Big Bear Lake · Land use · Bed and breakfast
Where is a bed and breakfast allowed in Big Bear Lake?
In Big Bear Lake, a bed and breakfast is allowed in 3 base zones (C-2, C-3 and C-4), needs a conditional use permit in 2 (R-1 and R-3, all with a condition) and not allowed in 5 (Big Bear Lake use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: C-2, C-3 and C-4
- Needs a permit: R-1 and R-3
- Not allowed: R-L, R-4, C-1, C-5 and P
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Big Bear Lake Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where a bed and breakfast can go
Big Bear Lake's code calls this use “Bed and breakfast establishments • 5 or less guest rooms”. Each row links to the use table it comes from. A zone marked “see note” has a condition in the code, for example upper floors only or a larger lot.
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| C-2 | Allowed Code row: “Hotel, motel, bed & breakfast use with over 5 guest rooms, lodge” | § 17.35.030 |
| C-3 | Allowed Code row: “Hotel, motel, bed & breakfast use with over 5 guest rooms, lodge” | § 17.35.030 |
| C-4 | Allowed Code row: “Hotel, motel, bed & breakfast use with over 5 guest rooms, lodge” | § 17.35.030 |
| R-1 | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note 2: Subject to special development and/or performance standards in this chapter. | § 17.25.030 |
| R-3 | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note 2: Subject to special development and/or performance standards in this chapter. | § 17.25.030 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Commercial/public zone cells come from the row 'Hotel, motel, bed & breakfast use with over 5 guest rooms, lodge' (more than 5 rooms).
- Not covered here: Village specific plan area (Big Bear Lake Village) has its own land-use designations not in the text; Any other base zones (e.g. R-2, industrial) are not in the supplied text. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Big Bear Lake
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a bed and breakfast in the R-1 zone in Big Bear Lake?
Only with a conditional use permit. Big Bear Lake's use table lists it that way in R-1 (§ 17.25.030). The code adds a condition: “Subject to special development and/or performance standards in this chapter.”
Can I have a bed and breakfast in the R-L zone in Big Bear Lake?
No. Big Bear Lake's use table does not allow it in R-L (§ 17.25.030).
Can I have a bed and breakfast in the C-2 zone in Big Bear Lake?
Yes. Big Bear Lake's use table lists it as allowed in C-2 (§ 17.35.030).
General information, not legal advice.
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