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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Joshua Tree, CA

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

STRs are restricted to single-family homes, duplexes, and certain ADUs in Mountain/Desert regions; multi-family units and RVs are prohibited. Occupancy is limited by ordinance, and owners must provide a 24-hour contact, prohibit commercial events, and ensure all guest parking is off-street.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Submit an application and pay fees via the EZ Online Permitting (EZOP) portal. 2) Pass a mandatory exterior inspection and complete the 20-day neighbor notification and 30-day appeal periods. 3) Receive the permit upon approval, which must be renewed annually.

Regulatory Updates — Joshua Tree

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedJanuary 2025

San Bernardino County STR Permit Audit Launched

San Bernardino County launched an STR permit audit for Joshua Tree and surrounding desert communities, identifying unlicensed operators and properties using prohibited property types (RVs, multi-family) through listing platform data.

PassedJuly 2024

Commercial Event Prohibition Enforcement Increased

The County stepped up enforcement of its prohibition on commercial events at Joshua Tree STRs — including yoga retreats, weddings, and private parties exceeding occupancy limits — after a surge in event-use violations.

PassedMarch 2024

Off-Street Parking Requirement Strictly Applied

San Bernardino County clarified that all guest vehicles must park off-street and that STR permits can be suspended for properties where guests repeatedly park on roads or desert land without designated parking spaces.

Official Resources

Official Joshua Tree STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing advocacy and compliance resources for vacation rental professionals in California's high-desert markets including Joshua Tree.

California Rental Housing AssociationStatewide

Statewide property owner and landlord advocacy group monitoring San Bernardino County STR regulations and opposing overly restrictive permit limitations in desert communities.

Joshua Tree Chamber of CommerceLocal

Local business organization representing the Joshua Tree visitor economy, including the vacation rental operators who are central to accommodating Joshua Tree National Park visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Joshua Tree, CA?
STRs are restricted to single-family homes, duplexes, and certain ADUs in Mountain/Desert regions; multi-family units and RVs are prohibited. Occupancy is limited by ordinance, and owners must provide a 24-hour contact, prohibit commercial events, and ensure all guest parking is off-street.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Joshua Tree?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Joshua Tree. 1) Submit an application and pay fees via the EZ Online Permitting (EZOP) portal. 2) Pass a mandatory exterior inspection and complete the 20-day neighbor notification and 30-day appeal periods. 3) Receive the permit upon approval, which must be renewed annually.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Joshua Tree?
1) Submit an application and pay fees via the EZ Online Permitting (EZOP) portal. 2) Pass a mandatory exterior inspection and complete the 20-day neighbor notification and 30-day appeal periods. 3) Receive the permit upon approval, which must be renewed annually.
Can I operate an STR in a multi-family building or RV in Joshua Tree?
No. San Bernardino County restricts Joshua Tree STRs to single-family homes, duplexes, and certain ADUs. Multi-family units and RVs are explicitly excluded. Operating an excluded property type as an STR is a permit violation subject to fines.
Can I host private events like weddings or retreats at my Joshua Tree STR?
No. San Bernardino County prohibits commercial events at Joshua Tree STR properties. This includes weddings, yoga retreats, corporate retreats, and parties that exceed occupancy limits. The county has intensified enforcement of event-use violations after a surge in complaints.
Where can guests park at my Joshua Tree rental?
All guest vehicles must park off-street in designated parking spaces on your property. Parking on roads or on undeveloped desert land is prohibited. Repeat parking violations by guests can result in your STR permit being suspended.
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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