This guide covers Sugarloaf, CA (unincorporated San Bernardino County). Nearby markets with different STR rules include:
- Big Bear Lake: An incorporated city with its own strict STR ordinance and permit system.
- Big Bear City: Unincorporated, governed by San Bernardino County STR rules, but often confused with the city.
- Fawnskin: Another unincorporated area under county rules, frequently grouped with Sugarloaf in STR discussions.
- Moonridge: A neighborhood in unincorporated county, sometimes mistaken for being inside Big Bear Lake city limits.
Legality Verdict
Short-term rentals are legal in Sugarloaf, CA, under San Bernardino County’s STR ordinance. County permit and tax registration are mandatory, with aggressive enforcement and significant fines for violations. No city-level restrictions or caps apply.
- Legality Status: 4/5
- License Availability: 4/5
- Compliance Cost (% revenue): 4/5
- Regulatory Stability: 4/5
- Enforcement Climate: 2/5
TL;DR
Sugarloaf, CA is governed by San Bernardino County’s STR rules: a county permit is required ($667 initial, $600 annual renewal), and a 7% county Transient Occupancy Tax applies—no city tax or cap. No primary residence or density rules are codified. Enforcement is aggressive, with fines up to $5,000 for repeat violations. The biggest gotcha: county-level enforcement is strict and fines are steep.
Quick Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| STR Definition | Rental of a dwelling for 30 days or less; county rules apply Wikipedia: Sugarloaf, California |
| Registration Required | Yes, San Bernardino County STR permit RedAwning |
| Permit Cost | $667 initial application RedAwning |
| Annual Renewal | $600 per year RedAwning |
| Total Effective Lodging Tax | 7% (San Bernardino County TOT only) San Bernardino County Code |
| State Sales Tax | Not generally applied to STRs FreshRelief |
| State Accommodations Tax | None STR Rule Watch |
| Local Accommodations Tax | None (no city tax) San Bernardino County Code |
| TOT Registration Certificate | Required; file quarterly Airbnb Help Center |
| License Cap | Not codified — no cap in county rules GoWithSurge |
| Permitted Zones | Not codified — county zoning applies Avalara |
| Prohibited Zones | Not codified — county zoning applies Avalara |
| Occupancy Cap | Not codified — county rules apply Avalara |
| Parking Requirement | Not codified — county rules apply Avalara |
| Primary Residence Rule | Not codified — county rules apply Avalara |
| HOA/Condo Override | Not codified — private HOAs may restrict Avalara |
| Local Contact Requirement | Not codified — county rules apply Avalara |
| Inspection Requirement | Not codified — county rules apply Avalara |
| Density Limits | Not codified — county rules apply Avalara |
| Transferability | Not codified — county rules apply GoWithSurge |
| Enforcement Penalties | $1,500–$5,000 per violation Rent Bumper |
| Last Updated | July 15, 2026 |
Regulatory Impact Snapshot
San Bernardino County’s STR regime in Sugarloaf requires a county permit ($667 initial, $600 annual renewal) and imposes a 7% Transient Occupancy Tax on gross rental revenue. There are no city-level taxes or caps, but enforcement is strict and fines are substantial. Underwriters should model compliance costs at 9.7% of gross revenue, with median Sugarloaf, CA STRs earning $28,800 at an average daily rate of $217 and 25% occupancy. The binding constraint is the aggressive county enforcement and high penalty schedule. Run this market in our Airbnb Calculator →
