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

Because the City of Redlands has not adopted a short-term-rental ordinance, there is no STR-specific occupancy formula such as 'two guests per bedroom plus two' that some cities adopt. Several third-party STR 'guides' assert that Redlands sets occupancy limits based on the number of bedrooms, but those statements cite no Redlands code section and are not supported by the City's Municipal Code, which contains no STR occupancy provision. Where occupancy is regulated at all for a Redlands dwelling, it is through generally applicable law: the California Building Code and California Residential Code limit how many occupants a structure can safely house based on room sizes, egress and habitable area (for example, minimum square footage per occupant), and these apply to any dwelling regardless of rental term. The City's zoning code defines dwelling units and household occupancy for residential districts, and the City regulates single-room-occupancy facilities separately (Municipal Code Chapter 18.156, Article XV) - but the SRO article expressly does not apply to short-term rentals and does not create an STR occupancy cap. On lots created under SB 9, the City restricts the number of dwelling units (generally up to two primary units, with limited exceptions) under Section 18.156.1330, but that is a unit-count standard for the lot, not a guest-occupancy limit for a rental. In short, a Redlands STR's lawful occupancy is set by building-safety and general housing standards, not by a City STR rule. Operators should confirm safe occupancy with the Building Division and any HOA limits that may apply.