Joshua Tree Short-Term Rental Regulations

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Permit & Licensing

Short-Term Residential Rental Unit Permit

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

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

Insurance

Joshua Tree does not require short-term rental operators to carry specific insurance. Standard homeowner policies often exclude short-term rental activity, so many hosts obtain dedicated short-term rental or landlord liability coverage.

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:

1. 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).
2. Apply for Short-Term Residential Rental Unit Permit. Submit application + $885 fee.
3. Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with San Bernardino County.
4. Collect and remit taxes. 7% on all bookings.
5. Renew as required. $885 renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Joshua Tree?

Yes. Operating a short-term rental — including an Airbnb or Vrbo — in Joshua Tree requires a Short-Term Residential Rental Unit Permit.

How much does a short-term rental permit cost in Joshua Tree?

A Short-Term Residential Rental Unit Permit in Joshua Tree costs $885.

Does Joshua Tree require a short-term rental to be your primary residence?

No. Joshua Tree allows non-owner-occupied short-term rentals, so investment properties can qualify provided you hold the required permit.

How many days a year can you short-term rent in Joshua Tree?

Joshua Tree does not cap the number of nights per year you can short-term rent, though permitting, zoning, and occupancy rules still apply.

What taxes do you pay on a short-term rental in Joshua Tree?

Short-term rental stays in Joshua Tree are subject to a 7% San Bernardino County Uniform Transient Occupancy Tax. The host is responsible for collecting and remitting it.

What happens if you run a short-term rental without a permit in Joshua Tree?

Operating without a permit can cost up to $5,000 (3rd+ conviction).