Joshua Tree Airbnb Permits EXPLAINED: Avoid These Costly Mistakes!

fixing code violations joshua tree real estate real estate due diligence short-term rental investment str investor tips str permits zoning & land use Jun 10, 2025

Short term rental permit denied?

The Ugly Side of Un-permitted Work

What Every STR Owner, Buyer & Investor Must Know Before It's Too Late

You buy the perfect high desert property. You invest $200K to renovate it into a gorgeous short-term rental. You stage it, photograph it, get excited to launch… and then comes the gut punch: your STR permit is denied.

This is one of the most expensive mistakes I see and it happens more than you’d think.

In Joshua Tree and the greater San Bernardino County, un-permitted structures and work are some of the top short term rental permits get denied, revoked or the property receives a code enforcement violation. The worst part? Many owners don’t even know they’re out of compliance until it’s too late.

Whether you're a seasoned real estate investor, a developer entering the short term rental space, or a buyer hoping to turn your first vacation home into passive income, this guide is for you.

What our Youtube video where Patryk and I discuss this very topic.

Who We Are

I'm Jessica Cure. Planning Commissioner in Twentynine Palms, STR consultant, real estate agent, designer, and project manager helping STR investors get fully permitted and profitable in Joshua Tree and throughout San Bernardino County. I specialize in navigating complex land use, zoning, and short-term rental regulations from acquisition through compliance.

I’m am joined by Patryk Swietek, STR owner, founder of a thriving STR co-hosting company: the cohost company, real estate developer, speaker and educator. Together, we share hard-earned insights on what it really takes to protect your STR investment from regulatory setbacks.

Who This Is For

This post is for:

Investors considering buying a short-term rental in Joshua Tree or similar markets
STR owners struggling with permitting or code enforcement issues
Buyers who want to execute proper due diligence regarding permits
Anyone looking to renovate, build or expand a short term rental legally

WHY THIS MATTERS

Permitting issues are one of the top reasons STR income projections fail.

It only takes one code violation, one missed detail, or one un-permitted amenity to trigger a costly delay or even lose your ability to operate entirely.

Knowledge is leverage. And in a tight real estate market, it can mean the difference between a high-performing asset and a liability.

Why STRs Still Make Sense

When done legally and intentionally, STRs remain one of the highest-ROI property plays. But success doesn’t come from rushing in, it comes from planning and strategy.

Biggest Mistakes New STR Buyers Make

Not checking local ordinances before buying
Assuming past owners did the permitting correctly
Marketing features that are not legally approved
Skipping feasibility analysis on septic, zoning, or code overlays

Red Flags During Property Search

Un-permitted bedrooms or garage conversions
Oversized decks or cowboy tubs not shown in county records
EV chargers or fire pits with no visible permits
Proximity to Joshua Trees (which are protected)

Already Own It? You Can Still Fix It

If you already bought and didn’t check these boxes, it’s not too late. We help clients navigate the correction process and legalize features retroactively whether it’s a deck, cowboy tub, or un-permitted addition.

How Non-Compliance Affects You

Permit denial or revocation
STR listing suspension on platforms like Airbnb
Code enforcement fines ($10K–$25K+)
Trouble during refinancing or resale
Legal risk and loss of use

TOP 10 OVERLOOKED STR PERMIT TRIGGERS

EV Chargers – Needs a permit specifically for EV chargers, not just “electrical work.”
Hot Tubs & Cowboy Tubs – Require plumbing, electrical permits, and proper drainage.
Decks – Over 30” or 200 sq ft in SB County = permit needed. Even low decks can trigger review.
Unpermitted Bedrooms / Garage Conversions – No HVAC, closet, or egress? It’s not legal.
Joshua Trees – Federally protected. Violations = up to $20K in fines.
Fire Pits & Outdoor Kitchens – Propane lines require permits; must appear on site plan.
Sliding/French Doors – Any structural change requires a building permit.
Retaining Walls & Fencing – Over 4 ft? May need engineering + permits.
Exterior Lighting – Must meet dark sky regulations in desert zones.
Septic Upgrades – Added bedrooms? You may need a larger system (and a permit).

Pro Tip: If your listing photos show any of these un-permitted features, they may get flagged.

PLANNING AHEAD: PERMITS, COSTS & STRATEGY

Use the Market to Your Advantage

In a buyer’s market, you can negotiate better pricing when you know a property has un-permitted elements. We help clients:

Estimate timelines and costs for getting into compliance
Use those estimates during contingency to negotiate seller credits
Factor permit work into their investment ROI from day one

Due Diligence Checklist

Always ask for:
✅ Permit history from the county
✅ Floor plan or architectural drawings
✅ Site plan with all outdoor features

Use this to spot red flags before you're locked in.

YOUR EDGE AS A STRATEGIC INVESTOR

Most buyers focus on income potential and the strategic real estate investors ask:
“Is this legally entitled for what I want to do?”

The most successful STR investments:

Are fully permitted and documented
Comply with local zoning and fire ordinances
Include value-add plans that already meet code

A permitted property is easier to refinance, easier to expand, and easier to sell.

CASE STUDY: FROM RED-TAGGED TO BOOKED SOLID

One client bought a beautiful STR only to discover a cowboy tub and large deck were never permitted. The property was red-tagged and deactivated from Airbnb.

We quickly:

Drafted a compliance plan
Modified the tub and deck to meet permit-exempt standards
Submitted after-the-fact permits
Got the STR approved, reactivated, and back to generating bookings

The result? A fully compliant Joshua Tree short term rental. Check out client case studies.

THE UGLY SIDE OF UN-PERMITTED WORK

The biggest risk isn’t the violation, it’s not knowing it exists.

STR permit denials. Code enforcement violations. Canceled listings. All of these are fixable… if you know what to do.

NEED HELP WITH STR PERMITS?

If you're navigating STR permits in Joshua Tree or have been denied or flagged for non-compliance, I can help.

✅ Permit and compliance reviews
✅ After-the-fact permit plans
✅ Strategy sessions for buyers and investors
✅ Site plan and zoning analysis

The best way to get on my schedule is via our questionnaire and booking link here.