Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Ridgecrest, CA?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Ridgecrest, CA. The city treats short-term rentals as lodging businesses subject to the same Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) requirements as hotels and motels. The city defines a transient as any person who exercises occupancy or is entitled to occupancy for 30 days or less, making short-term rentals legal and regulated within city limits.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Ridgecrest

Starting an STR operation in Ridgecrest requires several sequential steps:

1. Verify Property Location: Confirm whether your property is within Ridgecrest city limits or in unincorporated Kern County, as different tax requirements apply
2. Register for TOT/RTID: Complete the TOT/RTID Registration Form with the City of Ridgecrest Finance Department
3. Obtain Business License: Apply for a business license if operating 4 or more units
4. Set Up Tax Collection Systems: Implement procedures to collect the required taxes from guests
5. Display Certificate: Post the TOT certificate in an inconspicuous place at the property
6. File Monthly Returns: Submit monthly TOT/RTID returns to the Finance Department

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City of Ridgecrest Requirements

Mandatory Registration:

• TOT/RTID Registration Form - Required for all short-term rental properties within city limits
• TOT Certificate - Issued after registration, must be displayed on-premises
• Business License - Required if operating 4 or more rental units

Monthly Reporting Requirements:

• TOT/RTID Return Form - Must be filed monthly even with no rental activity
• Retention of Documentation - Maintain all receipts, exemptions, and backup documentation for a minimum of 3 years

Forms Available:

• TOT/RTID Registration Form: Available through the Finance Department
• TOT/RTID Return Form: Monthly filing requirement
• Business License Inactivation Form: Available if ceasing operations
• Information Verification Form: For updating business license information

Kern County Requirements (For Unincorporated Areas)

If your property is in unincorporated Kern County:

• TOT Certificate from Kern County Treasurer-Tax Collector
• Quarterly Filing requirement even with no activity
• Online Registration through the Deckard Technologies portal

Specific Regulations

City of Ridgecrest Tax Structure

Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): 10% of rental charges Ridgecrest Tourism Improvement District (RTID) Assessment: 5.75% of rental charges Total Tax Rate: 15.75% (10% + 5.75%)

Key Definitions:

• Transient: Person entitled to occupancy for 30 days or less
• Subject Properties: Houses, rooms, apartment houses, dormitories, public or private clubs, mobilehomes, house trailers at fixed locations, or other similar structures

Business License Requirement:

• Required for operators managing 4 or more rental units
• Separate from TOT registration

Kern County Requirements (Unincorporated Areas)

TOT Rate: 6% of rental charges Filing Frequency: Quarterly Registration Requirement: Each separately advertised rental must have its own TOT certificate

Important Deadlines and Penalties

City of Ridgecrest Monthly Filing: | Reporting Month | Due Date | 1st Delinquency (10% Penalty) | Interest (Monthly - 0.5%) | |---|---|---|---| | January | February 28 | March 1 | April 1 | | February | March 31 | April 1 | May 1 | | March | April 30 | May 1 | June 1 | | April | May 31 | June 1 | July 1 | | May | June 30 | July 1 | August 1 | | June | July 31 | August 1 | September 1 | | July | August 31 | September 1 | October 1 | | August | September 30 | October 1 | November 1 | | September | October 31 | November 1 | December 1 | | October | November 30 | December 1 | January 1 | | November | December 31 | January 1 | February 1 | | December | January 31 | February 1 | March 1 |

Kern County Quarterly Filing:

• 1st Quarter (Jan-Mar): Due April 30th
• 2nd Quarter (Apr-Jun): Due July 31st
• 3rd Quarter (Jul-Sep): Due October 31st
• 4th Quarter (Oct-Dec): Due January 31st

Penalties:

• Late Filing (City): 10% penalty plus 0.5% monthly interest
• Late Filing (County): 10% penalty plus 1.5% monthly interest, plus additional 10% penalty after 30 days nonpayment
• Non-filing (County): Estimated taxes due plus fees and penalties, potential liens and collection enforcement

Operational Guidelines

Documentation Requirements:

• Maintain all rental receipts, exemptions, and backup documentation for 3 years
• Present documentation to authorities upon request
• Report ownership changes or property information updates within 30 days

Multiple Properties:

• Each separately advertised rental unit requires its own TOT certificate
• Multiple units on one property need separate certificates
• Individual bedrooms advertised separately need separate certificates

Contact Information

City of Ridgecrest Finance Department

Primary Contact:

• Kerisa Isaac, Accounts Receivable Specialist
• Email: kisaac@ridgecrest-ca.gov
• Phone: 760-499-5026

General City Contact:

• Address: 100 W California Avenue, Ridgecrest, CA 93555
• Phone: 760-499-5000
• Website: ridgecrest-ca.gov

Kern County Treasurer-Tax Collector

Email: KernTOT@KernCounty.com Registration Portal: portal.deckard.com/ca-kern-str-portal Phone: Contact through email for direct assistance

Source Pages

City of Ridgecrest Official Pages:

1. Transient Occupancy Tax Information
2. City Form Center (All Registration and Filing Forms)
3. Ridgecrest Municipal Code - Transient Occupancy Tax
4. Ridgecrest Code of Ordinances

Kern County Official Pages:

1. Kern County Short-Term Rental Information
2. Kern County STR Registration Portal

Direct Links to Key Forms:

1. TOT/RTID Registration Form
2. TOT/RTID Return Form

Additional Resources:

1. Ridgecrest Tourism Improvement District Resolution 23-67
2. TOT Registration Form (PDF)
3. TOT Return Form (PDF)

Important Note for Investors: Always verify current tax rates and requirements before commencing operations, as rates and regulations may change. Properties located within Ridgecrest city limits follow city regulations, while properties in unincorporated Kern County follow county requirements. When in doubt, contact the appropriate authority for guidance specific to your property location.