Running Springs, California Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

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.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Running Springs?

Running Springs hosts earn a median $23,427/year with $224 ADR and 40% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $35,803+ per year.

See the full Running Springs market breakdown

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

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

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)

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

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

Source Pages and Reference Links

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.

Next step

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Ask the AI Advisor about Running Springs

Running Springs is a small unincorporated mountain community in San Bernardino County, California, nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains at roughly 6,000 feet of elevation. With a population of approximately 4,800 residents, it has the feel of a quiet alpine village that swells with visitors during peak ski and summer seasons. The town is best known as a gateway to Big Bear Lake and the surrounding San Bernardino National Forest, and it sits about 80 miles east of Los Angeles, reached via State Route 330 and the Rim of the World Highway.

The community sits within the San Bernardino National Forest, a vast expanse of pine, cedar, and fir woodland that offers hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and camping throughout the warmer months. Trailheads are accessible within minutes of town, and the forest's network of scenic drives makes it easy for visitors to wander toward higher elevations or into adjacent communities. Wildlife watching, picnicking at scenic overlooks, and quiet walks among old-growth conifers are all part of the everyday appeal.

Snow Valley Mountain Resort is just a few miles east of Running Springs, near the neighboring community of Arrowbear. As one of the oldest continuously operating ski areas in Southern California, it offers downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and snow play areas in winter, plus mountain biking, disc golf, and scenic chairlift rides in summer. Its close proximity makes it a popular draw for short-term visitors who want mountain recreation without committing to the longer, higher-elevation drive into Big Bear.

Big Bear Lake lies approximately 20 miles east of Running Springs along Highway 18, drawing year-round visitors for boating, kayaking, fishing, and swimming in summer and skiing at Bear Mountain and Snow Summit in winter. The surrounding village offers a walkable downtown with restaurants, shops, and the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, a wildlife rehabilitation facility focused on the region's injured and orphaned native species. Drive time from Running Springs typically runs between 35 and 50 minutes, depending on weather and traffic.

Lake Arrowhead, often described as the "Alps of Southern California," is roughly 10 miles west of Running Springs and offers a private lake experience with a charming village, lakeside dining, and a full-service marina. Nearby, the SkyPark at Santa's Village combines outdoor adventure with the nostalgic atmosphere of the original 1955 theme park, featuring mountain biking, archery, and zip lines. The drive from Running Springs usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

For short-term rental investors, Running Springs offers a compelling combination of small-town character and proximity to some of Southern California's most popular four-season mountain destinations. Its mid-elevation location brings snowy winters that support ski-season demand while keeping conditions milder and more accessible than the higher Big Bear basin in shoulder seasons. With Los Angeles, Orange County, and the Inland Empire all within a two-hour drive, the community is well positioned to capture weekend and holiday visitors seeking a forested escape from the city.