Short-Term Rental Investment Guide: Highland, California

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

Short-term rentals are allowed in Highland, CA, as no specific restrictions were found in the Highland Municipal Code Chapter 16.40 General Development Standards. The city does not appear to have specific short-term rental regulations in place, which means that state-level California laws and general zoning requirements apply. Investors should note that while short-term rentals are permitted under current regulations, this could change as cities often update their ordinances.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Highland Terrace?

Highland Terrace hosts earn a median $49,767/year with $231 ADR and 75% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $65,545+ per year.

See the full Highland Terrace market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Highland, CA

Step 1: Property Evaluation and Zoning Compliance

Verify that your property is located in a zone that allows residential use
Confirm that short-term rentals (typically defined as rentals less than 30 days) are permitted under current zoning
Review Highland Municipal Code Chapter 16.40 General Development Standards for any relevant development standards
Ensure compliance with building codes, fire safety regulations, and habitability standards

Step 2: Business Registration and Permits

Register your business with the City of Highland
Obtain any necessary business licenses
Secure appropriate insurance coverage
Comply with tax registration requirements including Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)

Step 3: Property Preparation

Ensure all safety features are in place (smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers)
Meet accessibility requirements if applicable
Comply with lighting, parking, and other development standards outlined in Chapter 16.40
Consider noise mitigation measures

Step 4: Operational Setup

Establish booking platforms compliance
Create emergency contact procedures
Develop guest screening and house rules
Implement cleaning and maintenance protocols

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Documents

Business License: Required for operating any business within Highland
Transient Occupancy Tax Registration: Required for accommodations rented for less than 30 days
Property Insurance: Liability coverage specifically for short-term rentals
Safety Certifications: As required by California state law for lodging establishments

Permits and Licenses

Building Permits: May be required for any structural modifications
Fire Safety Clearance: Required for guest accommodation properties
Health Department Permits: If applicable to your specific operation

Compliance Guidelines

California Health and Safety Code: Governs lodging establishment requirements
California Civil Code Section 1950.5: Security deposit handling
Highland Municipal Code Chapter 16.40: General development standards that may apply
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Accessibility compliance if applicable

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Highland Regulations

No specific short-term rental regulations were identified in the Highland Municipal Code Chapter 16.40 General Development Standards. However, the following general regulations may apply:

Accessory Structures (16.40.030)

Any accessory structures must meet development standards for the primary structure
Detached accessory structures may be subject to size and height limitations

Parking Requirements (16.40.210)

Must comply with Chapter 16.52 parking standards
Off-street parking must be provided for guests

Fences and Walls (16.40.100)

Fence height restrictions apply (4 feet in front yards, up to 6 feet in side and rear yards)
Safety considerations for guest properties

Lighting (16.40.160)

Exterior lighting requirements for safety and security
Restrictions on lighting that may affect neighboring properties

San Bernardino County Regulations

County health department may have additional requirements for lodging facilities
Fire safety regulations may apply depending on property type and location

California State Regulations

Assembly Bill 3182 (2020)

Requires cities to allow short-term rentals unless specific restrictions are adopted
Establishes baseline requirements for short-term rental operations
Requires registration with local jurisdictions

Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)

California Revenue and Taxation Code requires collection of TOT for accommodations under 30 days
Rates vary by jurisdiction but typically range from 8-14%
Must be collected and remitted to the local jurisdiction

Safety Requirements

California Health and Safety Code Section 17920.3: Habitability standards
Fire safety requirements per California Building Code
Accessibility compliance if applicable

Guest Rights and Protections

Security deposit handling per California Civil Code Section 1950.5
Guest privacy rights
Anti-discrimination requirements

Contact Information for Local Authority

City of Highland

Community Development Department

Phone: (909) 864-8731
Email: commdev@highlandcity.org
Website: www.highlandcity.org
Address: 27215 Base Line, Highland, CA 92346

Planning Division

Phone: (909) 864-8731 ext. 200
Services: Zoning compliance, permits, development standards

Building and Safety Division

Phone: (909) 864-8731 ext. 100
Services: Building permits, safety inspections, code compliance

County Authority

San Bernardino County

Code Enforcement: (760) 995-8140
Environmental Health: (800) 782-4264
Fire Department: (909) 387-8400

State Authority

California Department of Consumer Affairs

Website: www.dca.ca.gov
Phone: (916) 445-1254

Important Considerations for STR Investors

Regulatory Risks

Dynamic Landscape: Cities frequently update STR regulations
Zoning Changes: Future zoning modifications could affect STR operations
Tax Changes: Transient Occupancy Tax rates and collection requirements may change

Operational Considerations

Neighborhood Relations: Maintain good relationships with neighbors
Property Management: Consider professional management for consistent operations
Market Analysis: Evaluate local demand and competition
Financial Planning: Account for tax obligations and regulatory compliance costs

Due Diligence Checklist

✅ Verify zoning compliance
✅ Confirm no HOA restrictions prohibiting STRs
✅ Assess insurance needs and coverage
✅ Review local tax requirements
✅ Understand guest screening requirements
✅ Establish safety protocols
✅ Plan for maintenance and cleaning operations

Links to Source Pages

Primary Source Document:

Highland Municipal Code Chapter 16.40: General Development Standards
Link: www.codepublishing.com/CA/Highland/html/Highland16/Highland1640.html

California State Resources:

California Department of Consumer Affairs: www.dca.ca.gov
California Legislative Information: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov

Local Resources:

City of Highland Official Website: www.highlandcity.org

Disclaimer: This guide is based on available information from Highland Municipal Code Chapter 16.40. Regulations may have changed since the last update. Always consult with local authorities and qualified legal counsel before starting a short-term rental operation. Investors should verify current regulations and requirements directly with the City of Highland before making investment decisions.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Highland Terrace

Highland is a suburban city in San Bernardino County, California, tucked into the southwestern foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains and forming part of the broader Inland Empire metropolitan area. With a population of approximately 55,000 residents, the city has a quiet, residential character defined by wide suburban streets, modest ranch-style homes, and views of pine-clad mountains rising to the north. Highland functions primarily as a bedroom community for the surrounding region and as a convenient gateway for travelers heading up into the San Bernardino National Forest and its mountain resort towns. It sits roughly 60 miles east of downtown Los Angeles and just a few miles north of San Bernardino, the county seat, putting it within easy reach of both the urban amenities of the Inland Empire and the high-country recreation of Southern California.

Just up the mountain from Highland, the San Bernardino National Forest spreads across more than 800,000 acres of pine forest, canyons, and alpine terrain. Visitors can reach the forest's lower trailheads in about 20 to 30 minutes, and the area offers hiking, mountain biking, and winter snow play at spots like Snow Valley Mountain Resort. The forest also shelters two of Southern California's most popular mountain lakes, making it the principal reason many travelers base themselves in Highland.

Lake Arrowhead is one of those destinations, sitting at roughly 5,100 feet in elevation about 30 miles northeast of Highland. The lake and the surrounding village attract visitors year-round for boating, fishing, and a small-town alpine atmosphere, and it typically takes around 50 minutes to reach by car via Highway 330.

Big Bear Lake lies further east in the same mountain range, about 55 miles from Highland and roughly an hour and a half away by car. The four-season resort area is known for its seven-mile lake, winter skiing and snowboarding at Bear Mountain and Snow Summit, and a walkable village filled with restaurants, shops, and the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, a rehabilitation facility for injured local wildlife.

Down the hill, the city of San Bernardino sits only about five miles south and offers cultural stops like the historic California Theatre of the Performing Arts and the Original McDonald's Site and Museum, a small museum at the location of the first franchised McDonald's restaurant. San Bernardino's Route 66 heritage also gives the area a layer of mid-century nostalgia worth exploring on a day trip.

Highland makes a compelling base for short-term rental investors because it sits at the intersection of two very different Southern California experiences: the affordability and accessibility of the Inland Empire, and the doorstep access to the San Bernardino Mountains' lakes, forests, and ski resorts. Guests who stay here can spend the morning hiking in the national forest, the afternoon on the water at Lake Arrowhead or Big Bear, and the evening back down in the lowlands enjoying dinner in San Bernardino or Redlands, all without having to commit to a single destination.

Highland Terrace, California

Generally Investor Friendly

STR Regulations for Highland Terrace, California