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

YES, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Running Springs, California. As an unincorporated community located in the San Bernardino County mountain region, Running Springs properties are subject to San Bernardino County's Short-Term Rental ordinance. The county permits short-term rentals for dwellings located in mountain and desert areas when rented for periods of thirty days or less, subject to obtaining the required permit and complying with all applicable regulations.

Running Springs, situated in the San Bernardino Mountains, benefits from the county's STR program specifically designed for mountain and desert communities. This presents significant investment opportunities given the area's proximity to ski resorts and hiking trails, creating strong seasonal demand for vacation rentals.

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How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Running Springs

Step 1: Verify Property Eligibility

Confirm your property is located within San Bernardino County's mountain region boundaries and meets all zoning requirements. The property must be a residential dwelling unit legally permitted for habitation.

Step 2: Understand the Application Timeline

The application process involves multiple mandatory waiting periods:

• Project Notice: 20 calendar days for surrounding property owners to submit comments
• Permit Issuance Notice: 30-day appeal period before permit issuance
• Total Processing Time: Typically 7+ weeks from application submission to permit issuance

Step 3: Complete the Application Process

1. Register and log in to the EZ Online Permitting (EZOP) system
2. Create and submit an application with all required documentation
3. Pay applicable fees after staff review and fee assignment
4. Complete exterior inspection with County Code Enforcement
5. Address any compliance issues within the specified timeframe
6. Receive permit and operational documentation

Step 4: Post-Permit Requirements

• Post permit and Good Neighbor brochure in visible location within the STR unit
• Obtain Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) registration certificate
• Maintain compliance with all operational standards
• Renew permit annually

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Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Permits and Licenses

1. Short-Term Rental Permit

• New Application Fee: $1,144 (as of July 1, 2025)
  • Application Fee: $600
  • Permit Fee: $285
  • Surrounding Property Owner Notification Fee: $259
• Renewal Options:
  • No changes: $550
  • Physical changes only: $885
  • Property management/occupancy changes: $859
  • Both changes: $1,144

2. Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Registration Certificate

• Tax Rate: 7% of rental fee
• Application: Required through County Tax Collector
• Collection: Remitted monthly to County

Required Documentation

Application Attachments:

• Owner Acknowledgement and Safety Requirements
• Plot Plan Example
• Property Manager Change Request (if applicable)
• Interior Checklist & Owner Acknowledgement (self-certification)
• Renewal Acknowledgement Form (for renewals)

Forms Available:

• STR Appeal Form for Applicants
• STR Appeal for Non-Applicants (Surrounding Property Owners)
• Administrative Citation Appeal Documents

Operational Guidelines

Owner Responsibilities:

• Provide 24-hour phone number for complaint resolution
• Maintain compliance with Fire, Building, Zoning, and Health and Safety Codes
• Limit occupants to approved maximum
• Prevent nuisance behavior and maintain neighborhood peace
• Properly dispose of trash and secure receptacles
• Maintain compliance records for County inspection

Good Neighbor Compliance:

• Post permit and Good Neighbor brochure visibly within unit
• Provide guests with complete rental rules and regulations
• Obtain guest acknowledgment of rules and regulations
• Enforce quiet hours (10 PM - 7 AM)
• Ensure no commercial use (filming, corporate retreats, conferences, weddings)

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Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

County-Level Regulations (San Bernardino County)

Short-Term Rental Ordinance § 84.28:

• Defines STR as residential dwelling rented for 30 days or less
• Requires permits for properties in mountain and desert areas
• Mandates exterior inspections for new applications
• Requires renewal annually with re-inspection
• Imposes $1,000/day fine for operating without permit

Noise Ordinance § 83.01.080:

• Prohibits noise violations
• Requires quiet hours enforcement (10 PM - 7 AM)
• Subjects violators to citations and penalties up to $1,000

Operational Standards:

• Maximum occupancy limits (typically 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional)
• Off-street parking requirements
• 24/7 local contact requirement
• Good Neighbor Policy enforcement
• Trash management requirements
• Prohibition of commercial events and parties

State-Level Regulations (California)

Business Registration:

• Required for all STR operators
• No state-level STR permits required
• Must register for tax purposes

Health and Safety Requirements:

• Fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors
• Compliance with California Fire Code
• Maximum occupancy enforcement
• Safety inspection requirements

Tax Obligations:

• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): 7% (county rate)
• Federal and state income tax on rental income
• Possible Tourism Business Investment District (TBID) assessment

Enforcement Process

Violations and Penalties:

• $1,000/day for operating without permit
• Up to $1,000 for noise violations
• Additional penalties for health, safety, and zoning violations
• Potential permit suspension or revocation for repeated violations

Complaint Process:

• 24/7 complaint hotline: 1-833-SBC-STR1 (1-833-722-7871)
• Online complaint filing available
• County Code Enforcement investigation

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Contact Information for Local Authority

San Bernardino County Code Enforcement

Address: 268 W. Hospitality Lane, Suite 300 San Bernardino, CA 92415

STR Program Email: shorttermrental@lus.sbcounty.gov

24/7 Complaint Hotline: 1-833-SBC-STR1 (1-833-722-7871)

Online Applications: EZ Online Permitting (EZOP): wp.sbcounty.gov/ezop/

STR Program Website: str.sbcounty.gov/

Tax Collector Contact: www.mytaxcollector.com/cuContactUs.aspx

Support Services

• Application Status Updates: Email shorttermrental@lus.sbcounty.gov
• Inspection Scheduling: Through EZOP system
• Appeal Process: Contact Code Enforcement for forms
• Permit Renewals: EZOP online system

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Source Pages and Reference Links

Primary County Resources

• STR Program Home: str.sbcounty.gov/
• Getting Started Guide: str.sbcounty.gov/getting-started-2/
• Permitted STR Map: str.sbcounty.gov/permitted-str-properties/
• Contact Information: str.sbcounty.gov/contact-us/

Legal Documents

• 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
• Violations and Enforcement: codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/sanbernardino/latest/sanberncty_ca/0-0-0-146924

Application and Forms

• EZ Online Permitting: wp.sbcounty.gov/ezop/
• Owner Acknowledgement Form: str.sbcounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/58/2022/11/Owner-Acknowledgement-Final-06_2025-1.pdf
• Good Neighbor Brochure: str.sbcounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/58/2024/05/GoodNeighborBrochure-updated.pdf
• STR Appeal Forms: lus.sbcounty.gov/code-enforcement-home/forms/

Educational Resources

• Operational Standards Guide: str.sbcounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/58/2024/07/STR-Operational-Standard-Guide-2024.pdf
• Owner/Operator Guide: str.sbcounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/58/2024/05/Guide-for-Short-Term-Rental-Owners-and-Operators-updated.pdf
• Noise Monitoring Program: str.sbcounty.gov/outdoor-noise-monitoring-system/

Tax and Financial

• TOT Information: sanbernardino-ca.county-taxes.com/tourist
• TOT Application: www.mytaxcollector.com/_content/TR/TOTApplication.pdf

External Resources

• Airbnb Local Law Guide: www.airbnb.com/help/article/2469
• County Maps: sbcounty.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=f5a50c44766b4c36a3ae014497aa430d

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Important Considerations for STR Investors

Market Dynamics

Running Springs experiences significant seasonality with peak demand during winter (late November through March) for ski activities and summer months for hiking and outdoor recreation. Properties with amenities catering to outdoor enthusiasts (ski storage, hot tubs, fire pits) typically achieve higher occupancy rates and revenue.

Compliance Strategy

Maintain meticulous records of all compliance activities, guest communications, and operational standards. Regular self-audits ensure continued permit eligibility and minimize enforcement risk.

Financial Planning

Budget for initial permit costs (~$1,144), annual renewal fees ($550-1,144), TOT obligations (7% of gross receipts), and potential noise monitoring equipment credits ($150).

Professional Management

Consider engaging experienced STR property managers familiar with San Bernardino County regulations to ensure compliance and maximize operational efficiency.