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Owner Resources
Joshua Tree and the surrounding High Desert communities (Yucca Valley, Twentynine Palms, Pioneertown, Landers) are primarily unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County. STR permits are issued by the county, not by a city government. The county launched STR permit audits in January 2025 using platform data to identify unlicensed operators — enforcement has increased significantly.
If you own property in the Joshua Tree area and are operating or considering a short-term rental, a permit is required before your first guest arrives. The requirements below reflect the current San Bernardino County program for these areas.
Application portal: Submit applications through San Bernardino County's EZ Online Permitting (EZOP) system. Applications must include required fees and documentation.
Eligible property types: Short-term rentals are limited to single-family homes, duplexes, and certain ADUs. Multi-family units and RVs are explicitly excluded from eligibility.
Exterior inspection: A mandatory exterior inspection by Code Enforcement is required before a permit is issued. The inspection verifies parking capacity, property condition, and compliance with county ordinance requirements.
Neighbor notification: A 20-day neighbor notification period is required after application submission, followed by a 30-day appeal period. Permits are not issued until both periods have passed without a successful appeal.
Annual renewal: Permits must be renewed annually from the issuance date. Renewal requires payment of fees and may include re-inspection.
Commercial events prohibited: The permit does not allow weddings, yoga retreats, corporate events, concerts, or other commercial events at the property. This prohibition has been actively enforced since July 2024 — violations can result in permit suspension.
Occupancy limits: Occupancy is limited by ordinance. Confirm the specific cap for your property's bedroom count with the county before listing.
24-hour local contact: Designate a contact who can respond to complaints or emergencies at the property at any time during guest stays.
Off-street parking: All guest vehicles must park in designated off-street spaces. Permit suspension is possible for repeated parking violations enforced since March 2024.
Enforcement (January 2025): San Bernardino County launched STR permit audits analyzing listing platform data to identify unlicensed operators and prohibited property types. If you are currently operating without a permit, apply before enforcement reaches your listing.
Tax obligations: Operators must pay applicable lodging, occupancy, and sales taxes. Platforms collect and remit most taxes automatically, but you remain responsible for any uncollected amounts.
San Bernardino County enforcement in the Joshua Tree area has intensified since 2024. This page is reviewed regularly against verified government sources, but it is not a substitute for checking directly with San Bernardino County Land Use Services or your local manager before applying.
Last verified: August 2026.