A quick search online will confirm what anyone looking for a home to rent already knows—that many property owners have converted their traditional rental properties into short term vacation rentals. And while the move may lead to increased profits, it also requires additional permitting and other responsibilities. Reporter Mike Lipsitz brings us this report on county plans to step up enforcement of some requirements…
While owners of short-term vacation rentals in Yucca Valley and Twentynine Palms have their own sets of rules to follow, those operating in the unincorporated areas must comply with county requirements. Right off, owners must pay an initial $667 application fee good for two years. A portion of that fee will pay for a notice of the proposed short-term rental to neighboring property owners. The application must then be renewed every two years for a reduced fee of $489.
Up to now, the county has not implemented the fee nor the notifications, but come December, county code enforcement is on track to begin compliance enforcement.
For those operating a short-term rental without a permit, the county imposes a $461 Surrounding Property Owner Notification Fine. https://wp.sbcounty.gov/ezop/permits/special-use-permit-short-term-rental-application/
Note: If you’re buying or selling a property that already has a permit, the new owner can transfer it by contacting the county within 30 days of taking the title. Don’t operate or rent without a permit, even if you’ve already started the application process.
