San Bernardino County residents will vote in November on whether to increase the tax for short-term vacation rentals such as hotels, inns and Airbnbs.
County supervisors on a first reading Tuesday, July 9, agreed to place a measure on the ballot to change the tax for short-term rentals from 7% to 11% of the nightly room rate.
The Nov. 5 measure needs approval from a simple majority to take effect.
The board will consider giving final approval Tuesday, July 23.
Currently, San Bernardino County has one of the lowest short-term rental tax rates in Southern California.
Inyo and Los Angeles counties have a tax rate of 12%, while Orange and Riverside counties’ tax rates are 10%, according to San Bernardino county officials.
If voters approve the measure, the rental tax would generate about $9.4 million for the county per year, county officials estimate.
Money from the tax would improve the county’s infrastructure – including sidewalks and streets – as well as its parks and sheriff’s and fire departments.
If passed, the new tax would only be applicable to the unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County — not cities, most of which have already raised their short-term rental taxes, county Supervisor Curt Hagman said.
Supervisor Joe Baca said he appreciated county officials who brought the measure forth, noting that the rental tax had not been raised since 2002.
“I just hope the public understands we’re just trying to get up to speed with our cities and surrounding counties,” Baca said.
Baca added that, if the measure passes in November, he’d like to see a plan to direct spending the additional revenue it would generate.
The measure comes amid a series of moves from the county in the past several years to regulate short-term rentals.
In 2019, the county approved a rule requiring short-term rental owners to obtain permits from the city to operate.
Meanwhile, San Bernardino city leaders last month said they were considering banning short-term vacation rentals in the city after receiving complaints from residents about noise, parking issues and property damage.
In Upland, residents in recent years have complained about Airbnbs and other rentals being used as “party houses” by renters who often leave litter and damage in their wake.
