Lake Arrowhead Short-Term Rental Regulations

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Permit & Licensing

Short-Term Residential Rental (STR) Permit

This permit type does not require primary residence. Zoning restriction: STRs are permitted only in the Mountain and Desert Regions of unincorporated San Bernardino County, in zones where allowed under Division 2 (Land Use Zoning Districts); an individual apartment within a multi-family residential project is not eligible for an STR permit.

Application Process

Apply online via the EZ Online Permitting (EZOP) portal. Staff review for completeness takes about 1 week and an exterior property inspection is required before approval. Surrounding property owners get a 20-day comment period after the application notice, then a 30-day appeal period after the permit issuance notice before the permit becomes effective.

Tax Obligations

Combined rate: 7% of gross rental income.

Collection: Hosting platforms that collect payment for the rental must collect and remit the TOT to the County Tax Collector as the STR owner's agent; if the platform does not collect payment, the STR owner must self-remit the TOT directly to the Tax Collector.

Filing: Quarterly (or another period set by the Tax Collector); the return is due on or before the last day of the month following the close of the calendar quarter.

Rental Limits

Lake Arrowhead does not impose an annual cap on the number of nights you can rent. Each individual stay must be 30 consecutive calendar days or fewer per stay.

Occupancy & Density Limits

Based on bedroom count: studio/1BR = 4, 2BR = 6, 3BR = 8, 4BR = 10, 5BR = 12 occupants; overall cap of 12 occupants regardless of bedroom count; also limited by on-site parking capacity.

Zoning & Restrictions

Short-Term Residential Rental (STR) Permit: STRs are permitted only in the Mountain and Desert Regions of unincorporated San Bernardino County, in zones where allowed under Division 2 (Land Use Zoning Districts); an individual apartment within a multi-family residential project is not eligible for an STR permit

Insurance & Safety

Insurance

Lake Arrowhead 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 California Fire Code, California Building Code, and National Fire Protection Association standards required at permit issuance and thereafter
• Solid fuel burning outdoor fireplaces, chimineas, barbeques, and fire pits prohibited in the Mountain Region
• Interior and exterior of the STR must be kept free of hazardous conditions at all times
• Spas/hot tubs must be covered and locked when not in use
• Exit/emergency evacuation map must be posted inside the unit
• Utility service connection locations and shutoff instructions must be posted inside the unit

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Maximum penalty: $1,000 per violation.

Platform Requirements

• Hosting platform must collect and remit the Uniform Transient Occupancy Tax to the County if it collects payment for the rental (acting as the STR owner's agent)
• If the hosting platform does not collect payment, the STR owner remains solely responsible for TOT collection and remittance
• Upon County request, the hosting platform must disclose the address, responsible person's name, length of stay, and price paid for each STR listing
• Hosting platform must display the County STR permit number for any STR listing
• Hosting platform is subject to County administrative subpoena for STR listing information

Compliance Checklist

Follow these steps to legally operate a short-term rental in Lake Arrowhead:

1. Meet safety requirements. Compliance with California Fire Code, California Building Code, and National Fire Protection Association standards required at permit issuance and thereafter. Solid fuel burning outdoor fireplaces, chimineas, barbeques, and fire pits prohibited in the Mountain Region. Interior and exterior of the STR must be kept free of hazardous conditions at all times. Spas/hot tubs must be covered and locked when not in use. Exit/emergency evacuation map must be posted inside the unit. Utility service connection locations and shutoff instructions must be posted inside the unit.
2. Apply for Short-Term Residential Rental (STR) Permit. Submit application + $1,135 fee.
3. Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with San Bernardino County Tax Collector.
4. Display your permit number. Include your permit/license number in all listings and advertisements.
5. Collect and remit taxes. 7% on all bookings.
6. Renew annually. $550-$1,135 renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Lake Arrowhead?

Yes. Operating a short-term rental — including an Airbnb or Vrbo — in Lake Arrowhead requires a Short-Term Residential Rental (STR) Permit.

Are there major restrictions on short-term rentals in Lake Arrowhead?

Yes — STRs are permitted only in the Mountain and Desert Regions of unincorporated San Bernardino County, in zones where allowed under Division 2 (Land Use… Review the full rules above before listing.

How much does a short-term rental permit cost in Lake Arrowhead?

A Short-Term Residential Rental (STR) Permit in Lake Arrowhead costs $1,135 per year.

Does Lake Arrowhead require a short-term rental to be your primary residence?

No. Lake Arrowhead 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 Lake Arrowhead?

Lake Arrowhead 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 Lake Arrowhead?

Short-term rental stays in Lake Arrowhead are subject to a 7% Uniform Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). The host is responsible for collecting and remitting it.

What happens if you run a short-term rental without a permit in Lake Arrowhead?

Operating without a permit can cost up to $1,000.