Short-Term Rentals in Bishop, CA (2026)

10 verified short-term rentals rules for Bishop, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Permit Requirements

Yes. Operating an STR inside Bishop city limits requires a Short-Term Rental Permit under Municipal Code Chapter 17.74, plus a City business license. Permits are valid one year and renew annually.

Bishop Requires a Short-Term Rental Permit

Some Restrictions

Bishop Municipal Code Ch. 17.74

To operate a short-term rental (STR) within the City of Bishop, a permit is required under Bishop Municipal Code Chapter 17.74. A short-term rental permit is valid for one year from the date of issuance.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Noise Rules

Bishop's STR ordinance does not set STR-specific quiet hours. Hosts must ensure the property does not become a nuisance, and the general Municipal Code noise/nuisance rules apply to guests.

STR Hosts Must Prevent Nuisance in Bishop

Some Restrictions

Bishop Municipal Code Ch. 17.74

The host is responsible for ensuring that the property does not become a nuisance.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Taxes & Fees

Hosts collect and remit Bishop's 12% Transient Occupancy Tax monthly under Municipal Code Chapter 3.20, plus monthly Bishop Tourism Improvement District (BTID) fees, a business-license tax, and the $150 permit fee.

Bishop STR Taxes: 12% TOT Plus Tourism Fees

Some Restrictions

Bishop Municipal Code Ch. 3.20 (Transient Occupancy Tax)

For the privilege of occupancy in any hotel, each transient is subject to and shall pay a tax in the amount of 12 percent of the rent charged by the operator.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Parking Rules

Bishop requires adequate on-site parking for all STR lodgers. On-street parking does not count toward the requirement, and the application site plan must show the off-street spaces.

On-Site Parking Required for Bishop STRs

Some Restrictions

Bishop Municipal Code Ch. 17.74

Adequate on-site parking for lodgers must be provided. On-street parking does not qualify as on-site parking for guests.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Occupancy Limits

Bishop caps STR occupancy at two overnight lodgers per bedroom. Minor children accompanied by an adult are not counted, and renting to unaccompanied minors under 18 is prohibited.

Two Overnight Lodgers Per Bedroom in Bishop

Some Restrictions

Bishop Municipal Code Ch. 17.74

A maximum of two overnight lodgers per bedroom is allowed. This limit does not include minor children accompanied by an adult. Rental to unaccompanied minors under 18 is prohibited.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Insurance Requirements

The City of Bishop's STR ordinance does not require hosts to carry a specific liability-insurance policy. It does require working smoke alarms, carbon-monoxide detectors, and compliance with all safety codes.

No STR Liability Insurance Mandate in Bishop City

Some Restrictions

Bishop STR Application (BMC Ch. 17.74)

I certify the above information is accurate, that the residence meets all current building and safety codes, and that all required smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Night Caps

Bishop's STR ordinance does not impose an annual cap on rental nights. STRs are stays of 30 days or less at the owner's primary residence; there is no published limit on total nights per year.

Bishop Sets No Annual Night Cap on STRs

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Registration Rules

Register by filing a Short-Term Rental application at City Hall with a $150 fee, site plan, proof of primary residency, and any HOA letter. Neighbors within 300 feet get 30 days to comment before approval.

STR Application, Documents, and Neighbor Notice

Some Restrictions

Bishop STR Application (BMC Ch. 17.74)

Please note all properties within 300 feet of the property will be notified of your intent to operate a short-term rental and provided 30 days to comment on the proposal.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Host Presence Rule

Bishop ties STRs to the owner's primary residence and requires the application to name the owner, host, and a 24-hour emergency contact so a responsible person can respond to problems.

Local Contact and Owner-Occupancy in Bishop

Some Restrictions

Bishop STR Application (BMC Ch. 17.74)

Property Owner's Phone Number (please provide the number best to contact you at in case of emergency); Short-term Rental Host's Name and Phone Number; Emergency Contact's Name and Phone Number.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Primary-Residence-Only Rule

Yes. Bishop allows STRs only at the property owner's primary residence, and applicants must submit proof of residency. Investor whole-home rentals at non-primary properties are not permitted.

Bishop STRs Must Be the Owner's Primary Residence

Some Restrictions

Bishop Municipal Code Ch. 17.74

Primary Residence: The rental property must be the owner's primary residence. Only one dwelling unit per property may be used for STR, regardless of how many units are on the property.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Looking for Inyo County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Bishop city rules.

Short-Term Rentals in Inyo County →