Overview: Short-Term Rentals in Ontario, California

Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Ontario, California, provided operators obtain the required permits and comply with all regulations. The City of Ontario permits both hosted and un-hosted short-term rentals, including vacation rentals, subject to specific requirements designed to maintain residential neighborhood compatibility.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Ontario, California

Starting a short-term rental business in Ontario requires several key steps:

Step 1: Property Eligibility and Ownership Verification

• Owner Requirements: The host must be either:
  • The property owner, or
  • The spouse, parent, or adult child of the property owner, or
  • A tenant who has occupied the property as their primary residence prior to application and has written authorization from the property owner

Step 2: Permit Application Process

• Submit a Short-Term Rental Permit Application electronically through Citizen Portal Access
• Follow the instructions provided in the official checklist
• Application must demonstrate that the STR operation will not adversely impact surrounding residential districts

Step 3: Compliance Preparation

• Ensure property meets all safety and zoning requirements
• Prepare documentation as outlined in the permit checklist
• Verify compliance with city regulations regarding short-term rental operations

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Required Documents

Based on the provided content, the following documents are required:

1. Short-Term Rental Permit Application
2. Written Authorization from property owner (if applicant is tenant)
3. Proof of Primary Residence (if applicable)
4. Property Documentation supporting the application

Application Process

• Method: Electronic submission through Citizen Portal Access
• Reference: Follow the Short-Term Rental Permit Application Checklist

Permit Purpose

The permit is specifically designed to ensure short-term rental operations do not negatively impact surrounding residential neighborhoods and maintain compatibility with the residential character of the area.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City-Level Regulations (Ontario, California)

Definition and Scope

• Short-Term Rental: A dwelling unit or portion thereof rented for not more than 30 consecutive days in exchange for monetary or non-monetary consideration
• Types: Includes hosted stays, un-hosted stays, and vacation rentals

Regulatory Purpose

The city regulates short-term rentals to ensure compatibility between vacation rentals and the residential character of neighborhoods where they may be located.

Host Eligibility Requirements

1. Owner Qualification: Property owner or immediate family member (spouse, parent, adult child)
2. Tenant Qualification: Tenant who occupied property as primary residence before application with written owner authorization

County-Level Regulations (San Bernardino County)

Geographic Limitations

• STR permits required for private homes located in mountain and desert areas of San Bernardino County
• Application area limited to Mountain and Desert regions of the county
• Applicability applies to dwellings rented for 30 days or less

Operational Standards

• Occupancy limitations: Specific limits on number of occupants
• 24-Hour Contact: Owner/manager must provide a 24-hour phone number for complaint resolution
• Code Compliance: Must comply with Fire, Building, Zoning, and Health and Safety Codes

Permit Requirements

• Application Process: Currently accepting applications for dwellings in Mountain and Desert areas
• Permit Validity: Standard annual renewal requirements
• Standards Compliance: Must meet specific operational standards

State-Level Regulations (California)

General Framework

• No State-Level Permits: California does not issue state-level short-term rental licenses
• Local Control: Most counties and cities require their own permits and licenses
• Business Registration: Typically required by most California cities
• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): Required certificate for tax collection and remittance

Tax Requirements

• TOT Certificate: Required for all California STR operators
• Business Taxes: Various business taxes may apply depending on operations
• Platform Collection: Many platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo handle TOT collection on behalf of hosts

Health and Safety Standards

• Safety Devices: Requirements for fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors
• Occupancy Limits: Maximum occupancy restrictions
• Quiet Hours: Noise control requirements
• Inspections: Safety inspections often required before permit issuance

Zoning Compliance

• Zoning Restrictions: Some cities allow vacation rentals only in specific zoning districts
• Residential Compatibility: Must ensure zoning compliance before starting operations

Contact Information

City of Ontario, California

Primary Contact Information

• Phone: (909) 395-2000
• Website: City of Ontario Official Website
• Business License Division: Available through the Financial Services department

Physical Addresses

• City Hall: 303 East B Street, Ontario, CA 91764
• City Hall Annex: 200 N. Cherry Avenue, Ontario, CA 91764

Social Media and Updates

• Facebook: City of Ontario
• Instagram: @cityofontario
• LinkedIn: City of Ontario
• Twitter/X: @cityofontario
• YouTube: City of Ontario

San Bernardino County STR Program

Contact Information

• Program Website: San Bernardino County STR Program
• Email: shorttermrental@lus.sbcounty.gov

Complaint and Enforcement

• 24/7 Complaint Hotline: 1-833-SBC-STR1 (1-833-722-7871)
• Online Complaint Portal: File a STR Complaint

Physical Address

• San Bernardino County Code Enforcement
• Address: 268 W. Hospitality Lane, Suite 300, San Bernardino, CA 92415

Program Assistance

The county email address supports:

• General STR permit application questions
• Application/Permit status checks
• Application/Permit updates
• Notice/Citation inquiries
• Courtesy Notice questions

Links to Source Pages

Primary Ontario, California Sources

1. Short-Term Rental Permits - City of Ontario
2. Short-Term Rental Permit Application Checklist

San Bernardino County Sources

1. San Bernardino County Short-Term Rentals
2. STR Permitted Properties Map
3. STR Application Portal
4. STR 24/7 Complaint Hotline Information
5. STR Enforcement Process

Additional Resources

• STR Program Email Subscription
• California State STR Law Overview

Important Note: This guide is based on the provided content from official sources. Investors should verify current regulations with local authorities, as short-term rental laws can change frequently. The City of Ontario and San Bernardino County maintain the most current information on their respective websites and through their contact channels.