Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Bishop, CA?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Bishop, California, but under strict regulations at both the city and county levels. Short-term rentals are defined as the rental of residential property for 30 days or less. Both the City of Bishop and Inyo County have comprehensive ordinances regulating these operations, with the county limiting STRs to hosted rentals only as of February 2020.

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

City of Bishop Process (Within City Limits)

1. Obtain Required Permits and Licenses

   • File short-term rental application with City Hall
   • Pay $150 application processing fee
   • Obtain City of Bishop business license
   • Register for Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and Bishop Tourism Improvement District (BTID) fees

2. Submit Application Package

   • Complete short-term rental application form
   • Provide property description and hosting platform details
   • Include site plan showing adequate onsite parking
   • Submit proof of primary residency
   • If in common interest development, include HOA letter

3. Community Notification Process

   • City reviews application for completeness
   • Neighbors within 300 feet are notified and given 30 days to comment
   • City reserves right to impose operational conditions

4. Annual Renewal

   • Permits valid for one year from issuance
   • Must renew annually
   • City can revoke permits for violations

Inyo County Process (Unincorporated Areas)

1. Verify Zoning Eligibility

   • Confirm property is zoned Open Space (OS), Rural Residential (RR), R-1, or R-2
   • Contact Planning Department to check permit availability in your area

2. Submit County Application

   • Apply to Inyo County Planning Department
   • Register with Treasurer Tax Collector for TOT collection
   • Ensure rental is hosted (owner or representative available)

3. Permit Limitations and Process

   • County has permit caps by area (ranging from 2 to 29 permits)
   • All rentals must be hosted
   • Permits limited to 3-year terms with reapplication required

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City of Bishop Requirements

Permits and Licenses:

• Short-term rental permit ($150 fee)
• City of Bishop business license
• TOT registration and monthly remittance
• BTID fee registration and monthly remittance

Required Documentation:

• Completed short-term rental application form
• Property description and intended operations
• Site plan with parking identification
• Proof of primary residency (driver's license, utility bills, mortgage, voter registration, property tax statement)
• HOA letter (if in common interest development)
• Emergency contact information
• Property owner consent

Operational Compliance:

• Maximum 2 lodgers per bedroom (excluding minor children with adult)
• Compliance with health, safety, fire, and building codes
• ADA requirements for properties renting more than 5 rooms
• Onsite parking for all lodgers (street parking doesn't count)
• Bedroom and bathroom facilities within residence only

Inyo County Requirements

Permits and Registration:

• Inyo County Planning Department permit
• TOT registration with Treasurer Tax Collector
• Insurance coverage for short-term rental activities

Documentation:

• Completed county planning application form
• Proof of hosted status
• Compliance with area-specific permit limitations
• Safety and building code compliance verification

Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

City of Bishop Regulations

Operational Limits:

• Must be hosted short-term rentals
• Maximum 2 guests per room
• One vehicle per room required, must be parked onsite
• Quiet hours: 9:00 PM to 7:00 AM
• Outdoor amplified sound prohibited

Safety and Compliance:

• Must maintain building and safety code compliance
• Working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors required
• No outdoor fires except gas fire stoves/barbecues with on/off switch
• Host responsible for preventing nuisance conditions

Financial Requirements:

• Monthly TOT and BTID fee remittance
• Annual permit renewal required
• City can impose special conditions to prevent nuisance

Enforcement:

• Permits can be revoked for ordinance violations, TOT non-payment, or public nuisance
• Appeal process available to City Council
• Annual review and potential permit revocation for non-use

Inyo County Regulations

Zoning and Area Limitations:

• Permitted in OS, RR, R-1, R-2 zones only
• 12 designated areas with varying permit caps
• R-2 zones: only permitted in primary residence units
• Owners limited to permits on one parcel only

Operational Requirements:

• Must be hosted (owner or representative available)
• Maximum 2 hosted rentals per parcel (R-2 zones: 1 per parcel)
• Maximum 2 guests per room
• Off-street parking required (1 vehicle per room)
• Quiet hours 9:00 PM to 7:00 AM
• Outdoor amplified sound prohibited

Permit Terms and Renewal:

• 3-year permit terms with reapplication required
• Annual review process
• Unused permits subject to revocation
• Non-compliance penalties and permit revocation

Area-Specific Caps:

• Area permits range from 2 (Starlite) to 29 (South/Southeast County)
• Contact Planning Department to verify current availability

California State Regulations

Tax Requirements:

• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) collection and remittance
• Business registration requirements
• Compliance with state health and safety codes

Contact Information for Local Authorities

City of Bishop

Planning Department:

• Phone: (760) 873-5863
• Address: 377 West Line Street, Bishop, CA 93514
• Email: publicworks@cityofbishop.com
• Website: www.cityofbishop.com

Business License and Finance:

• Phone: (760) 873-8458
• Address: 377 West Line Street, Bishop, CA 93514
• Email: publicworks@cityofbishop.com

Inyo County

Planning Department:

• Phone: (760) 878-0263
• Email: inyoplanning@inyocounty.us
• Address: 168 N. Edwards St, Independence, CA 93526
• Website: www.inyocounty.us

Treasurer-Tax Collector (TOT):

• Phone: (760) 878-0312
• Website: www.inyocounty.us (Treasurer-Tax Collector section)

Links to Source Pages

1. Inyo County Short-Term Rental Regulation: www.inyocounty.us/services/planning-department/long-range-projects-plans-and-studies/short-term-rental-regulation

2. City of Bishop Short-Term Rental Information: cms9files1.revize.com/bishopca/Document%20Center/How%20Do%20I/Apply%20For%20Obtain/ShortTermRentalPermitApp-1.pdf

3. City of Bishop Planning Department STR Page: cityofbishop.ca.gov/departments/planning/short_term_rentals.php

4. Inyo County STR Ordinance Updates: www.bishoprealestate.com/short-term-rental-permit-requirement-updates-for-inyo-county/

5. Inyo County Planning Application Form: www.inyocounty.us/sites/default/files/2019-06/2018PlanningDepartmentPermitApplicationPacket-FillableForm_0.pdf

6. Transient Occupancy Tax Registration Form: www.inyocounty.us/sites/default/files/2021-07/Transient_Occupancy_Operator_Registration_Form-FillableForm.pdf

7. Inyo County Municipal Code: ecode360.com/IN4943

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of short-term rental regulations in Bishop, California. Investors should carefully review all requirements and contact the appropriate authorities before beginning operations. Both city and county regulations are actively enforced, and non-compliance can result in permit revocation and financial penalties.