the lake's eastern bays border Big Bear City directly, most properties are within a short drive of public launch ramps and trout-fishing spots.

A few miles southwest of town, the Big Bear Alpine Zoo offers an experience unusual for a mountain resort: a specialized wildlife facility focused on rehabilitation of injured and orphaned animals native to the Southern California mountains, including bald eagles, black bears, and mountain lions that cannot be returned to the wild. Open year-round, it draws families who want a brief, educational stop between hiking, skiing, or lake activities, and it is one of the few zoos in the country dedicated almost entirely to native alpine species.

When snow falls, Big Bear City becomes a base for two of Southern California's most accessible ski areas. Snow Valley Mountain Resort, located in nearby Running Springs about 20 minutes to the west, and the combined Bear Mountain and Snow Summit resorts, about 10 to 15 minutes west of Big Bear City, offer downhill skiing, snowboarding, and night sessions. The area's relative proximity to the Los Angeles basin makes it one of the few places where Southern Californians can drive up for a day or weekend on the slopes without crossing a state line.

Big Bear City appeals to short-term rental investors because it offers the four-season demand profile of a true mountain destination within easy reach of a major metropolitan population. Visitors come for the lake in summer, the slopes in winter, the alpine zoo and hiking trails in spring and fall, and the quiet, forested atmosphere year-round, giving owners a steady, weather-driven booking calendar and a guest mix that ranges from Southern California weekenders to out-of-state travelers seeking a high-elevation retreat.

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