San Bernardino County, CA Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)

Development Code Chapter 84.28 sets maximum occupancy for short-term rentals in unincorporated San Bernardino County at two persons per bedroom plus two additional persons, not counting children under a specified age. The specific cap for each property is written into the STR permit based on bedroom count, septic system capacity, and parking availability, and it must be posted inside the unit on a mandatory guest information placard. Daytime visitor limits are also imposed to prevent large gatherings at permitted single-family rentals; typically total persons on site at any time during the day may not exceed 150 percent of overnight occupancy, and events such as weddings, receptions, or commercial filming are prohibited unless separately permitted. These caps are particularly important in Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead, and Joshua Tree, where tourist demand pushes operators to maximize capacity. Septic-reliant rentals in desert and mountain communities have occupancy limits further constrained by the septic permit from Environmental Health Services. Violations are a leading ground for complaints from neighbors and for permit revocation.