Apple Valley, CA Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)

Apple Valley sets a specific occupancy cap for short-term rentals in Section 8.34.080(c) of the Municipal Code (adopted by Ord. No. 561 in 2023). The rule reads: 'Occupancy for any short-term rental is limited to two occupants per bedroom, as defined in the California Building Code. An additional two occupants are allowed in short-term rentals that provide a separate living space.' Critically, the bedroom-based count is also bounded by parking: 'In no instance can a short-term rental provide a total occupancy that is greater than the capacity of the number of vehicles which can be accommodated by the off-street parking requirements of subsection (d).' Subsection (d) treats vehicle capacity as four individuals per vehicle, so the practical maximum guest count is whichever is lower - the bedroom calculation or the parking-based calculation. For example, a three-bedroom STR would allow up to six occupants (plus two more if it has a qualifying separate living space), but only if the off-street parking provided supports that headcount. This is a Town-specific standard tied to the California Building Code's bedroom definition; California has no statewide STR occupancy cap, so the Town's two-per-bedroom rule, constrained by parking, controls inside Apple Valley.