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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Crestline, California. Crestline is located in the mountain region of San Bernardino County, and the county permits short-term rentals for dwellings rented for 30 days or less, subject to specific regulations and requirements. The San Bernardino County STR program explicitly states that "Short-Term private home rental permits are required for private homes, located in the mountain and desert area, that are rented for periods of thirty days or less."

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Crestline

Starting an STR business in Crestline involves several systematic steps to ensure full compliance with San Bernardino County regulations:

Step 1: Initial Assessment and Preparation

• Verify Zoning Compliance: Confirm your property is located in an eligible area (Crestline falls within the mountain region)
• Property Eligibility: Ensure your property meets safety and building standards
• Financial Planning: Budget for initial permit fees ($667), annual renewal costs ($600), and potential compliance modifications

Step 2: Permit Application Process

1. Online Application: Apply through the County's portal at https://ezop.sbcounty.gov/citizenaccess/
2. Submit Required Fees: Pay the $667 initial application fee
3. Schedule Inspection: A Code Enforcement Officer will conduct an exterior inspection
4. Complete Interior Certification: Submit the Interior Checklist & Owner Acknowledgement form

Step 3: Post-Permit Setup

• Add Permit Number: Include your permit number in all listing platforms
• Tax Registration: Apply for Transient Occupancy Tax Registration Certificate
• Setup Complaint System: Establish 24-hour complaint resolution process
• Create Guest Information: Develop placards/signs with county standards and complaint numbers

Step 4: Ongoing Compliance

• Annual Renewal: Renew permit every year with $600 fee and re-inspection
• Tax Remittance: Collect and remit 7% TOT quarterly
• Maintain Standards: Ongoing compliance with all regulations

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Permits and Licenses

1. Short-Term Rental Permit

• Initial Fee: $667
• Annual Renewal Fee: $600
• Process: Online application with exterior inspection
• Validity: One year, requires annual renewal

2. Transient Occupancy Tax Registration Certificate

• Tax Rate: 7% on all bookings under 30 days
• Application: Through San Bernardino County Tax Collector
• Reporting: Quarterly submissions required
• Collection: Must be collected from guests and remitted to county

3. Interior Checklist & Owner Acknowledgement

• Purpose: Self-certification of interior safety standards
• Content: Compliance with fire, safety, and building codes
• Form: Available from San Bernardino County Code Enforcement

Required Documentation for Guests

• Placards/Signs: Written county standards for rentals
• 24/7 Complaint Line: County's complaint number (1-833-SBC-STR1)
• Emergency Contact: Owner/manager 24-hour contact information
• House Rules: Local regulations and quiet hours

Compliance Standards

• Fire Safety: Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers
• Building Codes: Structural integrity and habitability standards
• Health & Safety: Sanitary conditions, hazard-free environment
• Zoning Compliance: Adherence to residential use regulations

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

County-Level Regulations (San Bernardino County)

Occupancy and Use Limits

• Maximum Stay: 30 days or less for STR classification
• Maximum Occupancy: 20 persons per unit (specific standards vary by property size)
• Property Types: Both primary residences and accessory dwelling units on properties two acres or larger (when owner-occupied)

Operational Requirements

• 24/7 Complaint Resolution: Owner/manager must provide immediate response capability
• Trash Service: Mandatory service for each rental unit, regardless of vacancy
• Parking Restrictions: Guest vehicles must park on-property to avoid obstructing mountain roads

Safety and Environmental Standards

• Fire Regulations: Prohibition of outdoor fires in mountain regions
• Hot Tub/Spa Safety: Must be covered and locked when not in use
• Hazard-Free Environment: Interior and exterior must be maintained free of hazardous materials
• Noise Monitoring: County operates outdoor noise monitoring program

Enforcement and Penalties

• Unlicensed Operation: $1,000 per day fine
• Code Violations: Subject to citation and potential permit revocation
• Complaint Response: Failure to address complaints can result in enforcement action

State-Level Regulations (California)

Tax Requirements

• Transient Occupancy Tax: 7% rate in San Bernardino County
• State Taxes: Applicable state and local taxes may apply
• Registration: Must register with county tax collector

Business Operations

• Fair Housing: Compliance with state and federal fair housing laws
• Accessibility: Must meet ADA requirements where applicable
• Consumer Protection: Adherence to California consumer protection laws

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contact: San Bernardino County Code Enforcement

Short-Term Rental Program Contact

• Email: shorttermrental@lus.sbcounty.gov
• 24/7 Complaint Hotline: 1-833-SBC-STR1 (1-833-722-7871)
• Physical Address:
  • San Bernardino County Code Enforcement
  • 268 W. Hospitality Lane, Suite 300
  • San Bernardino, CA 92415
• Website: https://str.sbcounty.gov/

Additional Resources

• Permit Application Portal: https://ezop.sbcounty.gov/citizenaccess/
• Online Complaint Filing: https://sbcounty-str-complaints.deckard.com/
• Tax Collector: http://www.mytaxcollector.com/cuContactUs.aspx

Department-Specific Contacts

• Code Enforcement: For permit and compliance questions
• Land Use Services: http://cms.sbcounty.gov/lus/CodeEnforcement/ShortTermRentals.aspx
• Tax Collector: For TOT registration and remittance

Links to Source Pages

Official County Resources

• San Bernardino County STR Homepage - Main program information
• Getting Started Guide - Detailed application process
• Permitted STR Properties Map - Interactive property verification
• Contact Information - Complete contact directory
• Noise Monitoring Program - Noise compliance requirements

Regulatory Documents

• County STR Ordinance - Complete regulatory text
• Interior Checklist & Owner Acknowledgement - Required form
• STR Enforcement Process - Compliance procedures

Tax and Financial Resources

• TOT Registration Certificate Application - Tax registration form
• Transient Occupancy Tax Information - Tax requirements and rates
• Tax Collector Contact - Tax-related inquiries

Platform-Specific Guidance

• Airbnb Help Article - San Bernardino County - Platform-specific compliance guidance
• Permitted STR Map - Property verification tool
• 24/7 Complaint Hotline Information - New hotline number announcement

Additional Resources

• County Maps and Boundaries - Unincorporated area verification
• Email Updates Subscription - Program updates

Important Note for STR Investors: This guide reflects current regulations as of the provided sources. San Bernardino County actively updates its STR ordinance, so investors should regularly verify current requirements with the official county sources before making investment decisions. The county has demonstrated willingness to implement emergency ordinances, particularly regarding noise and community impacts.