How San Bernardino Handles Parking Rules: A Practical Guide
San Bernardino maintains 115 local ordinances across all categories, and 7 of those deal specifically with parking rules. 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.
EV Charging
San Bernardino follows Title 24 EV charging mandates and CALGreen pre-wiring. Residential Level 2 chargers require an electrical permit, processed within the statewide 5-day expedited window.
Key details: State Mandate: Title 24 EV-ready wiring. Expedited Permit: Gov Code 65850.7 (5 business days). HOA Protection: Civil Code 4745. Commercial Accessibility: CBC 11B-812. Utility Coordination: Southern California Edison.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
San Bernardino is more permissive than most cities when it comes to ev charging. That said, there are still limits.
Abandoned Vehicles
San Bernardino uses CVC 22651(k) to tow vehicles left on public streets more than 72 hours. Abandoned vehicles on private property can be removed under CVC 22658 with owner authorization.
Key details: 72-Hour Statute: CVC 22651(k). Private Property Tow: CVC 22658. Nuisance Abatement: CVC 22660. Lien Sale: Civil Code 3068 after 30 days. Report Hotline: (909) 384-5742.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
RV & Boat Parking
San Bernardino restricts on-street RV and boat storage to 72 hours under state law, and private property storage of recreational vehicles is regulated by the zoning code with side and rear yard placement standards.
Key details: Street Storage Limit: 72 hours. Trip Prep Window: 48-72 hours before and after. Required Placement: Side or rear yard. Screening Height: 6 foot solid fence or landscaping. Permanent Habitation: Prohibited in residential zones.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Overnight Parking
San Bernardino does not impose a citywide overnight parking ban on passenger vehicles, but the 72-hour rule under CVC 22651(k) applies along with permit districts, street sweeping hours, and posted restrictions.
Key details: General Overnight Ban: None citywide. 72-Hour Rule: CVC 22651(k). Permit Districts: Downtown, CSUSB, courthouse. Commercial Overnight: Restricted 2am-6am. City Lots: Closed after posted hours.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
San Bernardino is more permissive than most cities when it comes to overnight parking. That said, there are still limits.
Street Parking Limits
San Bernardino enforces on-street parking under the Municipal Code and CVC. Vehicles parked on a public street more than 72 hours are subject to tow under CVC 22651(k).
Key details: 72-Hour Limit: CVC 22651(k). Red Curb: No stopping. Blue Curb: Disabled placard only. AB 2097 Transit Rule: No parking minimums near transit. Parking Services: (909) 384-5742.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Driveway Rules
San Bernardino requires driveway approaches to meet Public Works engineering standards. New or replacement driveway cuts on a public street require an encroachment permit from Public Works Engineering.
Key details: Encroachment Permit: Required for curb cuts. Minimum Width: 10 feet residential. Maximum Width at Curb: 30-40 feet residential. Surface Requirement: Concrete, asphalt, or permeable. Permit Issuing Office: Public Works Engineering.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Commercial Vehicle Restrictions
San Bernardino prohibits parking commercial vehicles over a set weight or length on residential streets overnight. California Vehicle Code 22507.5 authorizes local bans, with typical limits on trucks over 10,000 pounds.
Key details: State Authority: CVC 22507.5. Typical Weight Limit: 10,000 pounds GVW. Length Limit: 22 feet. Restricted Hours: Commonly 2am-6am. Residential Limit: One owner-operated vehicle.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The Bottom Line
Compared to many U.S. cities, San Bernardino gives residents more room on parking rules. 2 of the 7 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.
This guide is based on San Bernardino's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.