Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Inyo County, CA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Inyo County, CA, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are restricted to 'hosted' stays on residentially zoned properties, meaning the host must be present. They are permitted in specific zones including Open Space (OS), Rural Residential (RR), and One-Family Residential (R-1). In municipal areas like Bishop, additional rules include a limit of two lodgers per bedroom and a requirement for onsite parking. 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.

Short-term rentals are restricted to 'hosted' stays on residentially zoned properties, meaning the host must be present. They are permitted in specific zones including Open Space (OS), Rural Residential (RR), and One-Family Residential (R-1). In municipal areas like Bishop, additional rules include a limit of two lodgers per bedroom and a requirement for onsite parking.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Inyo County. 1. Submit a completed main application form to the Inyo County Planning Department. 2. Register for and pay the required Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). 3. Permits are issued for a three-year term (per Ordinance No. 1304).

1. Submit a completed main application form to the Inyo County Planning Department. 2. Register for and pay the required Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). 3. Permits are issued for a three-year term (per Ordinance No. 1304).

Vrbo is permitted in Inyo County, 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 Inyo County 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.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Inyo County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.