Short Term Rentals

Introduction

On December 12, 2023, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors formally adopted Ordinance 927.2, which is intended to regulate the operation of Short Term Rentals (STR’s) in the Idyllwild-Pine Cove area (and other areas of Riverside County). This ordinance is intended to provide better management of these STR’s, and create a means by which problems related to their operation can be addressed. The official documents related to this Ordinance can be found here:

Reporting problems

  • First: contact Responsible Operator. This may be the owner or manager of the property. The phone number is required to be posted on the sign located on the outside of the building.
    • If you do not receive an immediate response, and it is after operating hours for Code Enforcement, call the Sheriff (below).
  • Second: Riverside County Code Enforcement
    • 951-955-2004 (available 24 hours- leave message if necessary)
    • code@rivco.org
    • It is important to always contact Code Enforcement for any problems, as these incidents are documented only if received.
    • Code Enforcement officers officially work 12 noon to 10 pm, however they often perform after-hour responses to problematic situations.
  • Third (if urgent, or other attempts unsuccessful): Riverside County Sheriffs Department (non-emergency line)
    • 951-776-1099 (press 5 to immediately reach dispatcher)
  • For road-related problems (i.e. parking/road obstruction): California Highway Patrol
    • 760-772-8900

Notable elements of Ordinance 927.2

The development of Ordinance 927.2 began in 2016, and has involved numerous Town Hall events (in Idyllwild), Planning Commission meetings, and Board of Supervisor meetings. Along the way, strong voices both in favor and opposed to the regulation process have been expressed, and many proposed elements of the Ordinance have been refined or removed altogether. Here are a few of the more recent elements that were in discussion just prior to formal adoption:

Cap and Density of STR’s
This was a highly contentious issue, with a clear majority of residents expressing concerns about the sheer number of STR’s- ultimately, Ordinance 927.2 set differing levels for varying areas of Riverside County. After much discussion and consideration, a cap of 500 homes in the Idyllwild/Pine Cove area was finalized- this is about 14% of homes in the area. STR’s may not be located any closer than 150′ from each other.

Certification and compliance
All STR’s are required to hold formal certification from Riverside County. A listing of STR’s holding appropriate certification can be found here at this website.

  • Limitations on the number of certifications held are variable, partially related to how many certifications were held at the time 927.2 was adopted. Certifications can be transferred to other persons in some circumstances.
  • Certifications can be revoked if 3 violations occur within one year, or 7 violations occur during the total period of ownership.

The terms of a certified STR apply to the use of home at all times, and for any user, including the owner of the home.

Signage
All certified STR’s are required to post signage in a highly visible location outside the building with the following information:

  • Size must be a minimum of 2 square feet
  • Current Short Term Rental Certificate Number
  • Responsible Owner (or Operator) and phone number where they can be reached on a 24 hour basis
  • Maximum occupancy
    • Some STR owners have also included maximum parking capacity
  • Phone number for complaints- RivCo Code Enforcement
    • Some STR owners have also included a phone number for Sheriff’s Dept.

Noise
STR’s are subject to the same noise regulations as any other building in Riverside County- Ordinance 847 provides these details. This is an excerpt from Ordinance 847:

  • Sound amplifying equipment or live music is prohibited between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
  • Sound emanating from sound amplifying equipment or live music at any other time shall not be audible to the human ear at a distance greater than two hundred (200) feet from the equipment or music.

Bob Magee, current Director of Riverside Code Enforcement, has stated that if noise can be heard from your property line after 10 pm, or if you can hear noise from inside of your home at any time, this is likely a violation of Ordinance 847.

Sound monitoring equipment is required to be present at all STR’s.

Fire and Safety

  • Local fire regulations apply to any STR- there are variances on this between Idyllwild Fire Department (more restrictive) and Pine Cove Fire Department (fewer restrictions). This is an excerpt from Ordinance 927.2:
    • “Outdoor fire areas shall be permissible only when not otherwise prohibited by state or local fire bans, regulations, rules, or guidelines. When legally permissible, outdoor fire areas shall be located on a non-combustible surface and extinguished as soon as it is no longer in use or by 10:00 p.m., whichever is earlier.”
  • STR’s are allowed on any road in the Idyllwild/Pine Cove area, regardless of whether it has county-provided maintenance or not.
  • STR’s are subject to exterior inspection to ensure compliance with Ordinance 927.2 (interior inspection is not currently required).

Ongoing development of Ordinance 927.2

The Riverside Board of Supervisors and the Planning Commission have both stated that Ordinance 927.2 will continue to be revisited and potentially revised as necessary. Both agencies welcome ongoing comments- they can be reached at the following email addresses: