How San Bernardino Handles Short-Term Rentals: A Practical Guide
San Bernardino maintains 115 local ordinances across all categories, and 8 of those deal specifically with short-term rentals. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where San Bernardino falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Night Caps
San Bernardino caps non-owner-occupied STR nights through permit conditions. Hosted rentals generally have no cap. Whole-home non-hosted rentals carry an annual night cap, often 90 to 180 nights per year.
Key details: Hosted: Generally no cap. Whole Home: Typically 90-180 nights per year. 30 Plus Days: Not counted. Log Required: Every booking. Violation: Permit suspension.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
This is one of the stricter rules in San Bernardino's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Registration Rules
San Bernardino STR registration requires an application, proof of ownership, safety self-certification, 24-hour local contact, insurance, business license, and TOT registration. Processing takes about 30 days.
Key details: Core Documents: Deed, plan, insurance, license. Review Agencies: Finance, Planning, Fire. Processing Time: Around 30 days. Permit Number: Must appear in listings. Renewal: Annual.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Compared to other cities, San Bernardino takes a harder line on registration rules. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
Occupancy Limits
San Bernardino STRs are capped at two guests per bedroom plus two additional, with a hard cap on each permit. Parties that exceed the overnight count are prohibited and can trigger immediate permit suspension.
Key details: Formula: 2 per bedroom plus 2. Parties: Prohibited without event permit. Daytime Guests: Up to 2x overnight cap. Infants: Usually not counted. Violation: Immediate suspension possible.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Compared to other cities, San Bernardino takes a harder line on occupancy limits. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
Insurance Requirements
San Bernardino STR permits require proof of liability insurance of at least 500,000 dollars per occurrence. Standard HO-3 policies exclude STR use, so operators carry an STR endorsement or commercial general liability.
Key details: Minimum Liability: 500,000 dollars per occurrence. Policy Type: STR or commercial GL endorsement. Platform Coverage: Secondary only. Additional Insured: City on request. Renewal Proof: Annual at registration.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
This is one of the stricter rules in San Bernardino's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Noise Rules
STRs in San Bernardino follow SBMC Chapter 8.54 quiet hours of 10 PM to 7 AM weekdays and 10 PM to 9 AM weekends. Hosts must inform guests, and repeated complaints can trigger permit suspension or revocation.
Key details: Weekday Quiet Hours: 10 PM to 7 AM. Weekend Quiet Hours: 10 PM to 9 AM. Daytime Limit: 55 dBA exterior. 3-Strike Rule: Permit review after 3 complaints. Code: SBMC Chapter 8.54.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Permit Requirements
San Bernardino STR operators must register with the city, collect TOT, and comply with Development Code Title 19. Permits renew annually and require a 24-hour local contact who can respond to complaints quickly.
Key details: Permit Type: STR Registration Required. Renewal: Annual. Local Contact: 24-hour, 1-hour response. Zoning: Development Code Title 19. Contact: (909) 384-5122.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Compared to other cities, San Bernardino takes a harder line on permit requirements. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
Taxes & Fees
San Bernardino charges a roughly 12 percent Transient Occupancy Tax on stays of 30 days or less. Operators file monthly with Finance. An annual STR fee plus inspection fee apply. Airbnb collects TOT at booking.
Key details: TOT Rate: About 12 percent. Filing: Monthly with Finance. Late Penalty: 10 percent plus interest. Platform Collection: Airbnb collects at booking. Record Retention: 4 years minimum.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
This is one of the stricter rules in San Bernardino's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Parking Rules
San Bernardino STRs must provide one off-street space per bedroom, minimum two. Guests cannot block driveways, alleys, or fire lanes. Street parking follows the citywide 72-hour move rule and posted restrictions.
Key details: Off-Street Spaces: 1 per bedroom, 2 minimum. Tandem OK: Yes, in paved driveway. Street Limit: 72 hours, movement required. RV Storage: Screening required. Tow Authority: CVC 22651.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The Bottom Line
San Bernardino is tougher than many cities when it comes to short-term rentals. Out of the 8 rules covered here, 6 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in San Bernardino, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.
All of the above reflects San Bernardino's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.