Registration Rules: Chino vs Hesperia
How do registration rules rules compare between Chino, CA and Hesperia, CA?
Hesperia has fewer restrictions than Chino.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
Chino has no STR registration, TOT certificate, or business license program because short-term rentals are banned outright by Title 20 zoning (CMC §20.24.020 defines STRs as <31-day residential rentals; no zoning district permits the use). Hosts cannot 'register and comply' — the only compliance path is not to operate. By contrast, neighboring jurisdictions (e.g., unincorporated San Bernardino County, City of Big Bear Lake) require registration; Chino does not. Hosts who previously held a city business license tied to vacation-rental activity have had those classifications closed.
View full Chino rules →Hesperia, CA
San Bernardino County
STR registration in Hesperia is handled through the Transient Occupancy Tax registration process under HMC §3.10.040 and a general city business license under Title 5, rather than a dedicated STR registry. Operators file with the Finance Division before renting, and must keep TOT exemption documentation (for 30+ day stays) on file for at least three years per HMC §3.10.030.
View full Hesperia rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Hesperia |
|---|---|---|
| STR registration program? | None — STR use is prohibited | - |
| TOT for residential STR? | Not collected — use is not legal | - |
| Code basis | CMC §20.24.020 + Title 20 Zoning prohibition | - |
| Hotel/motel TOT | Still applies to licensed lodging establishments (separate Title 5 framework) | - |
| Registration Authority | - | Hesperia Finance Division (HMC §3.10.040) |
| TOT Certificate | - | Required before lodging operations begin |
| Record Retention | - | 3 years for exemption forms (HMC §3.10.030) |
| STR Cap or Registry | - | None published |
| Business License | - | Required (Title 5) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
Do I need to register if I only rent to family or for a wedding weekend?
A residential rental of fewer than 31 days is an STR by CMC §20.24.020 regardless of guest relationship. Bona-fide guests staying without compensation are not 'renting' and are not regulated.
Does paying TOT make it legal?
No. Tax remittance does not override the Zoning Code. The use itself is prohibited.
Hesperia FAQ
How do I register my Hesperia STR?
Contact the city Finance Division at (760) 947-1906 to obtain a Transient Occupancy Registration Certificate under HMC §3.10.040, and apply for a Title 5 business license through Development Services.
Is there a city-issued STR permit number I have to post on listings?
Hesperia has no published STR-specific permit number or display requirement. State law (Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §22592) may require platform-side displays, but Hesperia's code does not impose one.
How long must I keep records?
HMC §3.10.030 requires operators to keep completed exemption forms and supporting documentation on file for at least three years, subject to audit by the city.
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