Upland, California Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

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.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Upland?

Upland hosts earn a median $32,764/year with $192 ADR and 67% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $54,223+ per year.

See the full Upland market breakdown

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

Business License - City of Upland (ongoing requirement)
Transient Occupancy Tax Certificate - Finance Division
Administrative Use Permit (AUP) - Planning Division (valid for 2 years)
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

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

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.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Upland

Upland sits at the western edge of San Bernardino County in Southern California, in the Inland Empire region just east of Los Angeles County. With a population of approximately 77,000, the city rests at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains and has long served as a quiet residential and commuter community within the greater Los Angeles orbit. About 35 to 40 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, Upland combines a small-town historic core with quick access to both the mountain wilderness of the Angeles National Forest and the urban conveniences of the broader Inland Empire. It is best known for its historic downtown along Foothill Boulevard, its foothill setting beneath Mt. Baldy, and its role as a convenient gateway to mountain recreation and regional attractions.

Just north of the city, the San Gabriel Mountains rise sharply, and the Angeles National Forest covers much of the rugged terrain beyond Upland's northern edge. Within an hour's drive, visitors can reach trailheads in the Mt. Baldy area, including the popular route to the summit of Mount San Antonio, the highest peak in the range at just over 10,000 feet. The forest offers hiking, camping, and winter recreation, making the mountains a major draw for outdoor enthusiasts who want to escape the urban basin without traveling far from the city.

A short drive west along the base of the foothills brings visitors to the neighboring city of Claremont, home to a cluster of prestigious liberal arts colleges collectively known as the Claremont Colleges. The city's walkable village district is lined with independent bookstores, cafes, and locally owned restaurants tucked beneath a canopy of mature trees, and it has long been a cultural hub for the region. Nearby, the California Botanic Garden (formerly Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden) showcases native California flora on more than 80 acres of landscaped grounds, drawing visitors interested in horticulture and conservation.

To the south and west, the city of Ontario is home to Ontario International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the Inland Empire, as well as the Ontario Convention Center and the Toyota Arena. Closer to home, Upland's own historic downtown stretches along Foothill Boulevard, the original Route 66 corridor through the region, and retains a number of early twentieth-century commercial buildings, antique shops, and locally owned restaurants. The Pacific Electric Inland Empire Trail, a converted rail-trail, runs through the city and connects to neighboring communities for walking, jogging, and cycling.

For short-term rental investors, Upland offers an appealing combination of affordability relative to coastal Southern California, a central location within the Inland Empire, and proximity to outdoor recreation, college-town amenities, and a major airport. Visitors can spend mornings hiking in the Angeles National Forest, afternoons browsing the bookshops of Claremont, and evenings dining along a historic stretch of Route 66, all within minutes of a single base.