210 local rules on file · Pop. 24,339 · San Bernardino County
Showing ordinances that apply to Bloomington, CA
Bloomington is an unincorporated community with a population of approximately 24,339 in San Bernardino County, California. Because Bloomington is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal government or city code. Instead, San Bernardino County ordinances apply directly to residential and commercial properties here. The rules below are the county-level regulations that govern your area. Nearby incorporated cities in San Bernardino County may have different rules.
San Bernardino County enforces CA Health and Safety Code 115920 requiring a 60-inch barrier around residential pools. At least two of seven approved drowning prevention features are required.
Unincorporated San Bernardino County requires a building permit for fences and block walls over 7 ft in height, and for retaining walls over 4 ft (measured from bottom of footing) or any retaining wall supporting a surcharge. Permits are issued by Land Use Services Building and Safety through the EZ Online Permitting (EZOP) portal.
The San Bernardino County Development Code sets fence height, materials, and placement, but does not allocate the cost of a shared boundary fence between neighbors. Cost-sharing for division fences is governed by California's Good Neighbor Fence Act (Civil Code Section 841), which presumes adjoining owners share construction and maintenance costs equally after 30 days' written notice.
In unincorporated San Bernardino County, retaining walls over 4 ft (measured from the bottom of the footing) or any retaining wall supporting a surcharge require a building permit. Within required setbacks, the Development Code (Section 83.02.070) exempts retaining walls under 3 ft above finished grade, allowing up to four such walls in a setback.
Beyond height limits, the San Bernardino County Development Code requires solid masonry walls between certain zoning districts, decorative walls along rights-of-way, and Building Code-compliant fencing around swimming pools and spas. Industrial uses abutting non-industrial districts must build a solid masonry wall at least 6 ft tall (Section 83.06.050).
The County Development Code dictates both permitted and prohibited fence materials in the unincorporated area. Required separation and right-of-way walls must be solid masonry of decorative design, while Section 83.06.070 bans tarp fencing countywide and restricts chain link, barbed/razor wire, and electrified fencing by region and district.
Section 83.06.070 of the County Development Code prohibits certain fence materials in the unincorporated area. Tarp fencing is banned in all zoning districts. Chain link is restricted in residential Valley Region zones, barbed/razor wire is restricted in residential and certain commercial/industrial areas, and electrified fencing along property lines is generally prohibited.
In unincorporated San Bernardino County, Development Code Chapter 83.06 caps fences, hedges, and walls within required setbacks. Residential and other districts allow 4 ft in front and street-side setbacks and 6 ft in interior side and rear setbacks (Table 83-6). RC and RL districts allow open fences up to 5 ft in front and street-side setbacks.
San Bernardino County Development Code Chapter 84.07 limits customer, client, or student visits to a home occupation so that traffic and parking remain typical of a single-family residence in its zone.
Unincorporated San Bernardino County allows home occupations as an accessory use in residential zones under Development Code Chapter 84.12, divided into Class I, II, and III. Class I is allowed countywide with no permit; Class II and III require a Special Use Permit. Certain uses like vehicle repair and kennels are prohibited.
Home occupations in unincorporated San Bernardino County generally may not use signs or alter the home's residential appearance. Only a Class III home occupation in the Desert Region may have a non-illuminated identification sign up to 12 square feet, and not in single-family or multi-family residential zones.
In unincorporated San Bernardino County, Class I home occupations need no permit, while Class II and III require a Special Use Permit renewable every 24 months. All classes must stay inside an enclosed structure, keep noise under 55 dB(A), provide off-street parking for employees, and avoid outdoor storage.
Cottage food operations in unincorporated San Bernardino County must register or permit with County Environmental Health Services and first obtain a County Home Occupation approval. The food must be made in the operator's private home kitchen, operations are limited to one non-family employee, and operators must complete a food processor course.
Small and large family daycare homes are a residential use by right in unincorporated San Bernardino County under California's SB 234 (HSC 1597.45/1597.46). The County cannot require a conditional or use permit or business license; operators are licensed by the State and must meet State Fire Marshal fire-safety standards.
In unincorporated San Bernardino County there is no general lawn-aesthetics ordinance, but the County's Fire Hazard Abatement code treats grass over four inches in height as flammable vegetation that must be cut. The four-inch standard applies countywide across the Valley, Mountain, and Desert fire regions.
Routine pruning of your own ornamental trees generally needs no County permit, but in the Mountain region the Fire Hazard Abatement code requires limbing trees up and clearing dead branches near structures. Regulated native trees may not be removed by aggressive trimming without a Tree or Plant Removal Permit.
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in unincorporated San Bernardino County. California's Rainwater Capture Act lets residents install rain barrels for outdoor, non-potable use without a local permit. The County does not prohibit rainwater capture, and its Development Code promotes stormwater retention through bio-swales and infiltration.
San Bernardino County's Development Code requires native and drought-tolerant plants in new and rehabilitated landscaping, and Chapter 88.01 protects native trees and desert plants from removal. Joshua trees and listed desert natives are regulated. Owners are encouraged to landscape with natives, but removing protected natives requires a permit.
Backyard composting is allowed and encouraged in unincorporated San Bernardino County. Under California's SB 1383, residents in the mandatory-collection area must subscribe to organic-waste collection that separates food scraps and yard waste, though some mountain Rim communities qualify for low-population or high-elevation waivers.
San Bernardino County's weed abatement is handled through its Fire Hazard Abatement program under County Code Sections 23.0301 to 23.0319. Owners of unincorporated land must clear flammable weeds, grass over four inches, tumbleweeds, and combustible debris, and maintain defensible space around structures, or face a County abatement notice.
Day-to-day outdoor watering limits in unincorporated San Bernardino County are set by your local water purveyor and by statewide rules from the State Water Resources Control Board, not by a County watering-days ordinance. State law permanently prohibits wasteful uses such as hosing hard surfaces and watering that runs off or follows rainfall.
San Bernardino County's Development Code does not ban artificial turf and actively directs that natural turf be minimized to save water. Synthetic turf is an accepted water-saving alternative for unincorporated properties, though large landscape projects must still meet the Code's water-efficient design and stormwater standards.
Removing regulated native trees in unincorporated San Bernardino County requires a Tree or Plant Removal Permit under Development Code Chapter 88.01. Regulated trees include native trees six inches or more in stem diameter, all Joshua trees, and certain desert and riparian species. Several exemptions apply for small developed lots and trees near structures.
San Bernardino County residents may not keep injured wildlife without a California Department of Fish and Wildlife rehabilitator permit. SBC Animal Care refers calls to permitted facilities such as those serving the desert and mountain corridors.
San Bernardino County aligns with the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and California Fish and Game Code. Removing active nests of native birds is prohibited, especially during nesting season, and tree work near raptor or songbird nests requires biological survey clearance.
In unincorporated San Bernardino County, County Code 32.0108 (Control of Animals) requires dogs off the owner's property to be restrained by a leash held by a competent person, or properly enclosed in a vehicle or cage. Animals may not run at large on streets, parks, or unenclosed private property.
Keeping chickens and small livestock in unincorporated San Bernardino County is regulated by the 2007 Development Code, Chapter 84.04 (Animal Keeping). Table 84-5 allows female poultry on residential parcels by lot size, scaling from 2 birds on lots under 7,200 sq ft up to a maximum of 9 of each genus per parcel.
San Bernardino County does not ban any dog breed. However, under County Code 32.1501 (enforced by Animal Care), pit bulls and pit bull mixes over 4 months old in unincorporated areas must be spayed or neutered. California state law (Food & Ag Code 31683) bars true breed-specific bans but permits breed-based mandatory sterilization.
Large livestock in unincorporated San Bernardino County is governed by Development Code Chapter 84.04. As an accessory use (Table 84-5), horses and cattle need a 20,000 sq ft parcel (60-ft frontage) at one per 10,000 sq ft, capped at 9 per parcel. Larger herds, dairies, or hog ranches need a Conditional Use Permit.
Feeding wildlife is illegal in unincorporated San Bernardino County. County Code 32.1301 prohibits leaving food outside for nondomesticated mammalian predators - coyotes, raccoons, foxes, opossums, bears, mountain lions, and bobcats - with narrow exceptions for permitted owners and animals awaiting pickup by animal control.
San Bernardino County has no ordinance using the term 'hoarding,' but excess-animal situations are reached two ways: Development Code Table 84-5 caps dogs/cats (5+ becomes a permitted kennel/cattery), and California Penal Code 597 (cruelty) and 597.1 (failure to provide care) apply when animals are neglected. Animal Care enforces both pathways.
San Bernardino County requires microchipping of dogs and cats at the time of licensing or shelter release. The chip must be registered to a current owner with active contact information that Animal Care officers can verify in the field.
In unincorporated San Bernardino County, Development Code Table 84-5 caps a combination of dogs and/or cats by lot size: 2 under 7,200 sq ft, 3 up to 9,999, 4 up to 19,999, and 5 at 20,000 sq ft or more. Five or more is a private kennel/cattery needing a Special Use Permit.
San Bernardino County requires dogs and cats adopted or reclaimed from county shelters to be spayed or neutered before release. Owners present a deposit refunded once veterinary verification is submitted, encouraging compliance among redeeming owners.
San Bernardino County coordinates with California Department of Fish and Wildlife on coyote conflicts. Residents must avoid feeding wildlife, secure trash, and use hazing techniques. Lethal removal is reserved for animals showing imminent threats to people or pets.
Unincorporated San Bernardino County does not require cats to be licensed or leashed. Cats are covered by the Development Code pet limit (combined with dogs: 2 to 5 by lot size; 5+ is a cattery). The County Code anti-nuisance and noise rules (32.0119) apply, and California Penal Code 597 protects cats from cruelty.
California law and San Bernardino County retail rules require pet stores selling dogs, cats, or rabbits to source only from shelters or rescues. AB 485 enforcement is shared between Animal Care, code compliance, and the California Attorney General.
Beekeeping is allowed in unincorporated San Bernardino County. County Code 32.0903 sets apiary location standards: hives must sit at least 100 feet from public roads, 200 feet from freeways, and 500 feet from houses (without occupant permission). Apiaries near schools or gathering places need 6-foot barriers. State law also requires registering bees with the county.
Keeping exotic animals in unincorporated San Bernardino County is tightly controlled by Development Code 84.04.040. Exotics are an accessory use to a single-family home, require a county Special Use Permit plus permits from County Public Health and California Fish and Game, and are capped at two over six months old without a Conditional Use Permit.
Bookings of thirty-one consecutive days or longer fall outside the SBC short-term rental program and are treated as standard residential tenancies subject to AB 1482 statewide rent and eviction protections.
Development Code Section 84.28.060(d) requires all renter vehicles to park on the STR property at a ratio of at least one space per four renters. On-street and right-of-way parking is prohibited. Two-renter units are limited to two vehicles, and illegally parked vehicles may be towed without notice.
Under Development Code Section 84.28.060, sleeping occupancy is set by room size (70 sq ft for one person, +50 sq ft per additional person), then capped by unit size and parcel acreage - from 6 persons (under 800 sq ft) up to 20 persons (parcels over one acre), and never beyond what on-site parking supports.
Development Code Section 84.28.070(h) makes it unlawful for anyone at an STR to make loud, excessive, or intrusive noise that disturbs the peace, judged by a 'reasonable person' standard. The owner must respond within one hour to complaints, and the County offers a $150 credit for an outdoor noise-monitoring device.
Unincorporated San Bernardino County does NOT require an STR to be the owner's primary residence. Non-owner-occupied whole-home rentals are allowed in the Mountain and Desert Regions. An owner-occupancy condition applies only to certain accessory-unit setups and is waived entirely on parcels of two acres or more.
San Bernardino County does not require the host on-site during a stay, but Development Code Section 84.28.070(f) requires the owner or agent to be reachable by phone 24 hours a day and able to be physically present within one hour to respond to complaints. The 24-hour contact must be posted and given to neighbors.
Development Code Chapter 84.28 sets no annual cap on the number of nights an unincorporated San Bernardino County short-term rental may operate. A permitted STR may be rented year-round, subject only to the 30-day-or-less 'transient' definition, occupancy and parking limits, and conduct standards.
Development Code Chapter 84.28 does NOT impose a specific liability-insurance requirement on unincorporated San Bernardino County short-term rentals. The ordinance requires code compliance, a 24-hour contact, and safety standards, but no minimum coverage. Hosts should still carry short-term rental insurance, since standard homeowner policies often exclude commercial rental use.
San Bernardino County places primary regulatory responsibility on the property owner or permitted operator. Booking platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are not deputized as enforcement agents, but must collect transient occupancy tax.
STR permits in unincorporated San Bernardino County may be suspended or revoked after a pattern of verified violations within a twelve-month window, particularly for noise, occupancy, parking, and trash complaints.
Owners apply through the County's EZ Online Permitting (EZOP) system, providing owner/manager contact, parcel data, square footage, a 24-hour contact number, and acknowledgment of Chapter 84.28 rules. Surrounding property owners are notified, and the permit must be renewed each year.
Unincorporated San Bernardino County requires a valid Short-Term Residential Rental Unit Permit under Development Code Chapter 84.28 before advertising or renting a dwelling for 30 days or less. STRs are allowed only in the Mountain and Desert Regions; an initial County inspection is required.
STR guests in unincorporated San Bernardino County pay a 7% Uniform Transient Occupancy Tax (County Code 14.0203). A 2024 ballot measure (Measure K) to raise it to 11% was defeated. STR permit fees (effective July 1, 2025) total $1,144 for a new application, with renewals from $550.
Unincorporated San Bernardino County prohibits loud music and noise from audio or sound-amplifying equipment under County Code Section 24.0705. Amplified sound that is disturbing, excessive, or offensive to a reasonable person is unlawful; short-term rentals face additional limits under Section 84.28.070(h).
Motor-vehicle noise on roads in unincorporated San Bernardino County is governed mainly by the California Vehicle Code, which the state controls: every vehicle must have an adequate muffler and no exhaust cutout (Sec. 27150), modified exhausts may not exceed 95 dBA (Sec. 27151), and a vehicle sound system audible 50+ feet away is prohibited (Sec. 27007).
Unincorporated San Bernardino County sets numeric noise limits in Development Code Section 83.01.080, Table 5. For a residential receiving use, a stationary source may not exceed 55 dB(A) Leq from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. or 45 dB(A) Leq from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Higher limits apply to commercial and industrial uses, with short-duration allowances.
Outdoor music in unincorporated San Bernardino County is governed by County Code Section 24.0705, which bars loud music and amplified sound that is disturbing, excessive, or offensive. Short-term rentals face a specific rule (Section 84.28.070(h)) with outdoor noise monitoring, and fixed outdoor systems must meet the Development Code residential standards.
Industrial and stationary-source noise in unincorporated San Bernardino County is capped by Development Code Section 83.01.080. The limit depends on the receiving land use: 55/45 dB(A) Leq day/night at a residence, but up to 70 dB(A) Leq at an industrial receiver. A separate vibration standard (Section 83.01.090) also applies.
Aircraft noise in unincorporated San Bernardino County is not controlled by County ordinance. Federal law preempts local regulation of aircraft operations and noise: the FAA has exclusive authority over navigable airspace, and the Supreme Court (City of Burbank v. Lockheed) confirmed federal law preempts local aircraft-noise rules. The County addresses aircraft only through land-use compatibility planning.
Unincorporated San Bernardino County has no ordinance banning or specifically restricting leaf blowers. Their use is governed by the general noise rules: the Development Code stationary-source standards (55 dB(A) day / 45 dB(A) night at a residence) and the County's prohibition on disturbing, excessive, or offensive noise (Section 24.0705). New gas blowers are also subject to California's statewide small-engine rule.
Unincorporated San Bernardino County prohibits habitual, annoying animal noise from residential properties under County Code Section 32.0119. Animal Care first sends a Courtesy Abatement Letter giving the owner two weeks to resolve the problem; continued violations draw escalating citations starting at $100.
In unincorporated San Bernardino County, the Development Code sets a nighttime quiet period of 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., when the stationary-source noise standard at a residence drops to 45 dB(A) Leq from the 55 dB(A) daytime limit. A separate County Code section also prohibits disturbing or offensive noise at any hour.
In unincorporated San Bernardino County, the Development Code exempts temporary construction, maintenance, repair, and demolition from the noise standards only between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., except on Sundays and Federal holidays. Construction outside those hours is not exempt and requires County approval.
Possession of any fireworks, including state-approved "Safe and Sane" fireworks, is illegal in all unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County, according to San Bernardino County Fire. Aerial and exploding fireworks are banned statewide under California Health & Safety Code 12500 et seq.
San Bernardino County Land Use Services requires property owners in wildfire-prone unincorporated areas to maintain defensible space by clearing flammable vegetation. The County advises maintaining 100 feet of defensible space, consistent with California Public Resources Code 4291. A seasonal Fire Hazard Abatement program inspects for compliance.
Backyard recreational fires in unincorporated San Bernardino County must stay within a 3-foot by 2-foot fuel area, sit at least 25 feet from structures, burn only clean dry wood or charcoal (no trash), be attended by an adult, and be extinguished in high winds or Red Flag conditions. Fires are prohibited in Wildfire Risk Areas.
Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms in unincorporated San Bernardino County are governed by California law. Health & Safety Code 13113.7 requires smoke alarms in all dwellings, and Health & Safety Code 17926 requires carbon monoxide alarms in dwellings with fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages.
Much of unincorporated San Bernardino County (San Bernardino Mountains, foothills, and wildland areas) lies in Moderate, High, or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. The Board of Supervisors adopted Ordinance No. 4489 (June 10, 2025) designating Local Responsibility Area zones, and the County's Fire Safety Overlay (Development Code Chapter 82.13) imposes extra building standards.
Open burning of vegetation in unincorporated San Bernardino County requires an open fire permit from County Fire and approval from the governing air district (South Coast AQMD or Mojave Desert AQMD). South Coast AQMD prohibits ALL residential burning; trash, plastics, and burn barrels are banned everywhere.
Propane storage in unincorporated San Bernardino County is governed by the 2022 California Fire Code Chapter 61, adopted by County Fire under Ordinance FPD 23-01. LP-gas containers must meet separation distances from buildings and lot lines, indoor storage of larger cylinders is prohibited, and County Fire requires a 10-foot vegetation clearance around tanks.
Per the San Bernardino County Fire Department Outdoor Fire Requirements Guide, recreational fires and portable outdoor fireplaces must stay within a 3-foot-wide by 2-foot-high fuel area and keep set distances from structures (25 feet for an open recreational fire; 15 feet for a permanent gas/propane fire ring or portable fireplace).
Unincorporated San Bernardino County does not impose a general overnight on-street parking ban or permit requirement. The main limit is the 72-hour continuous-parking rule in County Code Section 52.0119, so a vehicle may legally remain on the street overnight as long as it is moved within 72 hours and is legally parked.
Unincorporated San Bernardino County does not have a single dedicated 'oversized vehicle' street ordinance. Large and heavy vehicles are instead controlled by County Code weight and commercial-vehicle limits (Sections 52.0125 and 52.0128), the 72-hour street-storage rule (52.0119), Development Code Section 83.11.100, and the California Vehicle Code.
San Bernardino County Ordinance No. 4446 (2022) added rules for EV charging stations in County parking lots. Only EVs and plug-in hybrids that are actually plugged in may use charging stalls; vehicles not charging or overstaying are subject to a $200 penalty and possible towing, plus posted user fees.
San Bernardino County Development Code Section 83.11.090 requires off-street loading spaces for institutional, commercial, industrial and special uses. Each loading space must be at least 10 feet wide, 20 feet long and 14 feet high, with one space per 5,000 square feet of floor area, up to a maximum of four spaces.
Curb colors in unincorporated San Bernardino County follow California Vehicle Code Section 21458, which defines red (no stopping), yellow (freight/passenger loading), white (brief passenger loading or mail), green (time-limited parking) and blue (disabled parking). Only authorized public agencies may paint or designate these regulatory curb markings.
In unincorporated San Bernardino County, the Development Code permits driveway parking for single-family homes but bars parking elsewhere in the front-yard setback. Driveways and off-street parking areas must be surfaced (typically two inches of asphaltic concrete in the Valley Region), and driveway widths and dimensions follow Development Code standards.
In unincorporated San Bernardino County, residential parking is governed by the County Development Code rather than a dedicated RV ordinance. Parking is not allowed in the front-yard setback except in the driveway, and required parking areas cannot be used to store boats, campers or trailers. RVs may not be occupied as dwellings.
San Bernardino County Development Code Section 83.11.100 directly regulates parking of commercial vehicles (truck tractors, trucks and trailers over 10,000 lbs GVWR) in residential zones. Such vehicles generally must be parked off the street, behind the front setback, and meet acreage and setback thresholds that vary by region.
On streets in unincorporated San Bernardino County, no vehicle may be parked or stored in one spot for more than 72 consecutive hours under County Code Section 52.0119. Beyond that, California Vehicle Code Section 22500 controls where stopping and parking are prohibited (crosswalks, driveways, fire hydrants and similar).
San Bernardino County operates a Vehicle Abatement and Removal Program under County Code Title 3, Division 3, Chapter 12. Abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicles on private or public property are declared a public nuisance and may be abated and removed, with costs charged to the owner, consistent with California Vehicle Code Sections 22660-22669.
In unincorporated San Bernardino County, a Pool and Spa Permit from Land Use Services Building & Safety is required before constructing any pool or spa. Plans are reviewed for compliance with the California Building Codes and County Development Code. Applications are filed through the County's EZ Online Permitting portal.
Pools in unincorporated San Bernardino County must be surrounded by an enclosure at least 60 inches high with no more than 2 inches of clearance under the barrier, no gaps that pass a 4-inch sphere, and self-closing, self-latching gates that open away from the pool. Rules follow the California Swimming Pool Safety Act.
Where a wall of the home serves as part of the pool barrier, unincorporated San Bernardino County requires at least one approved drowning-prevention safety feature under the California Swimming Pool Safety Act, such as a door exit alarm, a self-latching door device 54 inches high, or an ASTM F2208 pool alarm.
In unincorporated San Bernardino County, above-ground pools must meet the same barrier rules as in-ground pools unless the pool's own walls form a complying barrier at least 5 feet high. Where a ladder or steps provide access, they must be secured, locked, or removable, or be surrounded by a complying barrier.
In unincorporated San Bernardino County, hot tubs and spas holding water over 18 inches deep are treated as pools and must meet the same barrier rules. An approved ASTM F1346-91 safety cover can substitute for an enclosure when combined with a drowning-prevention safety feature.
Development Code Section 84.01.050(c) limits detached carports and garages to 1,200 square feet when located on parcels smaller than 20,000 square feet. Carports are accessory structures subject to the same setbacks as the primary structure and to the underlying zoning district's site-coverage limits.
Unincorporated San Bernardino County has no separate tiny-house ordinance. A permanent tiny home is treated as an ADU under Development Code Chapter 84.01, which expressly allows efficiency units and manufactured homes. Minimum unit size follows the California Residential Code; movable tiny homes on wheels are not approved as permanent dwellings.
Development Code Section 84.01.050(e) limits parcels of one acre or less to a single detached storage structure exceeding 120 sq ft, and that structure may not exceed 1,000 sq ft. Except in the Mountain Region, sheds cannot sit in front of the home where it faces a street right-of-way.
In unincorporated San Bernardino County, Development Code Chapter 84.01 and California ADU law (Gov. Code 66310 et seq.) allow at least one ADU on any single-family lot. Detached units may reach 1,200 sq ft and 18 ft tall; JADUs are capped at 500 sq ft. Side and rear setbacks are 4 feet.
Converting a garage into an ADU is permitted ministerially under Development Code Chapter 84.01 and state ADU law. No setback is required for an existing garage converted to an ADU, and converted units do not require replacement parking. Roadway setbacks still apply in the Mountain Region.
HVAC units in unincorporated San Bernardino County must meet Title 8 residential property-line limits (55 dBA day, 45 dBA night). Title 24 Part 6 requires exterior units to publish sound ratings.
Bars and nightclubs in unincorporated San Bernardino County need a Conditional Use Permit. Amplified music must meet Title 8 residential limits (45 dBA at night). California Business and Professions Code 25612.5 also applies.
Standby and portable generators in unincorporated San Bernardino County must meet Title 8 limits (45 dBA night residential). PSPS and emergency use is exempt. SCAQMD Rule 1470 permits stationary units over 50 hp.
California Labor Code 7150-7157 and Title 8 CCR 1635-1662 govern scaffold safety in San Bernardino County, requiring competent person supervision, fall protection above 7.5 ft, and engineering for high scaffolds.
California Labor Code 7300-7323 and Title 8 CCR 3000+ require annual elevator inspections by Cal/OSHA in San Bernardino County, with permits to operate and licensed elevator contractors.
California Health and Safety Code 17920.10 and federal RRP rule require lead-safe work practices in San Bernardino County pre-1978 housing renovations, with EPA-certified contractors and tenant notifications.
Structural pest control in San Bernardino County requires licensing by the CA Structural Pest Control Board, with specific rules for termite fumigation, rodent control, and tenant notification under CA B&P Code 8500+.
San Bernardino County enforces California Building Code rules requiring egress doors to unlock with a single motion from the inside. Deadbolts must release with the same handle action, and key-operated locks are restricted to specific Group A, B, M, and E uses.
San Bernardino County adopts the California Residential Code requiring NFPA 13D automatic fire sprinklers in all new one and two-family dwellings. SBCFPD enforces stricter density and water-supply standards in mountain WUI subdivisions and remote desert parcels.
San Bernardino County applies floor area ratios, lot coverage, and height limits in mountain and foothill communities to limit mansionization. Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead, and Crest Forest community plans add stricter design review for oversized structures and bulky additions.
San Bernardino County licensed childcare centers must meet California Building Code Group E or I-4 occupancy rules with fire alarms, sprinklers, exit hardware, and accessible play areas. State Community Care Licensing inspects, while county Building and Safety verifies plan compliance.
San Bernardino County enforces the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen, Title 24 Part 11) on all new construction and major remodels. Mandatory measures include water-efficient fixtures, EV-ready wiring, construction waste diversion, and indoor air quality controls.
California Civil Code 4765 requires HOA architectural committees to use fair, reasonable procedures with written decisions, deadlines, and appeal rights, applying to San Bernardino County communities.
CC&R enforcement by HOAs in San Bernardino County follows California Davis-Stirling Act procedures requiring written notice, hearing opportunity, and graduated discipline before fines or liens.
California Civil Code 5600-5740 governs HOA assessments in San Bernardino County, requiring annual budget disclosure, limits on increases without member vote, and specific collection procedures.
HOAs in San Bernardino County follow California Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act (Civil Code 4000+) for board meetings, notice requirements, open meeting rules, and election procedures.
California Civil Code 5900-5965 requires HOAs in San Bernardino County to offer internal dispute resolution (IDR) and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) before filing litigation over most disputes.
San Bernardino County issues solar permits through expedited online portal under AB 2188 (3-day processing for small rooftop systems), with Title 24 compliance and utility interconnection coordination.
California Civil Code 714 (Solar Rights Act) prohibits HOAs in San Bernardino County from banning solar panels, limiting restrictions to reasonable placement that does not significantly reduce efficiency or raise cost.
San Bernardino County Development Code and MS4 permits require erosion control BMPs on all graded sites, with hillside development overlay imposing stricter rules including revegetation bonds.
San Bernardino County Development Code Chapter 83 requires grading permits for earth moving over 50 cubic yards, with hillside and rough grading permits, drainage plans, and geotechnical review.
California Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards mandate cool-roof reflectance values for new and re-roofed buildings in San Bernardino County climate zones 10, 14, 15, and 16, covering desert and mountain communities prone to extreme heat.
California AB 1346 bans the sale of new gas-powered leaf blowers, mowers, and similar small off-road engines starting in 2024. San Bernardino County does not impose a separate operational ban but enforces noise rules.
Properties in San Bernardino Mountain WUI zones must clear 100 feet of defensible space around structures. SBCFPD inspects annually before fire season; failure to comply triggers abatement orders, contractor cleanup at owner cost, and potential criminal citations.
San Bernardino County MS4 Permit under the Santa Ana and Lahontan Regional Water Boards requires stormwater BMPs for development over 1 acre and prohibits non-stormwater discharges to the storm drain system.
California Air Resources Board limits commercial diesel idling to 5 minutes statewide, enforced aggressively in San Bernardino County warehouse hubs like Fontana, Ontario, and the Inland Empire. SCAQMD adds local enforcement in non-attainment basins.
San Bernardino County adopted a Climate Action Plan and updated Renewable Energy and Conservation Element setting greenhouse gas reduction targets aligned with California SB 32. New developments must demonstrate consistency with CAP measures during CEQA review.
San Bernardino County is entirely inland - Mojave Desert, Inland Empire, and the San Bernardino Mountains - with no coastline and no California Coastal Commission jurisdiction. The relevant program is the Floodplain Safety (FP) Overlay in Title 8, Section 82.14, plus the Floodplain Administrator duties in Section 86.04, requiring a permit before any development in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area or designated desert wash.
San Bernardino County Floodplain Management Ordinance implements FEMA NFIP requirements including elevation certificates, 1-foot freeboard, and flood insurance for Special Flood Hazard Areas.
San Bernardino County has no countywide snow-clearing ordinance, but mountain communities (Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead, Crestline) customarily expect owners to keep walkways passable.
The County treats trash receptacles left in public view as a property-maintenance issue in unincorporated areas: receptacles are to be kept out of public view between collections. WM, the County's franchised hauler, directs residents to set 96-gallon carts at the curb the night before or by 6 a.m. on collection day, then return them out of sight.
Owners of vacant lots in unincorporated San Bernardino County must abate fire hazards under County Code Sections 23.0301-23.0319: weeds and grasses kept below four inches, dead vegetation and combustible debris removed, and defensible space maintained. The County's seasonal Fire Hazard Abatement Program inspects vacant lots and bills owners who fail to clear them.
Unincorporated San Bernardino County requires weeds and grasses to be kept below four inches at all times under the Fire Hazard Abatement Program (County Code 23.0301-23.0319). Owners must also remove dead vegetation and combustible debris and clear flammable vegetation near structures. Non-compliant parcels are abated by the County at the owner's expense.
In unincorporated San Bernardino County, garage sales are an exempt temporary use under Development Code Section 84.25.030: no more than four garage sales per parcel per year, each lasting no more than three consecutive days. Multi-family dwellings are limited to two garage sales per calendar year per legal dwelling unit. No temporary use permit is required for compliant sales.
In unincorporated San Bernardino County, Land Use Services Code Enforcement abates property blight as a public nuisance: accumulated garbage, scrap, junk, old furniture and car parts, abandoned or unsecured buildings, deteriorated paint, broken windows, and graffiti. Owners get written notice and a reasonable time to correct before further enforcement.
WM provides unincorporated County residents up to five bulk items twice per calendar year on their regular collection day, scheduled at least 48 hours ahead. Acceptable items include appliances, furniture, carpet, and televisions; loose trash, tires, dirt, hazardous waste, and construction debris are excluded. A separate extra-pickup option covers a few bags or boxes.
Unincorporated San Bernardino County requires solid-waste collection service through the County's franchise system. The Solid Waste Management Division runs 20 Franchise Areas and a refuse-collection permit program; WM is the franchised hauler. Hiring anyone other than the SWMD-contracted hauler to remove waste is prohibited, though a Self-Haul Exemption is available.
WM, the unincorporated County's franchised hauler, directs residents to set 96-gallon carts at the curb the night before or by 6 a.m. on collection day, place them at least one foot apart and three feet from obstacles with wheels toward the house, and keep lids closed. County placement standards for refuse containers are in County Code Section 33.0808.
Unincorporated County residents receive a 96-gallon recycling cart from WM and must keep recyclables separate from trash and organics. Recycling is mandated by California law (AB 341 commercial recycling and SB 1383), which the County franchise implements. WM monitors carts for contamination under SB 1383, and contaminated carts can be left uncollected or charged.
California SB 1383 - not a County-original ordinance - requires all unincorporated County residents and businesses to separate food scraps, food-soiled paper, and yard waste from trash and recycling and subscribe to organics collection. The County implements it through its WM franchise with a 96-gallon organics cart, contamination monitoring, and a commercial edible-food recovery/donation mandate.
San Bernardino County Code prohibits obstructing sidewalks with merchandise, vegetation, or hoops. Trees must be trimmed to keep 8-foot vertical clearance over sidewalks.
Under CA Streets and Highways Code 5610, adjacent property owners in unincorporated San Bernardino County are responsible for maintaining and repairing sidewalks fronting their property.
San Bernardino County Code Chapter 34.01 prohibits minors under 18 from being in public places from 10 PM to 5 AM without a parent, guardian, or legitimate purpose such as work, school, or emergency.
San Bernardino County Regional Parks operate during posted daytime hours and close to the public after closing. Summer hours run 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; after daylight saving time ends (November-March) parks open 7:30 a.m. and close at sunset (about 5 p.m.). Remaining after closing is prohibited except for permitted overnight campers.
California Civil Code 1954.603 requires landlords to disclose bed bug information and prohibits renting units with known infestations; San Bernardino County enforces habitability complaints.
California law and San Bernardino County Solid Waste rules prohibit loose syringes and sharps in household trash; residents must use FDA-cleared sharps containers and approved drop-off sites.
San Bernardino County Public Health inspects restaurants countywide and posts color-coded grade placards (Pass, Conditional Pass, Closed) at the entrance after each routine inspection.
Property owners across San Bernardino County must keep premises free of rodent harborage, and Public Health may abate severe infestations on private land at the owner cost.
California AB 1884 bars full-service restaurants in San Bernardino County and statewide from automatically providing plastic straws; customers must specifically request them at sit-down meals.
California SB 54 phases out expanded polystyrene foam foodware statewide by 2030; some San Bernardino communities have earlier local bans on takeout containers and packing peanuts.
California SB 1383 organic waste rules push San Bernardino County restaurants toward compostable takeout containers and require commercial generators to subscribe to organics collection service.
California SB 270 bans most single-use plastic carryout bags at grocery and retail stores statewide; San Bernardino County retailers must charge at least ten cents for recycled paper or thicker reusable bags.
California AB 1276 prohibits restaurants and food delivery platforms in San Bernardino County from automatically including plastic utensils, condiments, and napkins; items must be provided only on customer request.
California SB 793, upheld by Proposition 31 in 2022, bans the retail sale of most flavored tobacco products and flavor enhancers across San Bernardino County, including menthol cigarettes and flavored vapes.
California Tobacco 21 law bars sale of cigarettes, vapes, and other tobacco products to anyone under 21 in San Bernardino County, with active duty military exempt to age 18.
For covered units in unincorporated San Bernardino County, no-fault evictions are limited to AB 1482's enumerated reasons: owner or family move-in, substantial remodel, government order, or withdrawal from the rental market.
Unincorporated San Bernardino County has not adopted a local relocation-assistance ordinance for displaced tenants. Only the relocation payment required by California AB 1482 for qualifying no-fault evictions applies.
San Bernardino County rentals follow California Civil Code 1950.5, which limits security deposits to one month's rent for both furnished and unfurnished units and requires return within twenty-one days of move-out.
San Bernardino County tenants who have occupied 12+ months are protected by CA AB 1482 just-cause eviction rules. Landlords must state a valid reason and pay relocation for no-fault terminations.
Unincorporated San Bernardino County has no local rent control, but California AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act of 2019) imposes a statewide cap of CPI plus 5% annually (maximum 10%) on most rental units over 15 years old.
California Government Code 12955 bars San Bernardino County landlords from refusing to rent solely because the tenant uses a Housing Choice Voucher or other lawful government rental subsidy as part of their income.
California requires landlords to include or attach an AB 1482 disclosure in every covered lease and lease renewal, informing tenants of the rent cap and just-cause protections in plain statutory language.
The Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino administers Housing Choice Vouchers across SBC, inspecting units for HUD habitability standards and paying the subsidy portion directly to the landlord.
Unincorporated San Bernardino County does not require general rental-property registration. However, short-term rentals require county permits and Transient Occupancy Tax registration.
California Density Bonus Law lets developers exceed San Bernardino County zoning density by up to 50 percent in exchange for affordable units. Recent updates under SB 1287 and AB 1287 raise the maximum bonus to 100 percent for highly affordable projects.
San Bernardino County's General Plan is implemented through 14 community plans covering distinct geographies like Bear Valley, Crest Forest, Joshua Tree, Lake Arrowhead, and Lucerne Valley. Each adds local zoning standards on top of the countywide Development Code.
San Bernardino Mountain communities under hillside overlays restrict grading volume, slope disturbance, and building height to protect views and reduce wildfire and landslide risk. Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear, Crestline, and Wrightwood enforce strict hillside standards.
San Bernardino County does not set a local minimum wage, so the California statewide rate of 16.50 dollars per hour applies in 2026 to most employers in unincorporated areas, with annual inflation indexing.
California requires most employers, including warehouse and logistics operators in the Inland Empire portion of San Bernardino County, to provide at least 40 hours of paid sick leave per year under SB 616.
Backyard smokers are treated like residential BBQs in unincorporated San Bernardino County: no specific permit is required for residential use. They must follow County Fire's general open-flame and ember-safety rules, are prohibited on non-sprinklered multi-family balconies, and should not be used in Red Flag or high-wind conditions.
Residential-style BBQs need no permit in unincorporated San Bernardino County, per County Fire's Outdoor Fire Requirements Guide. A dedicated BBQ pit (in-ground cooking fire) does require a permit and 20-foot clearance. BBQs are prohibited on combustible patios or balconies of multi-family dwellings unless the building is sprinklered.
Setbacks in unincorporated San Bernardino County are set by the land use zoning district. In Valley Region residential districts (RL/RS/RM), the front setback is generally 25 ft and the rear 15 ft, with side setbacks varying by lot and street type. Mountain and Desert districts use different figures. Section 83.02.070 governs measurement and exceptions.
Maximum building height in unincorporated San Bernardino County is set by the zoning district. In residential districts, the limit is 35 ft for RL and RS and 45 ft for RM. Section 83.02.040 defines how height is measured and lists exceptions, including a 50% increase for certain features and added height for institutional structures with greater setbacks.
Maximum lot coverage in unincorporated San Bernardino County is set by zoning district as the percentage of total lot area that may be covered by structures and impervious surfaces. In the Valley Region, RL allows 20%, RM allows 60%, and RS allows up to the building envelope on small lots or 40% on lots of 20,000 sq ft or larger.
Unincorporated San Bernardino County requires a Tree or Plant Removal Permit under Development Code Section 88.01.050 to remove regulated native trees and plants. The Director or Fire Chief reviews applications, which may require an arborist or forester certification and a plot plan. Illegal removal is a misdemeanor.
Western Joshua trees are protected under California's Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act of 2023. Removing or relocating them in San Bernardino County requires a state permit and mitigation fees, with additional county Native Desert Plant Protection rules.
Development Code Section 83.13.070(b)(1) allows temporary political signs in any zoning district. They are limited to 8 square feet in residential districts and 32 square feet elsewhere, must be removed within 30 days after the election, and may not be placed in the public right-of-way or on utility poles.
Under Development Code Chapter 84.10, garage sale signs may not be posted on telephone poles, streetlights, traffic signs, or anywhere in the public right-of-way. Signs may go up no earlier than one day before the sale and must come down within one day after it ends.
Development Code Section 83.07.040 and the 2022 Light Trespass Ordinance impose dark-sky standards in the Mountain and Desert Regions: fully shielded fixtures, a 0.1 foot-candle light-trespass limit, 3,000 Kelvin maximum color temperature, residential poles capped at 12 feet, and lights extinguished when no people are present (and by 11 p.m.).
Development Code Chapter 83.07 limits glare onto neighboring property. In the Valley Region, lighting may not exceed 0.5 foot-candle at a residential property line (Section 83.07.030). In the Mountain and Desert Regions, the stricter Light Trespass Ordinance caps trespass at 0.1 foot-candle.
San Bernardino County coordinates encampment sanitation responses through the Office of Homeless Services, providing advance notice, outreach offers, and storage of personal property removed during cleanup operations.
San Bernardino County prohibits obstructing public sidewalks, trails, and rights-of-way with personal property or encampments in unincorporated areas, applying offer-of-shelter principles consistent with Ninth Circuit precedent.
San Bernardino County funds bridge and interim housing through the Continuum of Care, including navigation centers, motel-voucher programs, and project-based interim sites in San Bernardino, Victorville, and the High Desert.
Unincorporated San Bernardino County prohibits commercial cannabis retail, manufacturing, and distribution; only Adelanto, Hesperia, Needles, and a few other cities permit licensed dispensaries with strict buffers.
California Business and Professions Code 26054 requires licensed cannabis businesses to sit at least 600 feet from schools, daycares, and youth centers; San Bernardino cities often expand these buffers.
San Bernardino County Development Code Chapter 84.34 bans commercial cannabis cultivation, manufacturing, and sales in all unincorporated zones, treating any such use as a public nuisance.
Adults 21 and older may grow up to six cannabis plants per private residence in San Bernardino County, but unincorporated areas require indoor cultivation inside a fully enclosed secure structure.
Unincorporated San Bernardino County allows personal cannabis cultivation only indoors. State Proposition 64 (Health & Safety Code Section 11362.1) permits up to six living plants per residence for adults 21+; medical patients may grow more under HSC 11362.77. County Code Section 84.34.040 requires cultivation in a fully enclosed, locked, secure area not perceptible from outside. Outdoor cultivation is prohibited.
Cucamonga Valley Water District, Inland Empire Utilities Agency, and Mojave Water Agency offer turf replacement rebates of 2 to 4 dollars per square foot to convert lawns to drought-tolerant landscaping. State law also blocks HOAs from banning xeriscaping.
Mojave Water Agency, Cucamonga Valley, and other San Bernardino County water districts impose day-of-week irrigation schedules during drought emergencies. State Water Board emergency rules can override locals, banning ornamental turf irrigation entirely.
San Bernardino County water districts require customers to repair visible leaks within 5 to 10 days of notice. Persistent leaks running into gutters or sidewalks during drought are treated as water waste and trigger escalating fines.
San Bernardino County's Non-Motorized Transportation Plan guides bike-lane and trail expansion across unincorporated areas, with major commuter routes along Pacific Electric Trail, Santa Ana River Trail, and segments connecting OmniTrans bus stops and Metrolink stations.
San Bernardino County designates specific truck routes through Fontana, Ontario, Bloomington, and Mira Loma warehouse corridors to keep heavy freight off residential streets. Operating outside designated routes risks weight-violation citations and impoundment.
Tobacco retailers in unincorporated San Bernardino County need a county tobacco retailer license alongside the state CDTFA license, and California prohibits sales of most flavored tobacco products under SB 793.
Operating an auto repair business from a home in unincorporated San Bernardino County is generally prohibited under Title 8 zoning, though minor repairs on personally owned vehicles remain allowed.
Secondhand dealers and pawnbrokers in unincorporated San Bernardino County must register with the Sheriff and report transactions through the California Department of Justice CAPSS reporting system under state law.
San Bernardino County requires conditional use permits for massage establishments in unincorporated areas, with operators and technicians holding California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) certification under state law.
Tow operators that perform police-initiated tows in unincorporated San Bernardino County must hold a Sheriff rotation tow contract and follow California Vehicle Code rate posting and storage rules.
California state law bans smoking in most outdoor public spaces near children, workplaces, and state parks, and San Bernardino County applies these rules in unincorporated parks and public buildings.
San Bernardino County treats loud and unruly gatherings as a public nuisance, and the Sheriff can bill responsible parties for repeat response calls under the County Code.
California limits criminal loitering to specific contexts, while San Bernardino County enforces trespass rules on county property, parks after closing, and unincorporated commercial centers.
California Proposition 64 and San Bernardino County rules ban smoking, vaping, or eating cannabis in public places, including streets, parks, and county buildings in unincorporated areas.
Unlike Los Angeles or Long Beach, San Bernardino County does not impose hotel worker retention or living-wage rules, leaving lodging employers to follow only state minimum wage and labor protections.
San Bernardino County imposes a 7 percent transient occupancy tax on stays of 30 days or fewer at hotels, motels, RV parks, and short-term rentals in unincorporated areas, including Big Bear and Joshua Tree.
The most common code violations in San Bernardino County include unpermitted construction, junk and debris accumulation, overgrown vegetation, inoperable vehicles, illegal cannabis cultivation, unpermitted short-term rentals, and zoning violations in unincorporated areas.
San Bernardino County Code Enforcement handles complaints in unincorporated areas via phone at (909) 884-4056 or online. The division enforces zoning, housing, public nuisance, and vehicle abatement ordinances under the County Development Code.
San Bernardino County Code Enforcement investigates complaints and provides a time frame for correction based on violation type. Health and safety violations are prioritized for faster response, while routine violations may take 5-10 business days for initial investigation.
San Bernardino County does not have specific ordinances banning or restricting bamboo cultivation. However, bamboo that encroaches on neighboring properties or creates a nuisance may be subject to general property maintenance code enforcement.
San Bernardino County follows the California Department of Food and Agriculture's noxious weed list and the California Invasive Plant Council's inventory. Notable invasive species in the region include Saharan mustard, tamarisk (salt cedar), and giant reed (Arundo donax).
California AB 2561 (2022) prohibits cities and HOAs from banning front-yard food gardens. San Bernardino County residents can grow vegetables and fruit in their front yards. The county also encourages drought-tolerant landscaping and has removed restrictions on replacing lawns with gardens.
In San Bernardino County, detached storage sheds of 120 square feet or less, single-story, and without plumbing or electrical do not require a building permit. Larger sheds require permits and must comply with zoning setbacks and building code requirements.
Wood and vinyl fences under 6 feet in San Bernardino County typically do not require a building permit. Masonry walls, retaining walls, and fences over 6 feet require a permit. Front-yard fences are limited to 42 inches in residential zones.
Decks over 30 inches above grade require a building permit in San Bernardino County. Ground-level patios and decks less than 200 square feet that are under 30 inches above grade and not attached to a dwelling generally do not require a permit.
Most renovation work in San Bernardino County requires a building permit if it involves structural changes, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work. Cosmetic work like painting, flooring, and countertops does not require a permit.
Residential security cameras are legal in San Bernardino County without a permit. California's privacy laws prohibit recording in areas where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Audio recording requires all-party consent under California Penal Code §632.
California is an all-party consent state for audio recording. All parties to a confidential conversation must consent to being recorded under Penal Code §632. Video recording in public is legal, but recording in private areas violates Penal Code §647(j).
San Bernardino County allows privacy fences up to 6 feet in side and rear yards and 42 inches in front yards in most residential zones. Fences under 6 feet typically do not require a building permit. Barbed wire is prohibited in residential zones.
These unincorporated areas are also governed by San Bernardino County ordinances.