Executive Overview

Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Upland, California, subject to specific zoning requirements, permitting processes, and operational standards. The City of Upland permits STRs in Residential Single-Family (RS) and Residential Multi-Family (RM) zones, as well as legally established single-family residences within Specific Plans, provided the property serves as the host's primary residence and all regulatory requirements are met.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Upland

Step 1: Zoning and Eligibility Verification

Contact the City's Planning Division at (909) 931-4130 or planning@uplandca.gov to:

• Verify your property location is within permitted zones (RS, RM, or Specific Plan areas)
• Confirm the property can serve as your primary residence
• Review eligibility requirements with city staff

Step 2: Business License Application

Apply for a business license through the City's Business License Portal at upland.hdlgov.com or call (909) 348-0460. This is required before submitting your STR permit application.

Step 3: Transient Occupancy Tax Certificate

Obtain your TOT certificate from the Finance Division at (909) 931-4150. You'll need to collect and remit a 10% transient occupancy tax on all rentals.

Step 4: Administrative Use Permit Application

Submit your STR AUP application to the Planning Division. Application requirements are detailed in Section 17.23.1.030 of the Municipal Code. Your business license and TOT certificate applications should be submitted concurrently, even if still pending.

Step 5: Property Inspection

Within 30 days of filing your AUP application, contact the Building and Safety Division at (909) 931-4110 to schedule a property inspection to ensure the dwelling is legally constructed and safe for habitation.

Step 6: Ongoing Compliance

Maintain your business license, submit quarterly TOT payments, and comply with all operational requirements outlined below.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Mandatory Requirements

1. Business License - City of Upland (ongoing requirement)
2. Transient Occupancy Tax Certificate - Finance Division
3. Administrative Use Permit (AUP) - Planning Division (valid for 2 years)
4. Property Inspection Certificate - Building and Safety Division

Supporting Documentation

• Property ownership verification or written authorization from property owner (if tenant)
• Site plan showing parking arrangements
• Proof of primary residence status
• Guest record-keeping system establishment
• Compliance with state and local building/fire codes

Application Forms

• [Short Term Rental Application Form](/uploads/files/DevelopmentServices/Planning/2025 Planning Forms and Applications/AUP_SHORT TERM RENTAL APPLICATION_2025_1.pdf)
• [Transient Occupancy Tax Remittance Form](/uploads/files/DevelopmentServices/Planning/Short Term Rental/TOT Remittance Form-FINAL.pdf)

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Zoning Restrictions

Allowed Zones:

• Residential Single-Family (RS)
• Residential Multi-Family (RM)
• Legally established single-family-attached/detached residences in Specific Plans

Prohibited Zones:

• Mixed-Use zones
• Commercial zones
• Industrial zones

Property Requirements

• The STR must be the host's primary residence
• Host must be property owner, parent, adult child of property owner, or authorized tenant
• No accessory dwelling units (ADUs) permitted for STR use
• No non-habitable structures (trailers, tents, tree houses, garages, RVs)

Operational Standards

Occupancy Limits:

• Maximum occupancy: 2x the number of bedrooms (including host and residents)
• Only one group booking transaction permitted per dwelling unit at any time

Parking Requirements:

• Provide one additional parking space per bedroom used for STR
• Must be in addition to minimum parking requirements for the dwelling

Noise and Conduct:

• Quiet hours: 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM
• Must comply with City's noise standards (Chapter 9.40 Municipal Code)
• No advertising signs permitted on the property

Record Keeping:

• Maintain detailed guest records for 3 years
• Include hosting dates and financial documentation
• Make records available to City upon request

Code Compliance:

• Dwelling must comply with current State and local building codes
• Dwelling must comply with current State and local fire codes

Permit Duration and Renewal

• AUP permits valid for 2 years
• Renewal applications must be submitted at least 30 days before expiration

Hosted vs. Un-hosted Stays

Hosted Stays:

• Host remains on-site throughout guest stay (except daytime/work hours)
• May rent portions of dwelling for stays up to 30 consecutive days

Un-hosted Stays:

• Limited to 120 days per calendar year
• Host remains off-site during guest stays
• Property must remain host's primary residence

ADU Restrictions

Accessory Dwelling Units cannot be used for short-term rentals. Properties with ADUs must file deed restrictions agreeing the unit will not be used for STRs (less than 31 days). The City actively discourages listing ADUs on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo to preserve housing options for community members.

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contacts

Planning Division (STR Permits and Zoning)

• Phone: (909) 931-4130
• Email: planning@uplandca.gov
• Address: City Hall, 460 N. Euclid Avenue, Upland, CA 91786
• Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Business License Services

• Phone: (909) 348-0460
• Online Portal: upland.hdlgov.com

Transient Occupancy Tax (Finance Division)

• Phone: (909) 931-4150
• Certificate Required: Yes
• Tax Rate: 10% of rental amount

Building and Safety Division (Inspections)

• Phone: (909) 931-4110
• Inspection Required: Yes
• Purpose: Ensure legal construction and habitability safety

General City Information

• Main Number: (909) 931-4100
• Address: 460 N. Euclid Avenue, Upland, CA 91786
• Website: www.uplandca.gov

Links to Source Pages

Official City Resources

• City of Upland Short-Term Rentals Page
• Upland Municipal Code Chapter 17.23.1 (STR Ordinance)
• Business License Services
• Transient Occupancy Tax Information
• Building and Safety Services
• Planning Forms and Applications

Application Forms

• [Short Term Rental AUP Application Form](https://www.uplandca.gov/uploads/files/DevelopmentServices/Planning/2025 Planning Forms and Applications/AUP_SHORT TERM RENTAL APPLICATION_2025_1.pdf)
• [Transient Occupancy Tax Remittance Form](https://www.uplandca.gov/uploads/files/DevelopmentServices/Planning/Short Term Rental/TOT Remittance Form-FINAL.pdf)

Additional Resources

• Municipal and Zoning Ordinance Code
• Noise Standards (Chapter 9.40)
• Upland ADU Information (ADU STR Restrictions)

Important Note: This guide is based on current municipal regulations as of 2025. Investors should verify all requirements with the City of Upland Planning Division before proceeding, as regulations may be subject to change. The information provided represents a summary of key requirements and should not be considered comprehensive legal advice.