Ridgecrest's Short-Term Rentals: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles short-term rentals a little differently. In Ridgecrest, California, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Short-Term Rental Parking Rules

Ridgecrest has no dedicated short-term rental parking ordinance. STR guests use the same on-site parking and on-street parking rules that apply to any single-family residence in the city, governed by the Ridgecrest Municipal Code traffic and parking chapters and the city's zoning code.

Key details: STR-Specific Parking Cap: None - general zoning rules apply. Single-Family Baseline: Typically 2 off-street spaces. On-Street Storage Limit: 72 hours. Lawn / Unpaved Parking: Prohibited in residential zones. Hydrant / Driveway Block: Prohibited - tow-away.

Blocking sidewalks, driveways, hydrants, or alley access; parking on lawns or unpaved yards; or leaving guest vehicles, RVs, or trailers on a public street more than 72 hours can trigger parking citations and tow-away enforcement under Chapter 86 of the Ridgecrest Municipal Code.

Occupancy Limits

Ridgecrest has not adopted a dedicated short-term rental ordinance, so STRs are not subject to a city-specific guest cap. Maximum occupancy at a Ridgecrest vacation rental is governed by the California Building Code and Fire Code as adopted by the city, plus any HOA or platform-imposed limits.

Key details: STR-Specific Occupancy Cap: None published by city. Governing Code: California Building & Fire Code as adopted. Common Industry Rule: 2 adults per bedroom + 2 (not city law). Gathering Enforcement: Ridgecrest PD - general nuisance + PC 415. TOT Required: Yes, stays of 30 days or less.

Exceeding California Building Code occupancy for sleeping rooms, blocking exits, or hosting a gathering that disturbs neighbors can trigger Building Division correction notices, Fire Marshal action, and Ridgecrest Police response under the general nuisance code and California Penal Code 415.

Ridgecrest is more permissive than most cities when it comes to occupancy limits. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

Ridgecrest's short-term rentals rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Ridgecrest is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Ridgecrest can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.