Can I Airbnb in San Bernardino County, CA? (2026)

Short-term rentals (30 days or less) are legal in unincorporated San Bernardino County — including Joshua Tree and the unincorporated Big Bear area — but only in the county's Mountain and Desert regions, and every unit needs a Short-Term Residential Rental Permit from Code Enforcement ($1,144 new application under the fee schedule effective July 1, 2025; renewed annually, $550 if nothing changes). The biggest restrictions are hard caps: a maximum of 12 overnight occupants per unit, no more than 2 STR permits per person, and only 1 permit per parcel under 2 acres (2 on parcels of 2+ acres); operating without a permit draws fines of $1,000 per violation per day. Always confirm current requirements with the county before operating.

What’s required: a Short-Term Residential Rental Permit ($1,144) is required; occupancy taxes apply; renew annual.