Victorville Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

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

Victorville, California, has specific short-term rental regulations that hosts must adhere to. The city requires hosts to obtain a business license, collect transient occupancy taxes, comply with zoning and building code requirements, and maintain liability insurance.

Additionally, short-term private home rental permits are required for properties rented for periods of thirty days or less in the mountain and desert areas of San Bernardino County, where Victorville is located. These permits ensure specific standards are met, including limitations on occupants and vehicles, and compliance with relevant codes.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Victorville

Before embarking on a short-term rental (STR) venture in Victorville, California, it's crucial to understand the local regulations and requirements. To ensure a smooth and legal operation, prospective hosts must take the following steps:

Obtain a Rental Business License: Every rental property within Victorville City limits must secure a Rental Business License. This can be applied for online through the Citizen Self Service webpage4.

Comply with Short-Term Rental Regulations: Victorville has specific short-term rental regulations that hosts must adhere to. These include obtaining a business license, collecting transient occupancy taxes, and ensuring compliance with zoning and building code requirements3.

Understand the Market: It's essential to conduct thorough research on the local market, including real estate prices, trends, and the potential for short-term rental activity. This can provide valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges associated with STRs in Victorville1.

By following these steps and staying informed about the local regulations, aspiring hosts can establish a legal and successful short-term rental business in Victorville.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Victorville

To operate legally, hosts must adhere to the following licensing requirements:

• Rental Business License: Every rental property within Victorville City limits must obtain a Rental Business License. A separate license for each property/parcel is mandatory2.
• Application Process: The Rental Business License must be applied for online through the Citizen Self Service webpage. The process involves completing required forms and submitting necessary documents, such as the Application Checklist and Rental Inspection Checklist2.
• Renewal and Inspection: Property owners are also responsible for annual renewal and may be subject to property inspections by the Code Compliance Division2.

These regulations are crucial for ensuring compliance with the city's requirements and must be followed by all hosts operating short-term rentals in Victorville.

Required Documents for Victorville Short Term Rentals

When applying for a short-term rental permit in Victorville, California, the following documents and forms are typically required:

• Rental Business License Application: A separate Rental Business License for each property/parcel is mandatory, and the application must be submitted online through the Citizen Self Service webpage4.
• Affidavit of Ownership & Use of Property: This form may be required to request an exemption from rental licensing for the property2.
• Short-Term Rental Permit Forms: Various forms, such as the EZOP Online Application Attachments, Property Manager Change Request, and Type Name Category forms, may need to be completed and submitted as part of the permit application process3.

These documents and forms are essential to ensure compliance with the city's regulations and to obtain the necessary permits for operating a short-term rental property in Victorville.

Victorville Short Term Rental Taxes

In Victorville, California, transient occupancy taxes (TOT) are imposed on the occupancy of space or use of structures like motels, hotels, and other accommodations intended for transient stays of 30 consecutive calendar days or less4. The taxes are collected at the same time as the rent is paid4. The funds collected are used to support the city's tourism and hospitality industry, as well as other public services and infrastructure.

Who Collects the Transient Occupancy Tax?

Each hotel, motel, and other short-term rental properties are responsible for collecting the TOT4. The tax is paid by the transient, who stays at the property for 30 days or less4.

Who is Exempt from Paying Transient Occupancy Tax?

Exemptions can be claimed by submitting a TOT Exemption Form if one of the following applies4:

• Any occupancy exceeding 30 consecutive days
• Any Federal or State officer or employee on official business (proof/documentation included)

When are Payments Due?

TOTs are reported on a quarterly basis, with the payment schedule as follows4:

• 1st quarter (Jan – Mar) due by April 30th
• 2nd quarter (Apr – Jun) due by July 31st
• 3rd quarter (Jul – Sept) due by October 31st
• 4th quarter (Oct – Dec) due by January 31st

Payments can be submitted via mail or in person4.

California Wide Short Term Rental Rules

In California, short-term rental regulations vary by city and county, as local governments have the authority to create their own rules and ordinances for short-term rentals. While there is no statewide regulatory framework, some common requirements and restrictions apply across the state:

Transient Occupancy Tax: All short-term rental properties must collect a transient occupancy tax, which is typically 1% of the total rental amount for each night of occupancy2.

Local Permits: Some cities and counties require short-term rental properties to obtain a permit or license. These permits may have specific requirements, such as limitations on occupants and vehicles, and compliance with relevant Fire, Building, Zoning, and Health and Safety Codes3.

Statewide Rules: While there is no comprehensive statewide regulatory framework, some cities and counties have enacted specific rules for short-term rentals, such as limiting the number of unrelated occupants, requiring a 24-hour contact number for complaint resolution, and mandating minimum parking spaces3.

It is essential for hosts to research and understand the specific regulations in their area, as local rules and ordinances may differ significantly. To stay compliant with California short-term rental rules, hosts should:

• Check with their local city or county for specific regulations and permit requirements.
• Ensure they are collecting and remitting transient occupancy taxes as required.
• Comply with any zoning or building code requirements, as well as other relevant regulations.

Does Victorville Strictly Enforce STR Rules?

Victorville, California, enforces short-term rental (STR) regulations, but the strictness of enforcement may vary. Hosts are required to obtain a Rental Business License and comply with county-wide permit requirements, as well as collect transient occupancy taxes45. The city also conducts inspections and requires hosts to maintain liability insurance5.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Victorville?

Starting a short-term rental business in Victorville requires hosts to follow specific regulations and obtain necessary permits and licenses. Here is a step-by-step process to get started:

1. Research the Victorville Airbnb and short-term rental regulations to ensure compliance with city and county requirements145.

2. Obtain a Rental Business License for each property/parcel within Victorville City limits2.

3. Ensure compliance with short-term private home rental permits required in San Bernardino County35.

4. Collect transient occupancy taxes24.

5. Comply with zoning and building code requirements and maintain liability insurance14.

It is essential to maintain accurate records and follow all regulations to avoid penalties or legal issues. Hosts can also consider hiring professional Airbnb management companies to assist with property management, guest communication, and marketing4.

Who to Contact About Victorville STR Regulations?

For questions on short term rental rules, contact the Victorville Business License Division at (760) 955-5082 or businesslicense@victorvilleca.gov.

What do Airbnb hosts in Victorville on Reddit and Bigger Pockets think about local regulations?

Hosts on Reddit and BiggerPockets generally agree Victorville takes short term rental compliance seriously. The licensing process is straightforward but the city does proactively enforce rules with fines for violations. Overall Victorville is considered moderately Airbnb friendly compared to other cities.