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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Big Bear Lake, CA

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals are restricted by zoning (e.g., prohibited on properties with an ADU) and subject to occupancy caps of two adults per bedroom plus two, not exceeding 16 persons total. Operators must provide off-street parking, conduct in-person check-ins, and maintain a 24/7 local contact capable of responding within 30 minutes.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Submit an online application via the GovPilot portal with proof of ownership and liability insurance. 2. Pay the $605 registration fee. 3. Complete a mandatory property inspection and pass the annual Owner/Agent Certification exam with a 100% score.

Regulatory Updates — Big Bear Lake

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedAugust 2023

STR Permit Cap and Density Limits

The City of Big Bear Lake implemented a cap on total STR permits issued and imposed density limits restricting the percentage of homes on any given block that may be licensed as vacation rentals. New permits are issued on a waitlist basis when the cap is reached.

PassedMarch 2024

San Bernardino County STR Ordinance for Mountain Communities

San Bernardino County enacted an STR ordinance governing unincorporated mountain areas including Big Bear Valley, Arrowhead, and Running Springs. The ordinance requires county STR permits, noise and occupancy compliance, and mandates a local contact person. It also imposes density limits in residential mountain communities.

PassedSeptember 2024

California Transient Occupancy Tax Compliance Enforcement

San Bernardino County and the City of Big Bear Lake increased compliance outreach and enforcement for transient occupancy tax (TOT) collection, targeting operators who are booking through channels not covered by platform tax remittance agreements.

Official Resources

Official Big Bear Lake STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

California Rental Housing AssociationStatewide

Statewide landlord and rental property advocacy organization monitoring STR regulations across California including Big Bear Lake and San Bernardino County mountain communities.

Big Bear Chamber of CommerceLocal

Represents Big Bear Valley's tourism and business community including vacation rental operators. Tracks city and county STR ordinance changes and provides compliance resources.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing regulatory monitoring and professional standards for vacation rental managers in California mountain resort markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Big Bear Lake, CA?
Short-term rentals are restricted by zoning (e.g., prohibited on properties with an ADU) and subject to occupancy caps of two adults per bedroom plus two, not exceeding 16 persons total. Operators must provide off-street parking, conduct in-person check-ins, and maintain a 24/7 local contact capable of responding within 30 minutes.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Big Bear Lake?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Big Bear Lake. 1. Submit an online application via the GovPilot portal with proof of ownership and liability insurance. 2. Pay the $605 registration fee. 3. Complete a mandatory property inspection and pass the annual Owner/Agent Certification exam with a 100% score.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Big Bear Lake?
1. Submit an online application via the GovPilot portal with proof of ownership and liability insurance. 2. Pay the $605 registration fee. 3. Complete a mandatory property inspection and pass the annual Owner/Agent Certification exam with a 100% score.
Is my Big Bear property in the City of Big Bear Lake or unincorporated San Bernardino County?
This matters significantly because the two jurisdictions have separate STR ordinances with different permit processes and fee structures. The City of Big Bear Lake is a small incorporated area around the lake's south shore village. Much of the surrounding Big Bear Valley — including Big Bear City, Fawnskin, and many residential mountain communities — is unincorporated San Bernardino County. Check your address against county parcel maps at the San Bernardino County Assessor's website to confirm your jurisdiction before applying for permits.
Are new STR permits still available in Big Bear Lake?
Both the City of Big Bear Lake and San Bernardino County have implemented permit caps or density limits that may restrict new permit availability in some areas. When caps are reached, new applicants enter a waitlist. Buyers of properties currently operating as permitted STRs should verify whether the permit transfers on sale (typically it does not) and whether a new permit would be available for their tier and location.
What taxes apply to Big Bear Lake short-term rental income?
Operators in the City of Big Bear Lake collect city transient occupancy tax (TOT). Operators in unincorporated San Bernardino County collect county TOT. California imposes no statewide lodging tax, so the applicable TOT depends entirely on your jurisdiction. Combined TOT rates in the Big Bear Valley typically range from 10–12%. Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit TOT on behalf of hosts in most California jurisdictions including Big Bear. Operators booking directly must register and remit to their applicable city or county tax authority.
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Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: March 2026 · Suggest a correction