Note: Wrightwood is an unincorporated community in San Bernardino County. City-level rules do not apply; short‑term rentals (STRs) in Wrightwood are regulated by San Bernardino County.

Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Wrightwood, CA?

Yes. Short‑term private home rentals are allowed in Wrightwood and other unincorporated communities in the mountain and desert areas of San Bernardino County, provided the rental is 30 days or less and the owner holds a valid county STR permit. All hosts must comply with county ordinances and safety codes and meet the Good Neighbor Policy, occupancy and parcel caps, and ongoing compliance obligations.

Source:

• County STR overview and requirements: str.sbcounty.gov/
• Ordinance changes/limits and county enforcement update (including Wrightwood): www.desertsun.com/story/news/2022/06/14/san-bernardino-county-pauses-new-short-term-rental-permits-joshua-tree-big-bear/7611599001/

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Wrightwood (Step-by-Step)

1. Confirm eligibility

• You must rent a private dwelling in the unincorporated mountain or desert region (Wrightwood qualifies).
• rentals must be 30 days or less.
• Strict caps and occupancy limits apply; see “Specific regulations” below.
• Note: A 2022 temporary pause on new STR permits was in place for 45 days to implement new rules; the county resumed issuing permits after that window. Always verify current status.

2. Prepare your property

• Ensure compliance with Fire, Building, Zoning, and Health & Safety Codes.
• Meet Good Neighbor Policy expectations for noise, trash, parking, and guest conduct.
• Provide adequate off‑street parking and post quiet hours if local conditions warrant.

3. Apply for the STR permit

• Submit via the county’s Citizen Access portal: ezop.sbcounty.gov/citizenaccess/
• You must list a 24/7 contact phone for complaint resolution (this is a permit condition).

4. Register for Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)

• Obtain a TOT certificate and remit TOT to the county (current rate cited at 7%).
• Maintain records for remittance; the county provides guidance on TOT registration (confirm current process via the STR office).

5. Activate enforcement readiness

• Post your 24/7 contact number in the home and in your listing.
• Brief guests on occupancy limits, quiet hours, parking, and trash/recycling rules.
• Monitor compliance (noise monitors may be in use in some areas).

6. Operational compliance

• Keep your contact details current on the permit.
• Remit TOT on time and maintain records for inspections.
• Address complaints promptly to avoid citations or penalties.

Source:

• County application portal and 24/7 complaint number: str.sbcounty.gov/
• County STR program videos and guidance: str.sbcounty.gov/
• Market‑level compliance note (TOT and Good Neighbor Policy): www.gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/wrightwood-california

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• San Bernardino County STR Permit

  • Application via county portal; requires property details and a 24/7 contact number.
  • Property must meet Fire, Building, Zoning, and Health & Safety Codes.
  • Must display the permit or maintain it for inspection upon request.

• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Certificate

  • Registration with the county; remit TOT on gross rental income (current county‑wide TOT cited at 7%).
  • Keep detailed records (rental nights, rates, TOT collected) for audits.

• Good Neighbor Policy Acknowledgment

  • Adhere to rules on noise, occupancy, parking, trash, and guest conduct.
  • Address any nuisance issues or face enforcement.

• Other municipal codes as applicable

  • Fire safety, building, zoning, and health/safety compliance are mandatory.

• Noise monitoring (where deployed)

  • Use of outdoor noise monitoring systems in some areas; violation may trigger fines.

Source:

• County STR requirements and process: str.sbcounty.gov/
• Detailed county overview with occupant limits and permit conditions: str.sbcounty.gov/
• Market-level confirmation of TOT and Good Neighbor Policy requirements: www.gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/wrightwood-california

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals (County/State)

San Bernardino County (applies to Wrightwood)

• Eligible area: private homes in unincorporated mountain and desert areas rented for 30 days or less.
• Occupancy limits
  • 1‑bedroom/studio: 4 guests.
  • Add 2 guests per additional bedroom, up to a maximum of 12 guests total.
• Parcel caps
  • Up to 1 STR on parcels under 2 acres.
  • Up to 2 STRs on parcels 2 acres or larger.
• Permit caps
  • 2 STR permits per individual/entity (owners with more than two are grandfathered).
• Good Neighbor Policy (mandatory)
  • Noise, occupancy, parking, trash, and community conduct standards.
• Enforcement tools
  • Outdoor noise monitoring program (areas may vary).
  • 24/7 complaint hotline: 1‑833‑SBC‑STR1 (1‑833‑722‑7871).
• Permit status
  • New STR permits were temporarily paused for 45 days in 2022 to implement new rules; since then, the county has continued processing permits. Always verify current status before applying.

Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)

• County TOT currently cited at 7% of gross rental income.
• Register for a TOT certificate and remit on schedule.

State of California (high‑level)

• Hosts must register for and remit any applicable TOT to local authorities.
• STRs must meet state fire, building, health, and safety standards as enforced locally.
• Local municipalities can add stricter rules; San Bernardino County’s rules apply in Wrightwood.

Source:

• County STR rules and processes: str.sbcounty.gov/
• County ordinance changes/limits and enforcement update (includes Wrightwood): www.desertsun.com/story/news/2022/06/14/san-bernardino-county-pauses-new-short-term-rental-permits-joshua-tree-big-bear/7611599001/
• Market‑level compliance summary (TOT and Good Neighbor Policy): www.gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/wrightwood-california

Contact Information (Local Authority in Charge of STRs)

San Bernardino County Code Enforcement (Short‑Term Rentals)

• Address: 268 W. Hospitality Lane, Suite 300, San Bernardino, CA 92415
• 24/7 complaint line: 1‑833‑SBC‑STR1 (1‑833‑722‑7871)
• Permit application: ezop.sbcounty.gov/citizenaccess/
• Enforcement process document: see County STR site
• File an STR complaint online: sbcounty-str-complaints.deckard.com/
• Subscribe for STR updates: service.govdelivery.com/accounts/CASANBE/subscriber/new?topic_id=CASANBE_664
• Email (permit assistance, status updates, citations): shorttermrental@lus.sbcounty.gov
• Website: str.sbcounty.gov/

Source:

• County STR contacts and links: str.sbcounty.gov/

Source Links

• San Bernardino County Short‑Term Rentals: str.sbcounty.gov/
• SBC Citizen Access Permit Portal: ezop.sbcounty.gov/citizenaccess/
• County enforcement (complaints) and hotline info: str.sbcounty.gov/
• STR Complaint Form: sbcounty-str-complaints.deckard.com/
• County STR Enforcement Process PDF: see County STR site (linked above)
• Ordinance changes, occupancy and parcel caps, permit pauses (2022): www.desertsun.com/story/news/2022/06/14/san-bernardino-county-pauses-new-short-term-rental-permits-joshua-tree-big-bear/7611599001/
• Market-level TOT (7%) and Good Neighbor Policy overview: www.gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/wrightwood-california

Disclaimer: Regulations can change. Before operating an STR in Wrightwood, verify current requirements and permit status on the San Bernardino County STR website and contact the county directly for the latest guidance.