Big Bear Lake, California Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Overview

Short-term rentals (STRs) are explicitly allowed in Big Bear Lake, California, but are tightly regulated. All STR operations within the City of Big Bear Lake jurisdiction (zip code 92315) must obtain a city-issued Vacation Rental License before advertising or renting, and are subject to ongoing tax, inspection, and compliance requirements.

Properties located outside of 92315 fall under San Bernardino County STR rules, which differ materially from city requirements. The remainder of this guide addresses City of Big Bear Lake rules unless otherwise noted.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Big Bear Lake?

Big Bear Lake hosts earn a median $32,242/year with $339 ADR and 35% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $53,113+ per year.

See the full Big Bear Lake market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental in Big Bear Lake (City Jurisdiction)

The City’s Vacation Rental Program governs STR operations within zip code 92315. Follow these steps:

Verify Jurisdiction and Zoning
- Confirm your property is within Big Bear Lake city limits (zip 92315). If outside, you must comply with San Bernardino County rules.
- STRs are only allowed in designated zoning districts. Confirm eligibility with the Planning Department.
Assemble Required Documentation
- Proof of ownership (recorded deed or final closing statement). If owned via entity (LLC, trust), include operating/trust documents listing all people involved.
- Current liability insurance declaration pages for the vacation rental.
- A floor plan indicating guest sleeping areas.
- 24/7 local contact information.
- Owner and/or Agent certification (see below).
- Note: Do not submit payment or application if the property is not ready for inspection.
Submit Online Registration and Pay Fee
- Complete the Vacation Rental Program Registration Application and attach all required documents in PDF format.
- Pay the $550 registration fee at the end of the application.
- Licenses expire one year from the initial registration payment date.
Complete Inspection
- After application approval, complete the inspection process. You will be emailed instructions.
- You may not rent while awaiting inspection results.
- Inspections typically take 2–4 weeks to complete.
Post License and Maintain Compliance
- Once approved, print and post the license in the vacation rental.
- Keep the license current and valid whenever the property is advertised or rented.
- Comply with ongoing obligations (owner/agent certification, taxes, renewals).

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Vacation Rental License (initial fee $550; annual renewal required)
- Application: Online via City portal
- Required attachments:
  - Proof of ownership (or entity documentation)
  - Liability insurance declaration pages
  - Floor plan of guest sleeping areas
  - Owner and/or Agent Certification (100% pass on 25-question exam based on the Vacation Rental Ordinance)
Owner & Agent Annual Certification
- 25-question exam; 100% score required
- Certificate must be included with applications
- Applies to owners (unless using a full-service management company and never renting themselves) and all agents (check-in, 24/7 response, management staff)
Inspection Process
- Mandatory inspection post-approval; rental prohibited until inspection is complete
- Use the City’s Vacation Rental Checklist to prepare
Friends & Family Form (if applicable)
- Required if friends/family use the property for free (no rent)

City of Big Bear Lake STR Regulations (92315)

Permit Requirement: STRs must have a valid Vacation Rental License at all times while advertised or rented.
Jurisdiction: Only properties in zip code 92315 fall under City rules; outside this zip, San Bernardino County rules apply.
License Term and Renewal
- License expires one year from initial registration payment date.
- Renewal required annually; a 60-day warning system is used to help avoid penalty fees. First renewal notification email is sent 60 days before expiration.
- Owners/management are responsible for initiating renewals; do not use the initial application link for renewals.
Maximum Occupancy and Parking
- Occupancy is based on square footage (one person per 200 square feet), with a maximum of 16 guests.
- The City rounds up to the nearest hundred square feet (e.g., 1,101 sq ft typically approved for 6 guests; 1,099 sq ft typically approved for 5).
- Parking must accommodate guests consistent with City standards (confirm current requirements).
Inspections
- Annual inspections are required for City-licensed STRs.
Taxes: Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID)
- Collect and remit 13% of gross receipts monthly.
- File a report every month, even with zero bookings, by the last day of the month following the reporting period.
Ownership and Management
- If transferring management only (no change in ownership), email the Vacation Rental Program Coordinator for instructions.
Advertising and Listing Requirements
- Add your registration details to your listing(s) on platforms (e.g., Airbnb).
Enforcement
- Active enforcement includes penalties for non-compliance, including operating without a current license, failing inspections, or violating occupancy/parking/tax rules.

San Bernardino County STR Regulations (Applicable Outside 92315)

Properties in surrounding areas (e.g., 92314, Big Bear City, Fawnskin, Sugarloaf, Erwin Lake) fall under San Bernardino County STR rules.

Permit Requirement: Short-Term Rental Permit required; permit is valid for two years.
Fees: $599 for a two-year permit.
Inspections: Conducted every two years.
Maximum Occupancy Calculation:
- Square footage method:
  - 800 sq ft or less: max 6 guests
  - 1,200 sq ft or less: max 8 guests
  - 70 sq ft per person; 50 additional sq ft for each additional person in a sleeping room
  - Room area standards:
    - 70 sq ft = 1 person
    - 120 sq ft = 2 people
    - 170 sq ft = 3 people
    - 220 sq ft = 4 people (and so on)
- Parking method:
  - 1 car = 4 guests
  - 2 cars = 8 guests
  - 3 cars = 12 guests
- Parcel/lot size method:
  - Less than 1/4 acre: max 10 guests
  - Less than 1/2 acre: max 12 guests
  - 1/2 acre to 1 acre: max 15 guests
  - 1 acre or more: max 20 guests
Enforcement: County enforcement is strict; violation can lead to fines and permit revocation.

Note: State-level regulations for California generally govern aspects such as state sales/use tax and business registration where applicable. For City-licensed STRs in Big Bear Lake, focus on local rules above.

Contact Information

City of Big Bear Lake – Vacation Rental Program
- Address: 39707 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 (P.O. Box 10000)
- Phone: (909) 866-5831
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Department Directory: City departments, contacts, and services
- Vacation Rental Program (TPHR): Program details, application, and resources
- Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT/TBID): Collection and reporting information
Online Permitting Portal: Access registration, renewals, and certification links (where applicable)
Planning Department (zoning verification)
- Phone: (909) 866-5831
- Email: planning@citybigbearlake.com
Finance Department (TOT/TBID questions)
- Phone: (909) 866-5831
- Email: finance@citybigbearlake.com
Vacation Rental Program Coordinator (transfers and renewals)
- Email the Coordinator using the City’s Vacation Rental Program page

Links to Source Pages

City of Big Bear Lake – Vacation Rental Program (TPHR)
- Program details, applications, checklist, ordinance, and contact
City of Big Bear Lake – TOT/TBID Collection
- Tax information, forms, and remittance instructions
City Municipal Code (Municode)
- Official municipal code and ordinances
Online Permitting Portal (GovPilot)
- Initial registration application and owner/agent certification exam
Vacation Rental Checklist (PDF)
- Inspection preparation checklist
Friends & Family Form (PDF)
- Required for no-rent usage by friends/family
Approved Vacation Rental List
- Current list of licensed STRs
Destination Big Bear – STR Market Insights
- City vs County ordinance overview, occupancy rules, and revenue expectations
Airbnb Help – Big Bear Lake, CA
- Platform guidance aligned with local requirements
GetChalet – Rental Regulation Guide
- Secondary overview of regulations and contacts

Practical Notes for Investors

City vs County matters: Your zip code determines which rules you follow; mixing them up can lead to non-compliance.
Prepare thoroughly for inspection: Use the City checklist and ensure occupancy documentation is precise.
Tax discipline: Monthly TOT/TBID remittances are mandatory; set robust accounting processes to avoid penalties.
Certification is ongoing: Owners and agents must maintain annual certification, especially when staffing or management changes occur.

This guide is based solely on the provided content. Verify details with the City or County before operation, as rules may change.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake is a small alpine resort city tucked into the San Bernardino Mountains of San Bernardino County, California, with a full-time population of roughly 5,000 residents that swells many times over during peak weekends and holiday periods. Surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest and centered on a roughly seven-mile-long reservoir of the same name, the city has long been a getaway for Southern Californians seeking fresh pine air, winter snow, and summer boating. It is best known as a four-season mountain destination — equally popular for skiing and snowboarding in the colder months as for hiking, fishing, and paddling once the snow melts. The nearest major city is Los Angeles, lying approximately 100 miles to the west, a drive that typically runs two to two-and-a-half hours via Interstate 10 and State Route 330 or 18.

At the heart of the area is Big Bear Lake itself, a man-made reservoir created in the late nineteenth century and today the focal point of nearly every summer activity in town. Marinas along its shoreline rent kayaks, paddleboards, pontoon boats, and fishing craft, and anglers come for rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and catfish. The lake sits within minutes of the city's downtown Village, where visitors can walk among specialty shops, cafes, and restaurants.

In winter, the slopes above town take over. Snow Summit and Bear Mountain sit just minutes from the Village and together form the largest skiable terrain in Southern California, drawing snowboarders, families, and ski-school groups from across the region. During summer months, Snow Summit converts into a downhill mountain-bike park, adding a second season of activity to the same slopes.

Just south of the Village, the Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a small but well-regarded wildlife park specializing in rescued and non-releasable animals native to the Southern California mountains, including bald eagles, gray wolves, and grizzly bear Ambassador animals. Nearby, the Big Bear Discovery Center — operated by the San Bernardino National Forest — offers interpretive exhibits, trail maps, and ranger-led programs for visitors exploring the surrounding forest. Hikers frequently head a short distance east to the Castle Rock Trail for panoramic views over the lake, or to the quieter Boulder Bay Park on the lake's north shore for an easy stroll among the boulders.

Big Bear Lake makes a compelling base for short-term rentals because it offers two distinct demand seasons in a single location. Winter brings consistent snowfall and easy access to two well-known resorts, while summer delivers lake recreation, hiking, and the steady flow of families escaping the inland heat. Its proximity to the Los Angeles and San Diego metro areas — close enough for a long weekend but far enough to feel like a genuine mountain escape — gives the market a wide and reliable guest pool, supporting year-round occupancy for owners who tailor their properties to either the snowy or sun-warmed character of the season.