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Updated over 5 years ago, 04/24/2019
Air bnb in Joshua tree
Hey guys,
So I live in San Diego and have been wanting to buy a “getaway” place out in the desert in Joshua tree. With all the Air BnBs that have gone up I’m reading that San Bernardino county is making it very hard to buy and build on a piece of land.
Has anyone had experience and dealt with this out there in the desert?
My first thought is "who are you going to have clean it and do maintenance/repair?" Seems like an inconvenient location for something as hands-on as a nightly rental.
I’ve done a few remodels which required a lot of engagement with the county but building in California and general construction costs/management are the larger issue imo
The county doesnt seem to be anti-growth or anything like that. Just a bureacracy with 2 month timelines for this or that.
The county also is in process developing an ordinance to govern airbnb in the high desert area so beware. Its been the wild west with yurts, tents, etc.
@David Jarvi thanks for the reply David. Have you done your remodels out there for the purpose for air bnb? I just wanted a place to buy and to put something small on it for myself and my girlfriend but can see how lucrative short term rentals out there can be.
Are you aware of guidelines they’ll be implementing for air bnbs? And are there different rules for buying something for personal use opposed to buying it for a rental?
Thanks again!
Benjamin,
The cities of Yucca Valley and 29 Palms have created permitting procedures for vacation rentals. Both are actual incorporated cities while Joshua Tree is actually an unincorporated area of San Bernardino County. As is Landers, Morongo Valley and Wonder Valley. In the interest of clarity you might want to consider those two cities for vacation rentals. They both seem to enjoy the tax revenue that has been gained. SB county is relatively underfunded and will probably welcome money as well but right now it is unclear how vacation rentals will pan out.