The City of Big Bear Lake is seeking feedback from stakeholders on the City’s Vacation Rental Ordinance. Through three workshops and a website page, the community and stakeholders will have ample opportunities to ask questions, and share their concerns and ideas regarding the Vacation Rental Ordinance. With the input, the City’s goal is to create a pleasant environment for community members and visitors.
The email address is no longer being monitored. For Code Compliance and Vacation Rental concerns/complaints, please continue to utilize the City’s Report a Concern Platform. Should you wish to submit feedback and revisions for consideration regarding the current Vacation Rental Ordinance, please contact your Council representative. Further information can be found on the City’s website at www.citybigbearlake.com.
Community Workshops
There will be three community workshops–one virtual and two in-person. The virtual workshop will be more focused on providing information to the community and background on the Vacation Rental Ordinance. The in-person workshops will include informational background as well as a chance for community members and stakeholders to share their thoughts and collaborate in discussion.
This website will be updated with the recordings from the workshop to provide additional resources to the community and to ensure transparency.
Schedule:
Monday, July 31, 2023 (Virtual) - Focus on Background and Answering Questions
- Time: 6 p.m.–8 p.m.
- 7/31/2023 Virtual Workshop Presentation
Saturday, August 5, 2023 (In-Person) - Focus on Collaboration and Resident Feedback
- Time: 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
- Location: City Hall, Hofert Hall, 39707 Big Bear Boulevard, Big Bear, CA
Tuesday, August 8, 2023 (In-Person) - Focus on Collaboration and Resident Feedback
- Time: 6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
- Location: City Hall, Hofert Hall, 39707 Big Bear Boulevard, Big Bear, CA
History of Big Bear Lake's Vacation Rental Ordinance (VRO)
Throughout its history, Big Bear Lake has taken significant steps to address the impact of vacation rentals on the community. These ordinances reflect the City’s ongoing efforts to balance the benefits of vacation rentals with the preservation of residential neighborhoods and community welfare. Below is a concise overview of the ordinances as they progressed throughout the years:
April 1990 - Ordinance 90-187
- Introduced to begin the regulation of short-term rentals - a dwelling unit rented for periods less than 30 days. Rentals became a community concern with causing increased traffic noise, and density within neighborhoods.
- Requirements:
- Obtain a city business license
- Home equipped with a rental identification sign
- Off street parking
- Compliant with fire, building, safety and health codes
- Owner responsible for payment of violations
- Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)
August 1999 - Ordinance 99-300
- Incorporated additional measures to safeguard neighborhood character and protect visitors.
- Requirements:
- Register rental with City
- Qualified inspector to inspect house prior to renting, then annually thereafter
- Additional information added to outdoor signage
- Posted notice of maximum number of occupants and vehicles, as well as 24-hour service line contact information
- Maximum occupancy is one person per 200 sq. feet and no more than 16 people
December 2007 - Ordinance 2007-375
- City further strengthened the enforcement of regulations and emphasized the importance of maintaining the community’s quality of life.
- Requirements:
- Development Code Amendment - maintain the integrity, safety, and attractiveness of residential neighborhoods
- 24 hour call service for complaints
- In-person registration
- If owner lives more than 15 miles away, a local management company is required
- Parking passes
- Violations enforced for Management Companies
- First violation - warning
- Second violation at same property location within 12 months time - $250 fine
- Third violation at same property location within 12 months time - $500 fine
- More than three violations no matter the property location, management company’s license is revoked and a $500 fine
- Violations enforced for Occupants/Visitors
- First violation - verbal warning
- Second violation at same property within 12 months time - $250 fine
- Third violation at same property location within 12 months time - $500 fine
January 2021 - Ordinance 2021-488 (Urgency Ordinance)
- The City implemented an Urgency Ordinance to manage the surge in tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing issues related to occupancy, parking, and disturbances.
- Requirements:
- Occupancy not to exceed two adults per bedroom or one person per 200 sq. feet, or 16 people, whichever is less
- Owner must respond within 30 minutes to complaint notice
- Any activity disturbing the peace between 10 p.m.–7 a.m. is prohibited
- Amplified noise restrictions
- Increased fines for violations
- $2,500 and owner’s license revoked for property owners advertising without permit/license number
- Administrative Fine for the first citation of any person who operates a vacation rental property without a license shall be in the amount of $5,000
August 2021 - Ordinance 2021-495
- Most current ordinance was introduced to include further regulation and code to replace the Urgency Ordinance implemented in January 2021.
- Requirements:
- For those with existing rental units at the time of the ordinance adoption, off street paved parking must be made available by 2026
- New rental units can not be permitted without paved parking being provided
- Apply annually through City for license
- Any one owner cannot hold more than two licenses
- Hosting platforms responsible for collecting all TOT and remitting to the City
- A signed copy of the City’s Good Neighbor Policy needs to be available upon request
- Eligibility of certain dwellings prohibited
Other Helpful Links & Documents
- Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Reports
- Compliance Report Summaries
- Press Release - Vacation Rental Community Workshops
