Joshua Tree Short-Term Rental Regulations
| Permit | ✓ Required — Short-Term Residential Rental Unit Permit ($885) |
| Primary Residence | Not required |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit |
| Tax Rate | 7% |
| Max Penalty | $5,000 (3rd+ conviction) per violation |
| Insurance | Not required |
New to short-term rentals? Jump to the compliance checklist →
Permit & Licensing
Short-Term Residential Rental Unit Permit
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial cost | $885 |
| Renewal | $885 / 2 years |
This permit type does not require primary residence.
Application Process
Apply through San Bernardino County Code Enforcement. Provide property owner name, contact info, address, APN, total and habitable square footage, managing agent info with 24-hour phone number, and pay inspection fee. Permit renewed biennially.
Tax Obligations
| Tax | Rate | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Tax breakdown not available. See combined rate below. | ||
Combined rate: 7% of gross rental income.
Collection: Collected by hosting platform
Rental Limits
Joshua Tree does not impose an annual cap on the number of nights you can rent.
Occupancy & Density Limits
Tiered by property size: under 800 sq ft max 6; under 1,200 sq ft max 8; parcels under 1/4 acre max 10; under 1/2 acre max 12; 1/2 to 1 acre max 15; over 1 acre max 20. Min 70 sq ft per person, 50 sq ft each additional.
Zoning & Restrictions
Allowed only in Mountain and Desert Regions of San Bernardino County (unincorporated). Multi-family structures (apartments) not permitted. Maximum two dwelling units per parcel may hold individual permits.
Insurance & Safety
Safety & Operating Requirements
- Compliance with Fire, Building, Zoning, Health and Safety Codes. County permit must be posted inside unit with exit/emergency map. Spas/hot tubs must be covered and locked when not in use. Trash in approved containers (animal-proof in Mountain Region).
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Permit suspension or revocation for violations. Parking violations may result in towing without notice. No new application permitted within 12 months after revocation.
Platform Requirements
Hosting platforms are responsible for collecting all applicable uniform transient occupancy tax. Must disclose address, names, length of stay, and price paid for each listing when requested.
Compliance Checklist
Follow these steps to legally operate a short-term rental in Joshua Tree:
- Meet safety requirements. Compliance with Fire, Building, Zoning, Health and Safety Codes. County permit must be posted inside unit with exit/emergency map. Spas/hot tubs must be covered and locked when not in use. Trash in approved containers (animal-proof in Mountain Region).
- Apply for Short-Term Residential Rental Unit Permit. Submit application + $885 fee.
- Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with San Bernardino County.
- Collect and remit taxes. 7% on all bookings.
- Renew every 2 years. $885 renewal fee.
Official Sources
- Short-Term Rentals – San Bernardino County Code Enforcement
- Chapter 84.28: Short-Term Residential Rentals – San Bernardino County Code
- How much does a Short-Term Rental Permit cost? – Short-Term Rentals
- § 14.0203 Uniform Transient Occupancy Tax – San Bernardino County Code
- § 11.0206 Criminal Actions – San Bernardino County Code