Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Yucaipa?

No, short-term rentals are not currently allowed in the City of Yucaipa. Based on the provided documentation and current regulatory framework, Yucaipa does not have a municipal short-term rental ordinance that permits STR operations within city limits. While San Bernardino County (which encompasses Yucaipa) does permit STRs in mountain and desert areas through its county-wide program, this allowance does not extend to incorporated cities like Yucaipa that have their own zoning authority.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in This Market

Current Status and Opportunities

Given that Yucaipa proper does not allow STRs, investors have limited options within city limits:

1. Do Not Invest in Yucaipa City Properties for STR Use - Without local permitting, any STR operation would be operating illegally
2. Consider San Bernardino County Unincorporated Areas - Properties located in unincorporated county areas may qualify for STR permits through the county program
3. Monitor for Regulatory Changes - Yucaipa council discussions in 2017 indicate the city has considered STR regulations, so this could change

If Regulations Change

Should Yucaipa develop STR regulations, investors should prepare for:

• Municipal permitting requirements separate from county requirements
• Local compliance standards and operational requirements
• City-specific tax obligations and reporting requirements

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Current Yucaipa Requirements

None currently exist for short-term rentals within city limits. However, if pursuing STR investment in surrounding San Bernardino County unincorporated areas, the following would apply:

San Bernardino County STR Requirements:

• STR Permit Application through EZ Online Permitting (EZOP)
• Property Inspection (exterior)
• Owner Acknowledgment and Safety Requirements form
• Plot Plan showing property boundaries
• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) certification
• Good Neighbor Brochure posting requirement
• 24-hour contact information for complaint resolution

Application Process for County STR Permits:

1. Register and log in to EZ Online Permitting system
2. Create and submit complete application
3. Staff review for completeness (average 1 week)
4. Pay required fees upon completion notification
5. Surrounding property owner notification (20-day comment period)
6. Exterior inspection scheduling
7. Permit issuance following 30-day appeal period

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Yucaipa

No city-specific STR regulations currently exist. The city's municipal code does not address short-term rentals, effectively prohibiting such operations within city limits.

San Bernardino County

For properties in unincorporated county areas, the following regulations apply:

Operational Standards:

• Maximum Rental Period: 30 days or less
• Occupancy Limits: As specified on permit
• Noise Restrictions: Quiet hours 10 PM - 7 AM
• Trash Management: Secure containers, regular removal
• 24-Hour Contact: Required for complaint resolution
• Permit Display: Must be visible within unit
• Commercial Use Prohibited: No filming, corporate events, weddings

Prohibited Activities:

• Exceeding approved occupancy limits
• Creating public or private nuisances
• Commercial filming or events
• Operating without valid permit
• Failure to provide 24-hour contact information

Fees (Effective July 1, 2025):

• New Application: $1,144
• Renewal with Changes: $885-$1,144
• Renewal with No Changes: $550
• Additional modification fee: $60

State of California

California has implemented several state-level regulations affecting STRs:

State Requirements:

• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): Required collection and remittance
• Local Ordinance Compliance: Must comply with any local regulations
• Safety Standards: Adherence to fire, building, and health codes
• Consumer Protection: Truth-in-advertising requirements

Contact Information

City of Yucaipa

For questions about potential future STR regulations:

• Website: www.yucaipa.gov/
• Phone: (909) 797-2489
• Address: City of Yucaipa, 34272 Yucaipa Blvd, Yucaipa, CA 92399
• Email: Contact through city website general inquiry form

San Bernardino County (for unincorporated areas)

• Website: str.sbcounty.gov/
• 24/7 Complaint Hotline: 1-833-SBC-STR1 (1-833-722-7871)
• Email: shorttermrental@lus.sbcounty.gov
• Address: San Bernardino County Code Enforcement, 268 W. Hospitality Lane, Suite 300, San Bernardino, CA 92415
• EZOP Application Portal: ezop.sbcounty.gov/citizenaccess/

Links to Source Pages

Primary Sources:

1. San Bernardino County STR Homepage: str.sbcounty.gov/
2. County STR Getting Started Guide: str.sbcounty.gov/getting-started-2/
3. County Permit Application Portal: ezop.sbcounty.gov/citizenaccess/
4. STR Permit Map: str.sbcounty.gov/permitted-str-properties/
5. Yucaipa City Council Meeting Minutes (March 27, 2024): yucaipa.gov/wp-content/uploads/city_council/PC/20240327/PC%201-22.pdf
6. Redlands Daily Facts STR Article (2017): www.redlandsdailyfacts.com/2017/03/01/yucaipa-considers-regulating-short-term-rentals/

Key Regulatory Documents:

7. San Bernardino County STR Ordinance § 84.28: codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/sanbernardino/latest/sanberncty_ca/0-0-0-172387
8. County Noise Ordinance § 83.01.080: codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/sanbernardino/latest/sanberncty_ca/0-0-0-169172
9. STR Operational Standards Guide: str.sbcounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/58/2024/07/STR-Operational-Standard-Guide-2024.pdf
10. Good Neighbor Brochure: str.sbcounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/58/2024/05/GoodNeighborBrochure-updated.pdf

Investment Recommendations

Current Market Assessment

1. Avoid Yucaipa City Properties for STR Investment - Without legal STR operations possible, ROI potential is limited to traditional long-term rentals
2. Consider County Unincorporated Areas - Properties in surrounding unincorporated San Bernardino County may offer STR opportunities
3. Monitor Regulatory Changes - Stay informed about potential Yucaipa STR ordinance development
4. Due Diligence Required - Verify exact property location (city vs. county jurisdiction) before any STR investment

Market Opportunity

Yucaipa's proximity to recreational areas, natural attractions, and larger metropolitan markets creates potential demand for STRs should regulations change. The city's scenic location and rural character could attract tourists seeking authentic Southern California experiences, making future STR legalization potentially lucrative for early investors who position themselves ahead of regulatory changes.