7 Step Guide to Big Bear Lake Short-Term Rental Regulations
1. City Overview: Short-Term Rental Landscape
Big Bear Lake, California, enforces strict short-term rental (STR) regulations to balance the tourism economy with community stability. STRs must comply with zoning, licensing, and tax obligations. Operators are required to obtain permits and adhere to city-mandated operational rules to ensure compliance.
For the most up-to-date short-term rental data, including occupancy rates, average daily rates, and revenue trends, visit the Chalet Market Dashboard.
2. Quick Facts
- Permit Required? Yes, a Vacation Rental License is required.
- Zoning Restrictions? STRs are only allowed in designated residential and commercial zones.
- Maximum Occupancy: Limited based on unit size and city-mandated guidelines.
- Tax Requirements: STR operators must collect and remit city and state lodging taxes (15.25%)
- Renewal Frequency: Annual renewal required for the Vacation Rental License.
- Registration Fees:
- Initial Vacation Rental License: $550
- Annual Renewal Fee: $325
- Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Registration: No additional cost
- Insurance Required? Strongly recommended for liability protection.
- Enforcement Level: Active enforcement, including fines for non-compliance.
3. Getting Started with STRs in Big Bear Lake (Step-by-Step Guide)
Step 1: Verify Zoning Compliance
Before applying for a Vacation Rental License, property owners must confirm that their rental is located in an eligible zoning district.
- Check Zoning Maps: STRs are only allowed in designated zoning districts. Zoning Map is available here.
- Where to Verify Zoning: Big Bear Lake Planning Department
- Contact Big Bear Lake Planning Department:
- Phone: (909) 866-5831
- Email: planning@citybigbearlake.com
Step 2: Obtain a Vacation Rental License
All STR operators must obtain a Vacation Rental License from the City of Big Bear Lake before renting their property.
- Permit Fees:
- Initial Application: $550
- Annual Renewal: $325
- Required Documents:
- Proof of property ownership
- Floor plan indicating guest areas
- Local contact information for 24/7 complaint resolution
- Proof of compliance with parking and occupancy limits
Where to Apply:
- Big Bear Lake STR Licensing Portal: Vacation Rental Licensing
Step 3: Register for Tax Collection & Payment
STR hosts must collect and remit applicable local and state lodging taxes.
- Tax Registration Required With:
- Big Bear Lake Finance Department
- California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA)
- Tax Rates:
- California State Sales Tax: 7.25%
- Big Bear Lake Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): 8%
- Total Lodging Tax Rate: 15.25%
- Filing and Payment Deadlines:
- Taxes must be reported and paid quarterly.
- Payments are due by the last day of the month following the quarter’s end.
Where to Register and Pay Taxes:
- Big Bear Lake Finance Department:
- Website: Big Bear Lake Tax Portal
- Phone: (909) 866-5831
- Email: finance@citybigbearlake.com
- California Department of Tax and Fee Administration:
- Website: CDTFA
- Phone: (800) 400-7115
Failure to collect, report, and remit taxes can result in fines and penalties. Hosts are encouraged to maintain accurate records and consult a tax professional if needed.
