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.

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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.