Short-Term Rental Laws in Big Bear Lake, California

Big Bear Lake operates a STR registration + cap framework: STRs require city permit, designated 24/7 local contact, parking plan, and life-safety inspection. The city has implemented density caps in specific residential overlay zones to manage neighborhood impact. Unincorporated San Bernardino County areas around Big Bear (Sugarloaf, Erwin Lake, Moonridge) operate under a separate county STR certificate program. Most Big Bear inventory is in HOA-governed communities — HOA covenants stack on top of city/county rules.

STR allowed in most residential zones (R-1, R-2, R-3, RC) and commercial zones with city permit. Density caps apply in specific residential overlay zones. Unincorporated areas (Sugarloaf, Moonridge, Erwin Lake) under San Bernardino County jurisdiction — confirm whether parcel is in Big Bear Lake city vs unincorporated county. HOA covenants (most Big Bear properties are in HOAs) can override permissive city rules — verify HOA STR allowance before any acquisition.

Operators must hold a short-term rental permit before listing. See the official permit portal.

Big Bear Lake Community Development + Police Department jointly enforce. Annual permit renewal with safety re-certification + insurance verification. Operating without permit: $1,000+ first violation + cease-rental order + back-TOT assessment. San Bernardino County (unincorporated) operates a parallel certificate program with similar safety standards but separate enforcement. Both jurisdictions actively cross-check Airbnb/Vrbo listings against permit registries.

Combined short-term lodging tax in Big Bear Lake is approximately 10.000% of gross nightly revenue (state sales + state TRT + local TRT + applicable resort/city options).

California State (lodging exempt) + San Bernardino County 7% + Big Bear Lake city TOT 3% — combined ~10% on transient lodging

Verify the current combined rate via the Utah State Tax Commission before remitting — rates drift quarterly.