Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Big Bear Lake?

**Yes**, Big Bear Lake requires a Short-Term Rental License per Chapter 5.44. You need to apply for this annual license, which involves rigorous safety inspections and compliance with guest limits. Operating without a valid permit may result in significant fines. Check Chapter 5.44 for details.

What is the TOT tax rate in Big Bear Lake?

**9%** is the combined Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) tax rate for short-term rentals in Big Bear Lake. You need to collect this tax from your guests and remit it quarterly to the city. Consult the city's finance department for specific filing procedures.

Are short-term rentals allowed in Big Bear Lake?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are allowed in Big Bear Lake, but they are regulated under Chapter 5.44. You need to obtain a short-term rental license and adhere to specific rules, including guest limits (2 per bedroom plus 2), safety inspections, and tax requirements. Owners are limited to two licenses total.

How much does an STR permit cost in Big Bear Lake?

**$665** is the current annual fee for a Short-Term Rental License in Big Bear Lake. This fee covers the cost of processing your application, conducting safety inspections, and ensuring compliance with local regulations. Keep your license current to avoid penalties and ensure legal operation, per Chapter 5.44.

Can renters host on Airbnb in Big Bear Lake?

**No**, renters are not permitted to host on Airbnb or other short-term rental platforms in Big Bear Lake. Only property owners with a valid Short-Term Rental License are authorized to operate vacation rentals. Renters are advised to check their lease agreements and local regulations before listing any property.

Big Bear Lake, CA STR Laws & Regulations

Gold Standard Verification

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Forensically verified with 3+ official sources

Verified: Jan 30, 2026

3 Official Sources

Summary

The City of Big Bear Lake regulates short-term rentals under Chapter 5.44, requiring an annual license, rigorous safety inspections, and a strict guest limit of 2 per bedroom plus 2. Owners are limited to 2 licenses total and must remit a 9% combined TOT and TBID tax quarterly.

Restriction Level

⛔

Strict

Score: 41 (moderate)

Why this classification:

•High permit fee: $665
•Limited to 2 properties per owner
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$665

Processing Time

30-60 days

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Maximum of 2 STR licenses per person/entity city-wide.
2.Guest limits are strictly 2 per bedroom + 2; infants under 3 don't count, but everyone else does.
3.In-person check-in or a 24/7 local contact who can respond within 15 minutes is required.
4.Fines for operating without a license start at $5,000.
5.Amplified music is prohibited outside at all times.
6.Outdoor spas/hot tubs cannot be used during quiet hours (10 PM - 7 AM).
7.You must provide a dedicated trash enclosure or use a commercial trash service; guests cannot leave trash out.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(12)

•Big Bear Lake: Amplified music is prohibited outside at all times.
•Big Bear Lake: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Big Bear Lake: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Big Bear Lake: You must provide a dedicated trash enclosure or use a commercial trash service; guests cannot leave trash out.

Requirements(19)

•Big Bear Lake STR warning: Maximum of 2 STR licenses per person/entity city-wide.

Application Process(11)

•Big Bear Lake STR permit - Step 1: Verify Zoning and Ownership. Ensure the property is within City limits (not unincorporated county) and that you do not already own more than 2 STRs in the city. Time: 1 day.
•Big Bear Lake, CA extended permit requirement: Annual renewal fee is approximately $333; Initial application fee is $665.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Big Bear Lake charges a registration fee of $665 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $333 (Annual renewal fee is approximately $333; Initial application fee is $665.).

Taxes(1)

•Big Bear Lake charges a Transient Occupancy Tax of 9%. This applies to stays under 28 days. Hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting this tax. Note: Big Bear Lake requires owners to remit directly; platforms do not typically remit the 1% TBID portion even if they collect base TOT.

Limits & Restrictions(8)

•Big Bear Lake: Maximum of 2 STR licenses per person/entity city-wide.
•Big Bear Lake limits stays to a maximum of 28 nights.
•Big Bear Lake limits STRs to a maximum of 16 guests. Formula: 2 guests per bedroom + 2 guests (total maximum 16)
•Big Bear Lake: Guest limits are strictly 2 per bedroom + 2; infants under 3 don't count, but everyone else does.
•Big Bear Lake requires a minimum stay of 2 nights.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Big Bear Lake requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Defensible space certificate, Working landline phone if cell service is poor, Exit maps in every bedroom.

Penalties(4)

•Big Bear Lake, CA: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Big Bear Lake: Fines for operating without a license start at $5,000.
•Big Bear Lake: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(3)

•Big Bear Lake: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•Big Bear Lake, CA: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Other California Markets

Los Angeles

California

Strict

The City of Los Angeles requires all short-term rental hosts to register for a Home-Sharing permit and only permits the rental of one's primary residence. Stays are capped at 120 days per year unless an Extended Home-Sharing permit is obtained, and rentals in RSO-regulated buildings or newer ADUs are strictly prohibited.

Permit requiredNight limitsPrimary residence

0.1% total tax

Mammoth Lakes

California

Moderate

Short-term rentals are heavily regulated in Mammoth Lakes and generally restricted to multi-family and resort zones (RMF-2, Resort, etc.). Hosts must obtain an STR Certificate and a Business Tax Certificate, and pay a total TOT rate of 13%. Stays of 31 days or longer are exempt from these regulations.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Anaheim

California

Prohibited

Short-term rentals in Anaheim are strictly limited to approximately 277 'pre-moratorium' operators who were grandfathered in 2019. The city currently prohibits the issuance of any new STR permits. Allowed operators must follow rigid 'Good Neighbor' policies, enforce a 3-night minimum stay, and pay a 15% Transient Occupancy Tax.

Permit required

15.0% total tax

Encinitas

California

Moderate

The City of Encinitas requires all short-term rental hosts to obtain an annual permit and pay a 10% Transient Occupancy Tax. Regulations include a 3-night minimum stay for most units and a strict cap on occupancy based on the number of bedrooms.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Big Bear Lake

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(12)

Requirements(19)

Application Process(11)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(1)

Limits & Restrictions(8)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(4)

Exemptions(3)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

Other California Markets

Los Angeles

Mammoth Lakes

Anaheim

Encinitas

Big Bear Lake

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Big Bear Lake?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Big Bear Lake?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Big Bear Lake?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Big Bear Lake?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Big Bear Lake?

Related Content

Other California Markets

Los Angeles

Mammoth Lakes

Anaheim

Encinitas