How San Bernardino Handles Accessory Structures: A Practical Guide
San Bernardino maintains 115 local ordinances across all categories, and 5 of those deal specifically with accessory structures. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where San Bernardino falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Tiny Homes
Tiny homes on permanent foundations in San Bernardino are regulated as ADUs under CA Gov Code 65852.2. Tiny homes on wheels are treated as RVs and cannot be permanent dwellings outside approved parks.
Key details: Permanent foundation: Permitted as an ADU under Gov Code 65852.2. ADU sizing: 850 to 1,200 sq ft with 16 ft height safe-harbor. Wheels/RV: Tiny home on wheels treated as RV; no permanent residency. Approved parks: RV parks or licensed mobilehome parks allowed for THOWs. Utilities: Must connect to approved water, sewer, and power as dwelling.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Carport Rules
Carports in San Bernardino need a building permit and must meet setback and height limits under the Development Code. Prefab metal carports require engineered plans for wind and seismic loads.
Key details: Permit required: All carports need a building permit regardless of size. Engineering: Wind and seismic engineering required for the design. Setbacks: Typically behind front building line and 3 to 5 ft sides. Height: Usually 12 to 15 ft maximum. Enclosure rule: Enclosing 3 sides reclassifies as a garage.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Garage Conversions
Garage conversions in San Bernardino are usually done as ADUs under CA Gov Code 65852.2, which waives replacement parking. Non-ADU conversions must meet habitable-space code and replace parking.
Key details: ADU route: Garage-to-ADU conversions waive replacement parking under state law. Habitability: Must meet 7 ft ceiling, egress, smoke and CO, insulation. Non-ADU conversion: Must replace displaced parking under zoning. Permits required: Building plus electrical, plumbing, and mechanical. Fire zones: Chapter 7A may apply in VHFHSZ foothills.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
ADU Rules
San Bernardino permits ADUs on single-family and multi-family lots under CA Gov Code 65852.2. Detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft and JADUs up to 500 sq ft are ministerially approved.
Key details: Legal authority: CA Gov Code 65852.2 statewide ADU mandate. Standard ADU: Up to 1,200 sq ft detached, 850 to 1,000 sq ft for attached. JADU: Up to 500 sq ft inside existing home with owner occupancy. Approval: Ministerial, 60-day review, no discretionary hearing. Parking: No parking required within 1/2 mile of transit.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find San Bernardino gives residents more flexibility on adu rules.
Shed Rules
Sheds up to 120 sq ft in San Bernardino do not require a building permit under the California Residential Code, but must meet zoning setbacks, height limits, and fire clearance rules.
Key details: Permit exemption: Sheds up to 120 sq ft exempt under CRC R105.2. Setbacks: Typically 5 ft from side and rear property lines. Height: Generally 12 to 15 ft maximum in residential zones. Utilities: Any electrical, plumbing, or gas needs a separate permit. Fire zones: Chapter 7A materials may apply in VHFHSZ.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
San Bernardino is more permissive than most cities when it comes to shed rules. That said, there are still limits.
The Bottom Line
Compared to many U.S. cities, San Bernardino gives residents more room on accessory structures. 2 of the 5 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.
These rules come from San Bernardino's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.