Upland Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are short term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) regulations in Upland, California?

In Upland, California, the regulations surrounding short-term rentals, including platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, are designed to balance the benefits of these accommodations with the need to maintain the quality of life in residential neighborhoods.

Here are some key aspects of the regulations:

Permit Requirement: Hosts are typically required to obtain a permit from the city to operate a short-term rental. This permit may involve a registration process and payment of a fee. The permit number must be prominently displayed on all listings for the property.

Occupancy Limits: There are often restrictions on the maximum number of guests allowed to stay in a short-term rental property. This limit is usually based on the number of bedrooms in the property to prevent overcrowding and potential disturbances to neighbors.

Owner-Occupancy Requirement: Some regulations may mandate that the property being rented out as a short-term rental must be owner-occupied. This helps prevent the conversion of residential properties into full-time vacation rentals, preserving the character of the neighborhood.

Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): Hosts are typically required to collect a Transient Occupancy Tax from guests staying in their short-term rental. This tax, usually a percentage of the rental rate, is paid to the city and helps fund local services and infrastructure.

Parking and Noise Regulations: Short-term rental regulations often include provisions related to parking and noise. Hosts may need to provide a parking plan to ensure that guests do not create parking issues in the neighborhood. There may also be restrictions on noise levels to prevent disturbances to neighbors.

Event Restrictions: Some regulations prohibit the use of short-term rentals for events such as parties, weddings, or large gatherings. This is to prevent disruptions to the residential character of the neighborhood and ensure that the rentals are primarily used for temporary lodging.

Enforcement: Cities like Upland may actively enforce these regulations to address complaints from residents and ensure compliance with the rules. Enforcement actions may include fines for non-compliance or violations of the regulations.

By implementing these regulations, Upland aims to strike a balance between allowing property owners to benefit from short-term rentals and protecting the interests of residents and the community as a whole. Hosts operating in Upland are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these regulations to ensure they are in compliance and contribute positively to the local community.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Upland

The City of Upland has implemented a comprehensive set of regulations to address the growing trend of short-term rentals (STRs) in residential neighborhoods. These regulations aim to strike a balance between allowing property owners to generate additional income through STRs and maintaining the quality of life for local residents.

The city's primary concern is mitigating the potential nuisances and impacts associated with STRs, such as noise, trash, and parking issues. By implementing these regulations, Upland hopes to create a framework that enables responsible short-term rental operations while addressing the concerns of the community.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Upland

The cornerstone of Upland's STR regulations is the requirement for property owners to obtain a city permit to operate a short-term rental. This permit includes paying a business license fee, which varies based on factors such as the type and duration of the rental. The permit number must be prominently displayed on all listings for the property, ensuring transparency and compliance with the regulations.

The permit application process requires property owners to provide the city with detailed information, including an emergency contact and a parking plan for the rental. This ensures that the city has the necessary information to address any issues that may arise and that the rental operation is not causing undue burden on the local neighborhood.

Required Documents for Upland Short Term Rentals

To operate a short-term rental in Upland, California, hosts are typically required to provide the following documents:

• Administrative Use Permit Application: This permit is necessary for operating a short-term rental in Upland. The application requires detailed information about the property, including its location, size, and intended use.
• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Remittance Form: Hosts must collect a 10% Transient Occupancy Tax from guests and submit it to the city on a quarterly basis.
• Parking Plan: A parking plan is required to ensure that guests do not create parking issues in the neighborhood. This plan outlines how guests will park their vehicles and any measures taken to minimize the impact on local parking.
• Emergency Contact: Hosts must provide an emergency contact to the city, which is used in case of any issues or concerns related to the short-term rental.
• Listing Information: The permit number must be prominently displayed on all listings for the property, ensuring transparency and compliance with regulations.

These documents are essential for ensuring compliance with Upland's short-term rental regulations and for addressing any concerns or issues that may arise during the operation of the rental property.

Upland Short Term Rental Taxes

Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)

• The City of Upland requires all short-term rental operators to collect a 10% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) from their guests.
• This TOT is similar to the tax that hotels and motels in Upland must collect from their guests.
• The purpose of the TOT is to generate revenue for the city to help fund local services and infrastructure.
• Hosts are responsible for remitting the collected TOT to the city on a quarterly basis using the TOT Remittance Form.
• Failure to collect and remit the TOT can result in penalties and fines for the short-term rental operator.

Property Tax Implications

• In addition to the TOT, operating a short-term rental in Upland can also impact the property taxes for the home.
• If the short-term rental is an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) built on the property, the assessed value of the property may increase slightly.
• This increase in assessed value is estimated to be around 1.1% of the added value of the ADU.
• For example, if the ADU adds $100,000 in value to the property, the property taxes would increase by approximately $1,100.
• It's important to note that the base value of the property will not be reassessed when an ADU is added - only the value of the ADU itself will be factored into the property tax calculation.

Compliance and Enforcement

• The City of Upland takes the collection and remittance of the TOT seriously and actively enforces these requirements.
• Hosts who fail to comply with the TOT regulations may face penalties, fines, or even the revocation of their short-term rental permit.
• To ensure compliance, the city may conduct audits or request documentation from short-term rental operators to verify that they are properly collecting and remitting the TOT.

By understanding and complying with the Upland short-term rental tax requirements, hosts can avoid potential issues and ensure they are operating their business in accordance with local regulations.

Upland-wide Short Term Rental Rules

One of the key provisions in Upland's STR regulations is the prohibition on the short-term rental of homes that are not owner-occupied. This is intended to prevent the conversion of residential properties into de facto hotels, which can lead to issues such as noise, trash, and parking problems.

Additionally, the use of STRs for events such as weddings, receptions, and parties is strictly prohibited, as these events can cause significant disruptions to the neighborhood.

Does Upland Strictly Enforce STR Rules? Is Upland Airbnb Friendly?

Based on the available information, Upland appears to be actively enforcing its short-term rental regulations. The city has responded to complaints from residents about noise, trash, and other nuisances associated with STRs in residential areas. However, some Airbnb hosts continue to operate in Upland despite the rules, as evidenced by the 53 listings found by the city's analysis.

Overall, Upland seems to be taking a more restrictive approach to short-term rentals compared to some other cities in the region. While the city recognizes the potential benefits of STRs, it has prioritized the preservation of residential neighborhoods and the quality of life for local residents.

This stance has led to some frustration among Airbnb hosts, as evidenced by discussions on forums like Bigger Pockets.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Upland

• Obtain a city permit and business license: The first step is to apply for and obtain the required permit and business license from the City of Upland. This ensures compliance with the city's regulations.
• Ensure the rental property is owner-occupied: Upland's regulations prohibit the short-term rental of homes that are not owner-occupied, so it's essential to verify that the property meets this requirement.
• Establish an emergency contact and a parking plan: Provide the city with the name and contact information of an emergency contact, as well as a detailed parking plan for the rental property.
• Collect and remit the Transient Occupancy Tax: Guests staying at the short-term rental must be charged a 10% TOT, which the host must then remit to the city on a quarterly basis.
• Comply with all other short-term rental regulations: Familiarize yourself with the city's complete set of STR rules and ensure that the rental operation adheres to all requirements.

Who to Contact in Upland About Short Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

For any questions or assistance regarding short-term rental regulations and zoning in Upland, the best point of contact is the city's Planning Division. They can be reached at (909) 931-4130 or through the city's website at www.uplandca.gov.

The Planning Division is responsible for managing the city's zoning and land-use regulations, including those related to short-term rentals.

What do Airbnb Hosts in Upland on Reddit and Bigger Pockets Think About Local Regulations?

Discussions on real estate forums like Bigger Pockets reveal a mix of opinions from Airbnb hosts in Upland regarding the city's short-term rental regulations. Some hosts have expressed frustration with the strict rules, citing the difficulty of complying with the requirements and the impact on their rental business.

For example, one Bigger Pockets user commented, "Upland's STR regulations are a real headache. The permit process is a hassle, and the limits on guest numbers and events make it hard to run a profitable operation." Another host noted, "I've had to turn away a lot of potential bookings because of the city's rules. It's really cutting into my income."

However, other hosts have acknowledged the need for regulations to address the concerns of local residents and maintain the quality of life in Upland's neighborhoods. One user stated, "

I understand the city's perspective. Short-term rentals can cause a lot of problems if they're not properly managed. The regulations may be strict, but they're necessary to protect the community."

Overall, the sentiment among Upland Airbnb hosts seems to be a mix of frustration and acceptance, with some recognizing the city's efforts to balance the interests of property owners and local residents.ShareRewrite