Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Rancho Cucamonga?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Rancho Cucamonga, CA when the resident obtains a permit and meets all operating requirements. The city permits short-term rentals of rooms, entire homes, or authorized guest houses for periods less than 30 days, provided the property serves as the permanent, regular residence of the host.

Short-term rentals in Rancho Cucamonga are governed under Rancho Cucamonga Municipal Code (RCMC) Section 8.34, which establishes the legal framework for these operations. The regulations are designed to minimize impacts on neighboring residents, including noise, parking, and other nuisance activities, while providing property owners with legitimate opportunities to generate income from their primary residences.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Rancho Cucamonga

Step 1: Verify Property Eligibility

Before proceeding with any applications, confirm that your property meets the following basic criteria:

• Primary Residence Requirement: The property must be your permanent, regular residence
• Zoning Compliance: Property must be located in Residential Planning Zones Very Low (VL), Low (L), Low Medium (LM), or be a single-family residence in other residential zones
• Prohibited Zones: Short-term rentals cannot operate in Commercial (GI, HI, GC, CC) or Industrial zones
• Accessory Dwelling Units: ADUs with covenant restrictions prohibiting rentals of 30 days or less cannot be used for short-term rentals

Use the Rancho Cucamonga Zoning Map to verify your property's zoning classification before proceeding.

Step 2: Determine Hosting Type and Limitations

Hosted Stays (host remains on-site throughout guest stay):

• No annual limitation on number of stays
• Host must be present during entire guest occupancy

Un-hosted Stays (host absent during guest stay):

• Limited to 90 days per calendar year per property
• Host must provide emergency contact available within 30 minutes

Step 3: Calculate Occupancy Limits

Occupancy is strictly limited to two times the number of bedrooms in the residence, including the host and any other permanent residents. This calculation determines your maximum guest capacity.

Step 4: Obtain Required Permits and Licenses

1. Business License Tax Certificate
2. Transient Occupancy Tax Certificate
3. Short-Term Rental Permit

Step 5: Prepare for Safety Inspection

All properties must pass an on-site safety inspection conducted by City staff before permit issuance.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Business License Tax Certificate

• Application: Online Business License Application
• Contact: Business Licensing Department
  • Phone: 909-919-2948
  • Email: BusinessLicense@CityofRC.us
  • Hours: Monday-Thursday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM (excluding holidays)

Transient Occupancy Tax Certificate

• Application: Same portal as Business License
• TOT Rate: 10% of rental charges
• Payment Timeline: Must be received within 2 business days after application review
• Remittance: Monthly basis by host or hosting platform

Short-Term Rental Permit

• Application Fee: $201.00 (non-refundable)
• Application Method: Online through Harmari Portal
• PDF Application: Short-Term Rental Permit Fillable Application

Required Documentation Checklist

1. Completed and signed PDF application
2. Index of residents (names and dates of birth, juveniles by title and age only)
3. Emergency contact information (must respond within 30 minutes)
4. Property diagram indicating rental areas and parking
5. Parking plan diagram showing compliance with parking requirements
6. Documentation showing number of bedrooms (County Assessor records acceptable)
7. Copy of Business License Certificate
8. Copy of Transient Occupancy Tax Certificate
9. Host Certification (initialed and signed)
10. Tenant-Host Certification (if applicable - property owner authorization required)
11. Primary Residence Documentation (minimum 2 forms):
    • Motor vehicle registration
    • Driver's license
    • Voter registration
    • Tax documents showing residential unit as host's residence
12. Two passport-size color photos of applicant
13. Street view photograph of property
14. Photographs of each space intended for rental use

Safety Inspection Requirements

Properties must comply with comprehensive safety standards including:

• Smoke detectors on each floor and in sleeping rooms
• Carbon monoxide detectors on each floor and sleeping rooms with wall heaters
• 5 lb. fire extinguisher per floor, mounted 3-5 feet high
• Locking mechanisms on all doors operating without keys from inside
• Clear emergency egress routes and exit signs
• Properly functioning HVAC systems
• Address numbers clearly visible from street
• Compliant parking arrangements
• Emergency contact availability verification

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Rancho Cucamonga Regulations (RCMC Section 8.34)

Operational Requirements

• Permit Display: Short-term rental permit must be conspicuously displayed in each rental area
• Advertising Requirements: All listings must include:
  • City-issued permit number
  • Street-view photograph of property front
  • Maximum number of guests based on occupancy limits
• Concurrent Bookings: Maximum of two concurrent booking transactions per dwelling
• Nuisance Prohibitions: Noise, odors, parking issues, and other nuisance activities are strictly prohibited

Occupancy and Use Limitations

• Zoning Restrictions: VL, L, LM zones or single-family residential in other zones (except GI, HI, GC, CC)
• Accessory Dwelling Units: Cannot be used if covenant prohibits 30-day or shorter rentals
• Primary Residence Verification: Host must provide multiple forms of residency documentation

Permit Administration

• Validity: 12 months from issuance date
• Renewal: Requires inspection and administrative fee payment
• Transferability: Permits are non-transferable to persons, properties, or parcel numbers
• Revocation: Third violation within any timeframe results in permit revocation for one year

Appeals Process

• Timeline: 15 days following director's decision
• Filing: Written appeal with City Clerk
• Hearing: City Manager or designee schedules hearing within 15 days
• Fee: Non-refundable appeal fee required

San Bernardino County Regulations

The County governs short-term rentals in unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County, particularly in mountain and desert regions. While Rancho Cucamonga operates its own STR program, county regulations may apply to properties in adjacent unincorporated areas.

County Requirements Include:

• Permit Requirements: STR permits required for private homes in mountain/desert areas
• Occupancy Limitations: Specific standards for occupant limits
• 24-Hour Contact: Owner/manager must provide 24-hour phone number for complaint resolution
• Code Compliance: Must meet Fire, Building, Zoning, and Health and Safety Codes

County Contact Information:

• 24/7 Complaint Hotline: 1-833-SBC-STR1 (1-833-722-7871)
• Email: shorttermrental@lus.sbcounty.gov
• Address: San Bernardino County Code Enforcement, 268 W. Hospitality Lane, Suite 300, San Bernardino, CA 92415

State of California Regulations

Short-term rental operations in California must comply with state-level requirements:

Tax Obligations

• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): Cities may levy up to 12% TOT on rentals 30 days or less
• Collection Responsibility: Hosts or hosting platforms must collect and remit TOT
• Registration: Properties must register for TOT collection with local tax authority

Health and Safety Standards

• Fire Safety: Properties must meet local fire codes and safety standards
• Building Codes: Compliance with California Building Code requirements
• ADA Compliance: Properties must meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements where applicable

Hosting Platform Regulations

• Registration Requirements: Hosting platforms must collect TOT and provide listing information
• Permit Verification: Platforms cannot facilitate bookings for unregistered properties
• Compliance Standards: Internet-based platforms presumed compliant when meeting specified requirements

Enforcement and Penalties

Administrative Actions

• Operating Without Permit: Prohibited and subject to enforcement action
• Advertising Evidence: Online listings constitute prima facie evidence of operation
• Administrative Fines: Available through RCMC Chapter 1.12
• Misdemeanor Charges: Violations may constitute misdemeanors under Chapter 1.12

Violation Consequences

• Daily Violations: Each day of violation constitutes separate offense
• Cumulative Remedies: Multiple enforcement actions may be pursued simultaneously
• Permit Revocation: Third violation results in one-year permit revocation
• Appeal Rights: Permit denial/revocation may be appealed within 15 days

Contact Information for Local Authority

Rancho Cucamonga Business Licensing Department

• Primary Contact:
  • Phone: 909-919-2948
  • Email: BusinessLicense@CityofRC.us
• Operating Hours: Monday-Thursday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM (excluding holidays)
• Physical Address: City Hall, Rancho Cucamonga, CA

San Bernardino County STR Program

• 24/7 Complaint Hotline: 1-833-SBC-STR1 (1-833-722-7871)
• Email: shorttermrental@lus.sbcounty.gov
• Address: San Bernardino County Code Enforcement, 268 W. Hospitality Lane, Suite 300, San Bernardino, CA 92415
• Online Complaint Filing: sbcounty-str-complaints.deckard.com

Important Application and Information Links

1. Main City STR Information: www.cityofrc.us/everything-we-do/short-term-rental
2. Business License and TOT Applications: businesslicense.cityofrc.us
3. STR Permit Online Application: harmari.com/client/reg-portal/register/ranchocucamonga
4. STR Permit PDF Application: www.cityofrc.us/sites/default/files/2021-04/Short%20Term%20Rental%20Permit%20Fillable%20Application%202021.pdf
5. Zoning Verification Map: regis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=7a1b248dd5fd4bc98bc0f9964a61c755
6. Airbnb STR Guidance: www.airbnb.com/help/article/3039
7. San Bernardino County STR Program: str.sbcounty.gov
8. Municipal Code Section 8.34: ecode360.com/RA4992

This comprehensive guide provides all necessary information for investors considering short-term rental opportunities in Rancho Cucamonga, ensuring full compliance with local, county, and state regulations while maximizing investment potential.