Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Big Bear City, CA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Big Bear City, CA, but with restrictions. Occupancy is limited based on bedroom count verified by county records; all guest parking must be on-site with no street parking allowed. Owners must provide a 24/7 local contact reachable within 30 minutes and capable of on-site response within one hour. Units must post emergency evacuation maps, permit copies, and maximum occupancy limits prominently inside. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Occupancy is limited based on bedroom count verified by county records; all guest parking must be on-site with no street parking allowed. Owners must provide a 24/7 local contact reachable within 30 minutes and capable of on-site response within one hour. Units must post emergency evacuation maps, permit copies, and maximum occupancy limits prominently inside.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Big Bear City. 1. Apply online via the County’s EZ Online Permitting portal (EZOP) and submit required owner information and proof of compliance with building/fire codes. 2. Ensure all required postings (permit, evacuation map, 24/7 contact) are in the unit and meet all operational standards. 3. Renew the permit annually through the EZOP portal, which may require a renewal acknowledgement form and potential re-inspection.

1. Apply online via the County’s EZ Online Permitting portal (EZOP) and submit required owner information and proof of compliance with building/fire codes. 2. Ensure all required postings (permit, evacuation map, 24/7 contact) are in the unit and meet all operational standards. 3. Renew the permit annually through the EZOP portal, which may require a renewal acknowledgement form and potential re-inspection.

Vrbo is permitted in Big Bear City, CA under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Big Bear City are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.

The most recent tracked change in Big Bear City is "San Bernardino County STR Permit Ordinance Update" (2024-03-01, status: passed). County tightened STR permit requirements; operators must post permit number in all listings and on-site. Annual renewal with safety compliance check required. See the regulatory updates section on this page for the full history.

No. Big Bear City is an unincorporated San Bernardino County community; the City of Big Bear Lake is a separate incorporated municipality with its own STR regulations. Verify which jurisdiction your property falls under before applying for permits.

A San Bernardino County annual STR permit ($200–400/year depending on bedrooms), Transient Occupancy Tax registration (10% of rental income), county business license, and fire safety compliance. Permit number must appear in all listings and be posted on-site.

Not currently. San Bernardino County has not imposed density caps in Big Bear City, though the 2025 housing impact study may recommend action if housing availability is found to be significantly impacted.