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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Landers, California. Landers is located within San Bernardino County, which permits short-term rentals in the mountain and desert areas of the county. STRs are defined as private homes rented for thirty days or less. The county has established a comprehensive regulatory framework specifically for STRs in these regions, including Landers.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Landers

Step-by-Step Process

1. Verify Property Eligibility

   • Confirm your property is located in the desert area of San Bernardino County (Landers qualifies)
   • Ensure the property is a single-family dwelling
   • Verify you have clear ownership documentation

2. Register for Online Application

   • Create an account on the EZ Online Permitting (EZOP) system: ezop.sbcounty.gov/citizenaccess/
   • Complete the registration and login process

3. Submit Application

   • Complete and submit your STR permit application through EZOP
   • Upload required documentation (see permits section below)
   • Pay initial application fees

4. Application Review (Average: 1 week)

   • County staff reviews for completeness and applicability
   • If complete, appropriate fees are assigned and emailed to applicant
   • Applicant pays fees online or by phone

5. Property Inspection

   • Exterior inspection is scheduled and completed
   • If inspection passes → assigned to Permitting Staff
   • If inspection fails → applicant notified of required corrections (30-day window for minor corrections)

6. Notification Periods (New Applications Only)

   • 20-day comment period for surrounding property owners
   • 30-day appeal period after permit issuance notice
   • STR permit issued first business day following appeal period

7. Permit Issuance

   • Receive email notification with permit, Conditions of Operation, and Good Neighbor Brochure
   • Download and print permit documents
   • Must post permit and Good Neighbor brochure visibly within the STR unit at all times

Processing Timeline

• New Applications: 6-8 weeks (including mandatory notification periods)
• Renewal Applications: Can continue operating during renewal if no outstanding violations exist

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Permits and Licenses

Short-Term Rental Permit (Mandatory)

• New Application: $1,144 total
  • Application Fee: $600
  • Permit Fee: $285
  • Surrounding Property Owner Notification Fee: $259
• Renewal Applications vary by change type: $550-$1,144

Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Registration

• Required for all STR operations
• Submit TOT certification form
• Ongoing tax obligations on all bookings

Required Documentation

For New Applications:

1. Owner Acknowledgement and Safety Requirements (PDF form)
2. Plot Plan showing property layout
3. Proof of Ownership (recorded grant deed)
4. Transient Occupancy Certification (TOT)
5. 24-hour Contact Information for complaint resolution
6. Good Neighbor Brochure (to be posted in unit)

For Renewals:

1. Renewal Acknowledgement Form (if no changes)
2. Updated documentation reflecting any changes

Operational Guidelines

Owner/Manager Responsibilities:

• Provide 24-hour phone number for complaint resolution
• Limit occupants per county standards
• Comply with Fire, Building, Zoning, and Health and Safety Codes
• Maintain compliance records for county inspection
• Prevent nuisance behavior and maintain neighborhood peace

Guest Requirements:

• Maximum occupancy limits (posted in unit)
• Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
• Prohibited commercial uses (filming, corporate retreats, conferences, wedding receptions)
• Proper waste disposal and trash management

Property Standards:

• All exterior trash receptacle lids must be secured
• Trash must be removed after each occupancy or at regular pickup
• No accumulation of trash or debris permitted

Specific Regulations: County and State Level

San Bernardino County STR Ordinance (SBCC § 84.28)

Eligibility Requirements:

• Private homes in mountain and desert areas only
• Single-family dwellings preferred
• Must meet all building, zoning, and safety codes

Operational Standards:

• Maximum Stay: 30 days or less
• Occupancy Limits: Set per property inspection, typically 2 guests per bedroom
• Quiet Hours: 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
• 24-Hour Contact: Mandatory local contact person who can respond within 1 hour

Prohibited Activities:

• Commercial filming or events
• Corporate retreats or conferences
• Wedding receptions
• Any use generating nuisance complaints

Enforcement and Penalties:

• Violations can result in fines up to $1,000
• County enforcement process includes warnings, citations, and potential permit revocation
• 24/7 complaint hotline for immediate reporting

Noise Monitoring Program

San Bernardino County has implemented an outdoor noise monitoring system to enforce quiet hours and noise standards. Properties may be subject to noise monitoring equipment installation.

State-Level Requirements (California)

Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT):

• State-mandated tax on short-term rentals
• Collected by San Bernardino County
• Must be remitted monthly or quarterly per county schedule

Business Registration:

• May require additional business licensing at county level
• Tax identification numbers for TOT remittance

Contact Information

Primary STR Authority

San Bernardino County Code Enforcement

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

Application Support

EZ Online Permitting (EZOP)

• Website: ezop.sbcounty.gov/citizenaccess/
• Application tutorials and how-to videos available

Local Jurisdiction Contacts (if applicable)

Town of Yucca Valley (nearby municipality, for reference)

• Address: 57090 Twentynine Palms Highway, Yucca Valley, CA 92284
• Phone: (760) 369-7207
• Code Compliance: (760) 369-6575 x301
• Planning Department: (760) 369-6575 x328

Source Links

Primary Regulatory Sources:

• San Bernardino County STR Homepage
• Getting Started with STR Permits
• Short-Term Rental Ordinance § 84.28
• Noise Ordinance § 83.01.080
• EZ Online Permitting System

Forms and Documentation:

• Owner Acknowledgement Form
• Good Neighbor Brochure
• Guide for STR Owners and Operators
• Transient Occupancy Tax Information

Enforcement and Support:

• STR Enforcement Process
• File a Complaint
• Permitted STR Properties Map

Educational Resources:

• STR Overview Video
• Application Process Video
• Reporting Concerns Video

Additional Context:

• Yucca Valley STR Information
• Market Analysis and Best Practices

Important Note: This guide is based on current regulations as of 2024-2025. STR regulations can change frequently. Always verify current requirements with San Bernardino County before making investment decisions or operating a short-term rental.