Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Bridgeport, California?

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Bridgeport, California, but with significant restrictions and requirements. Bridgeport is located within Mono County, and all STR operations are governed by Mono County regulations rather than city-specific ordinances. The regulatory environment is currently undergoing significant changes as Mono County updates its STR policies in 2025.

Key Point: The Bridgeport Valley specifically has no community-specific short-term rental policies, meaning investors must follow the broader Mono County regulations.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Bridgeport Market

Step 1: Determine Property Eligibility

Before pursuing an STR permit, investors must verify that their property is located in an appropriate land use designation that allows short-term rentals:

• Commercial (C) - Short-term rentals permitted subject to Use Permit
• Commercial Lodging Moderate (CL-M) and High (CL-H) - Short-term rentals permitted subject to Use Permit
• Mixed Use (MU) - Short-term rentals permitted subject to Use Permit
• Multi-Family Residential High (MFR-H) - Short-term rentals permitted subject to Use Permit
• Rural Resort (RU) - Short-term rentals permitted subject to Use Permit

Critical Restrictions:

• Prohibited: Multi-Family Residential Low (MFR-L) and Moderate (MFR-M) designations (except for existing permitted units that don't transfer upon ownership change)
• No new authorizations in Multi-Family Residential (MFR) designations

Step 2: Understand Current Regulatory Status

Mono County has implemented several recent policy changes affecting STR operations:

• Use Permit Requirement: All overnight rental authorizations now require use permit approval (except single units in multi-family residential complexes in CL-H zones)
• Third-Party Inspection Requirement: Properties must undergo inspection by a County-approved inspector before submitting STR applications
• Annual Renewals: All STR permits require annual renewal
• Two-Year Waiting Period: Newly constructed units or properties under new ownership must wait two years before applying for STR permits

Step 3: Apply for Required Permits

The permitting process has been consolidated into a unified procedure with single terms and requirements for all permits regardless of land use designation.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Permits and Applications:

1. Short-term Rental Activity Permit - Required for all STR operations
2. Use Permit - Required for most overnight rental authorizations
3. Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Registration - Required for tax collection

Supporting Documentation Required:

• Third-Party Inspection Report - From County-approved inspector
• Property ownership verification
• Proof of insurance
• Emergency contact information for guests
• Cleaning service arrangements
• Site plan and occupancy information
• Compliance with Chapter 25 and 26 of Mono County Code

Operating Requirements:

• Maintain emergency contact information available 24/7
• Comply with occupancy limits
• Follow noise ordinances and good neighbor policies
• Ensure regular property maintenance and cleaning
• Adhere to waste management protocols

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Mono County Regulations (Unincorporated Areas Including Bridgeport):

Land Use Designation Changes:

Recently Updated Regulations (2025):

Commercial (C):

• Removed transient rentals as use permitted subject to Director Review
• Added short-term rentals as use permitted subject to Use Permit

Commercial Lodging (CL-M and CL-H):

• Removed transient rental from permitted uses list
• Added short-term rentals as use permitted subject to Use Permit
• Traditional lodging facilities under 2,500 square feet added as permitted use subject to Director Review

Multi-Family Residential (MFR):

• MFR-H: Short-term rentals added as use permitted subject to Use Permit
• MFR-L and MFR-M: STRs prohibited in units not already permitted
• Previously permitted transient rentals in MFR-L and MFR-M will not transfer upon ownership change

Rural Resort (RU) and Mixed Use (MU):

• Short-term rentals added as use permitted subject to Use Permit
• Previous transient rental provisions removed

Host Responsibilities:

• Hosted STRs allowed with specific host responsibilities
• Non-Hosted rentals subject to stricter regulations
• Enhanced compliance standards for both hosted and non-hosted operations

Special Provisions:

• ADU Policy: Long-term renters may occupy accessory dwelling units while allowing STRs in main home, but ADUs cannot be rented as STRs if main unit is occupied by owner or long-term renter
• Property Rights: STR permits do not run with the land
• Eviction Restrictions: STR permits prohibited where eviction has occurred on property in previous two years

State-Level Regulations (California):

• Compliance with California Civil Code regarding STRs
• Tax obligations under state revenue and taxation codes
• Safety and habitability standards under state building codes
• Consumer protection requirements

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Mono County Community Development Department:

Bridgeport Office:

• Phone: (760) 932-5420
• Fax: (760) 932-5431
• Address: Annex 1, 74 N. School St., PO Box 8, Bridgeport, CA 93517
• Hours: 8am - noon, 1pm - 5pm

Mammoth Lakes Office:

• Phone: (760) 924-1800
• Fax: (760) 924-1801
• Address: 1290 Tavern Road, Suite 138, PO Box 347, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
• Hours: 8am - noon, 1pm - 5pm

Code Compliance (For Violations):

• Phone: (760) 924-1826
• Online: Code Compliance Complaint Form available on county website
• Website: monocounty.ca.gov/community-development

Planning Contact:

• Aaron M. Washco, Community Development Planning Analyst
• Phone: (760) 924-1810
• Email: awashco@mono.ca.gov

Links to Source Pages

1. Mono County Short-Term/Transient Rentals Main Page
2. Mono County Code Compliance
3. Code Compliance Complaint Form
4. Chapter 25: Short-Term Rental
5. Chapter 26: Transient Rental Standards & Enforcement
6. Short-term Rental Activity Permit Application
7. Vacation Home Rental Application
8. Short-term Rental Summary Sheet (May 2021)
9. 2025 May DRAFT STR Policy - RPAC Redline
10. 2025 May DRAFT STR Policy - RPAC Clean
11. Board of Supervisors Public Hearing - Moratorium Extension

Important Notes for STR Investors in Bridgeport:

Market Considerations:

• Bridgeport Valley has no community-specific restrictions, making it potentially more accessible than other areas in Mono County
• The regulatory environment is actively changing with 2025 policy updates
• Properties in appropriate land use designations (C, CL, MU, MFR-H, RU) are eligible but require use permits

Compliance Requirements:

• Enhanced inspection and compliance standards implemented
• Annual permit renewals required
• Two-year waiting period for newly constructed or newly acquired properties
• Strict enforcement through Code Compliance division

Investment Strategy Recommendations:

• Verify land use designation before purchasing property
• Budget for use permit application costs and third-party inspections
• Consider property management requirements for non-hosted operations
• Stay informed about ongoing regulatory changes through RPAC and Planning Commission agendas

Current Status: Mono County Community Development Department continues working on new regulations. Investors should subscribe to relevant county meeting agendas to stay updated on policy developments.

The regulatory environment for STRs in Bridgeport/Mono County remains dynamic, with significant changes implemented in 2025. Professional guidance from local real estate professionals familiar with Mono County regulations is highly recommended for investors considering STR operations in this market.