Can I Use My Vacation Home as a Short-Term Rental?

By Theresa Grant, Real Estate Broker | Team Owner | Theresa Grant & Associates Real Estate Partners

Great question—and one I’m asked weekly in Lake Arrowhead, Crestline, Running Springs, and the Big Bear Valley. The short answer: usually yes, with the right permit(s), taxes, and operating rules—your exact steps depend on whether your home is inside the City of Big Bear Lake or in unincorporated San Bernardino County.

Snippet Answer: Most mountain homes can be rented for 30 days or fewer if you secure the proper STR license, collect and remit lodging taxes, and follow occupancy, parking, noise, and safety standards. Rules differ between City of Big Bear Lake and San Bernardino County.

Step 1: Confirm Your Jurisdiction

• City of Big Bear Lake (92315): Register with the City’s Vacation Rental Program, pass inspection, and comply with city-specific occupancy, parking, and response-time rules.

• Unincorporated communities (e.g., Lake Arrowhead, Crestline, Running Springs, Big Bear City, Fawnskin): Apply for a Short-Term Residential Rental (STR) permit through San Bernardino County before advertising or booking.

Step 2: Know the Core Rules (Highlights)

• Occupancy & Parking: Capped by permit; off-street parking must be available and kept clear in winter.

• Good Neighbor standards: Quiet hours, trash handling, and no commercial events (like weddings) without approvals.

• Local contact: A responsible party must be reachable to resolve issues quickly.

• Safety basics: Working smoke/CO alarms, fire extinguisher, posted rules, and emergency info.

Step 3: Taxes & Renewals

• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): Register, collect from guests, and remit on schedule (plus TBID where applicable).

• Annual renewal/inspections: Keep permits current and properties compliant to avoid fines or suspension.

Get Started (County Owners)

If your property is in unincorporated San Bernardino County, the best first step is to review the County’s official STR requirements and apply online. Visit str.sbcounty.gov for permits, program rules, fee schedules, and contact information.

Not sure if your home is inside the City of Big Bear Lake or in the County? I’ll confirm your jurisdiction, outline your exact steps, and help you price for seasonality so you launch legally and profitably.

Final Takeaway: STRs can be a smart way to offset ownership costs—if you set them up correctly. As a long-time mountain broker, I help owners navigate permits, winter operations, guest policies, and revenue strategy specific to our neighborhoods and HOAs.

Theresa Grant is a Real Estate Broker in the San Bernardino Mountain Communities and the Real Estate Columnist for the Alpine Mountaineer Newspaper. She can be reached at (909) 442-1345.

Theresa Grant & Associates Real Estate Partners | 27177 CA-Hwy 189, Suite D, Blue Jay CA 92317
www.HomesInLakeArrowhead.com | www.CaliforniaMountainHomes.com | www.MoveMeToTheMountains.com | Theresa@HomesInLakeArrowhead.com | @TheresaGrantRealtor on Instagram & YouTube