Overview: STR Status in Joshua Tree

Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Joshua Tree, California, but with important caveats. Joshua Tree is an unincorporated community within San Bernardino County, meaning all STR operations are regulated by San Bernardino County rather than a city government. The county has established a comprehensive permitting system with specific operational standards, caps, and enforcement mechanisms. While STRs remain viable, the market has experienced regulatory changes, including temporary permit pauses and new density restrictions designed to balance tourism with community needs.

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Joshua Tree

Step-by-Step Process

1. Verify Eligibility and Property Requirements

   • Confirm your property is within San Bernardino County's jurisdiction
   • Determine parcel size (affects permit limits: 1 permit for <2 acres, 2 permits for ≥2 acres)
   • Verify property has appropriate building and safety compliance
   • Ensure single-family dwelling status (multi-family units generally not eligible)

2. Prepare for Application Process

   • Gather all required documentation (see permits section below)
   • Plan for the multi-stage approval process including notification periods
   • Budget for application fees and potential modification costs
   • Consider hiring a local property manager familiar with county requirements

3. Submit Application Through EZ Online Permitting

   • Register at the county's EZOP portal
   • Complete application with all required attachments
   • Pay initial application fees upon review completion
   • Await exterior inspection assignment

4. Complete Inspection and Notification Process

   • Pass exterior inspection (or make required corrections within 30 days)
   • Complete surrounding property owner notification periods (20-day comment + 30-day appeal)
   • Address any neighbor concerns or appeals

5. Receive Permit and Begin Operations

   • Download permit and operational conditions
   • Post required notices inside rental unit
   • Implement noise monitoring systems
   • Register for Transient Occupancy Tax collection

Timeline Considerations

• New Applications: 1-2 weeks initial review, plus notification periods totaling 50+ days
• Processing time varies based on application volume and inspection scheduling
• Renewal Applications: Can continue operating during renewal if no outstanding violations

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Permits and Licenses

San Bernardino County STR Permit

• Application fee: $600
• Permit fee: $285
• Notification fee: $259
• Total new application cost: $1,144
• Annual renewal required

Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Registration

• 7% TOT imposed by San Bernardino County
• Registration certificate required
• Airbnb typically collects and remits TOT on behalf of hosts

Building and Safety Permits

• Required for any modifications or improvements
• Fire code compliance verification
• Access to approved plans for inspector review

Required Documentation

Application Materials:

• Grant deed verification of ownership
• Owner Acknowledgement and Safety Requirements form
• Plot plan showing property boundaries and parking areas
• Property manager information (if applicable)
• Transient Occupancy Certification
• Good Neighbor Brochure compliance acknowledgment

Ongoing Compliance Documents:

• Posted STR permit inside unit
• Good Neighbor Brochure (visible location)
• Emergency evacuation map
• Contact information postings (24-hour response number)
• Property boundary and parking area maps

Guidelines and Standards

Operational Standards Guide (2024)

• Comprehensive requirements for safe operation
• Record-keeping obligations
• Guest communication protocols
• Noise monitoring system requirements

Fire and Safety Compliance

• California Fire Code adherence
• National Fire Protection Association standards
• Emergency evacuation procedures
• Smoke detector and safety equipment standards

Specific Regulations: County, City, and State Levels

San Bernardino County Regulations

Permit Limitations:

• Maximum 2 permits per individual, corporation, trust, LLC, or LLP
• Grandfathering provision for existing operators with more than 2 permits
• Parcel-based limits: 1 permit for properties under 2 acres, 2 permits for properties 2+ acres

Occupancy Limits:

• Studio/1-bedroom: 4 occupants maximum
• 2-bedroom: 4-6 occupants
• 3-bedroom: 6-8 occupants
• 4-bedroom: 8-10 occupants
• 5-bedroom: 10-12 occupants
• Maximum occupancy caps at 12 people including children
• Up to 2 minor children under 18 may be added to bedroom-based calculations

Noise and Monitoring Requirements:

• Approved outdoor noise monitoring system required
• $150 credit available for noise monitoring device installation
• Quiet hours: 10 PM to 7 AM
• Immediate response required for noise complaints
• Recording keeping of all complaints and responses

Parking Requirements:

• All guest vehicles must park on STR property
• Parking spaces include garage, carport, driveway areas
• Tandem parking permitted if clearly designated
• No street parking or use of neighboring properties

Commercial Use Prohibitions:

• No weddings, receptions, corporate retreats
• No business meetings, conferences, filming, photo shoots
• No parties or similar commercial activities
• Residential transient use only (≤30 days)

Response Time Requirements:

• 24-hour phone availability mandatory
• Phone response within 30 minutes
• Physical presence at property within 1 hour of complaint
• Immediate corrective action required for valid complaints

Trash Management:

• County-approved trash collection service required (where available)
• Secure trash container systems (locking handles, bungee cords)
• Trash removal after each occupancy or per scheduled pickup
• No accumulation of trash or debris permitted

State-Level Regulations (California)

California does not impose specific short-term rental regulations at the state level. However, hosts must comply with:

• California Fire Code requirements
• California Building Code standards
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility requirements
• Fair Housing laws and anti-discrimination policies
• Health and safety regulations
• Tax reporting obligations

City-Specific Information

Since Joshua Tree is unincorporated, there are no city-specific STR regulations. However, neighboring cities have implemented their own rules:

Yucca Valley (10% housing stock cap, 8-guest maximum) Twentynine Palms (separate permitting system)

Contact Information

Primary Contacts

San Bernardino County Code Enforcement - STR Program

• Phone: (760) 995-8180
• Email: shorttermrental@lus.sbcounty.gov
• Address: 268 W. Hospitality Lane, Suite 300, San Bernardino, CA 92415
• Website: str.sbcounty.gov/

24/7 Complaint Hotline

• Phone: 1-833-SBC-STR1 (1-833-722-7871)

Online Services

• EZ Online Permitting: ezop.sbcounty.gov/citizenaccess/
• STR Complaint Filing: sbcounty-str-complaints.deckard.com/

Support Resources

Transient Occupancy Tax Questions

• Tax Collector: www.mytaxcollector.com/_content/TR/tot14-0203.pdf

Building and Safety Department

• Contact through County Public Works
• Required for building permits and inspections

Source Links

Primary Government Resources

• San Bernardino County STR Program: str.sbcounty.gov/
• Getting Started Guide: str.sbcounty.gov/getting-started/
• STR Ordinance §84.28: codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/sanbernardino/latest/sanberncty_ca/0-0-0-172387
• Noise Ordinance §83.01.080: codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/sanbernardino/latest/sanberncty_ca/0-0-0-169172

Application and Forms

• EZ Online Permitting Portal: ezop.sbcounty.gov/citizenaccess/
• Owner Acknowledgement Form: str.sbcounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/58/2022/11/Owner-Acknowledgement-Final-06_2025-1.pdf
• Renewal Acknowledgement: str.sbcounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/58/2024/07/Renewal-Acknowledgement-07.05.2024.pdf
• Plot Plan Example: str.sbcounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/58/2025/03/PlotPlanExample.pdf

Operational Guidelines

• 2024 Operational Standards Guide: str.sbcounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/58/2024/07/STR-Operational-Standard-Guide-2024.pdf
• Good Neighbor Brochure: str.sbcounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/58/2024/05/GoodNeighborBrochure-updated.pdf
• Notification Requirements: str.sbcounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/58/2022/11/NotificationRequirement2026.pdf

Tax and Financial

• Transient Occupancy Tax Information: sanbernardino-ca.county-taxes.com/tourist
• TOT Registration Certificate: www.mytaxcollector.com/_content/TR/TOTApplication.pdf

Permitted Properties and Enforcement

• Permitted STR Map: str.sbcounty.gov/permitted-str-properties/
• Enforcement Process: str.sbcounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/58/2023/09/STREnforcementProcess.pdf
• Appeal Forms: lus.sbcounty.gov/code-enforcement-home/forms/

Additional Resources

• Noise Monitoring Program: str.sbcounty.gov/outdoor-noise-monitoring-system/
• Application Tutorial Videos: Available on county website
• Mountain Region Statistics: str.sbcounty.gov/mountain-region-statistics/
• Desert Region Statistics: str.sbcounty.gov/desert-region-statistics/

This comprehensive guide provides investors with the essential information needed to navigate the Joshua Tree short-term rental market successfully while maintaining compliance with all applicable regulations.