195 local rules on file · Pop. 116 · San Bernardino County
Showing ordinances that apply to Bluewater, CA
Bluewater is an unincorporated community with a population of approximately 116 in San Bernardino County, California. Because Bluewater 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.
Outdoor music in unincorporated San Bernardino County must meet Title 8 residential limits (55 dBA day, 45 dBA night). Venues need a Conditional Use Permit and special events need a permit from Land Use Services.
San Bernardino County Title 8 Division 3 sets exterior dBA limits by receiving zone: residential 55/45 day/night, commercial 65/60, industrial 70/70. Impulsive and tonal noise carries a -5 dB penalty.
These unincorporated areas are also governed by San Bernardino County ordinances.
Industrial noise abutting residential property in San Bernardino County must meet residential limits (45 dBA night) under Title 8. Inland Empire warehouses in Fontana, Ontario, and Bloomington face strict enforcement.
Livestock (cattle, horses, sheep, goats, swine, llamas) are permitted in Agricultural (AG) and Rural Living (RL) zones of unincorporated San Bernardino County. Animal unit counts scale with lot size; setbacks for corrals and barns run 40-100 feet. California Right to Farm Act (Civil Code 3482.5) protects existing operations from nuisance suits.
California Food and Agricultural Code 31683 preempts breed-specific bans. San Bernardino County uses conduct-based dangerous-dog rules, not breed bans. HOAs, insurers, and landlords may still restrict breeds privately.
Feeding wildlife (coyotes, bears, mountain lions, raccoons, deer) is prohibited under CA Fish and Game Code 4150 and county nuisance rules. Bird feeders for songbirds are allowed with bear-safe protocols in mountain zones.
Dogs in public places in unincorporated San Bernardino County must be leashed at 6 feet or under and held by a competent person. Voice control is not a substitute. Off-leash dog parks are designated exceptions.
Unincorporated San Bernardino County allows chickens and livestock in rural zones (RL, RC, AG) with counts tied to lot size. Roosters restricted in suburban zones. California Right to Farm Act (Civil Code 3482.5) protects established operations.
San Bernardino County Animal Care responds to hoarding complaints under Title 3 cruelty rules and California Penal Code section 597. Excessive animals creating unsanitary or neglectful conditions are seized; owners face misdemeanor charges and animal forfeiture.
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.
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 household pet limits are set by Title 3 and the Land Use Code. Residential parcels usually allow up to four dogs and four cats over four months old. Larger parcels in agricultural zones may keep additional animals with kennel permits.
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.
San Bernardino County requires cats over four months old to be vaccinated against rabies and licensed through Animal Care. Outdoor cats are allowed but must wear identification, and trap-neuter-return colonies operate under registered caretaker programs.
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.
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.
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 permitted in AG and RL zones of unincorporated San Bernardino County. Hives must be registered with the County Agricultural Commissioner per CA Food and Ag Code 29040-29061. Setbacks and flyway barriers apply.
Exotic animal ownership in unincorporated SB County is primarily governed by California Code of Regulations Title 14, §671, which restricts many exotic species. County zoning determines whether exotic animals are allowed as primary or conditional use.
San Bernardino County requires a building permit for retaining walls over 4 feet measured from footing, or any wall supporting a surcharge. Engineered plans required over 4 feet.
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.
San Bernardino County requires a building permit for fences over 6 feet tall. Shorter fences must still comply with Development Code Ch. 83.06 height and setback rules.
California Civil Code 841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act) requires San Bernardino County neighbors to share equally in boundary fence costs. A written 30-day notice is required before work begins.
San Bernardino County allows wood, masonry, vinyl, metal, and chain-link fencing residentially. Barbed and razor wire are prohibited in residential zones. Fire zones need ignition-resistant materials.
San Bernardino County Code Ch. 83.06 limits fences to 3.5 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards. Corner sight triangles limit height to 3 feet within 25 feet of intersections.
Development Code Chapter 83.06 regulates fences, hedges, and walls in unincorporated areas. Front yard: generally 4 feet (5 feet in RC/RL zones). Side/rear: 6 feet. Fences over 6 feet require a building permit. Retaining walls over 4 feet need a permit.
PRC 4291 requires 100 feet of defensible space around structures in San Bernardino County fire zones. Zone 0 is ember-resistant, Zone 1 is lean/clean/green, Zone 2 is reduced fuel.
San Bernardino County has extensive Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones covering mountains, foothills, and chaparral areas. These areas must comply with PRC 4291 defensible space and WUI code.
California Health and Safety Code 13113.7 requires smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every floor of all California dwellings. Alarms installed after July 2014 must be 10-year sealed-battery or hardwired with battery backup. County inspections on sales and rental turnover verify compliance.
Backyard recreational fires in unincorporated San Bernardino County must comply with California Fire Code Section 307: portable fire pits must be at least 15 feet from structures (3 feet for containers under 1 cubic foot), use clean dry wood only, be attended at all times, and have water/extinguisher ready. All fires prohibited on Red Flag days and in designated fire-restricted areas.
Open outdoor burning of yard waste and debris is heavily restricted in San Bernardino County. SCAQMD Rule 444 prohibits most agricultural and residential open burning in the South Coast basin. Desert areas under Mojave Desert AQMD follow Rule 445. Permissible burns require permits, Permissive Burn Days, and CAL FIRE/County Fire approval.
All fireworks, including California Safe and Sane fireworks, are illegal to possess, sell, store, or use in unincorporated San Bernardino County. State law (Cal. H&S Code Sections 12500-12728) bans dangerous fireworks statewide, and the County has not authorized Safe and Sane sales or use anywhere in unincorporated territory. First-offense administrative fines reach $1,250.
San Bernardino County Fire Protection District enforces California Fire Code propane storage limits, with stricter setbacks in the San Bernardino Mountains and high-fire WUI zones around Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead, Crestline, and the Cajon Pass corridor.
Recreational fires must be 3ft x 2ft maximum, 25ft from structures. Gas fire rings: no permit, 15ft setback. In Wildfire Risk Areas, only gas/propane fires are allowed. Bonfires require $209 permit with 50ft setback. Adult attendant required at all times.
San Bernardino County requires trees overhanging sidewalks trimmed to 8 feet and streets to 14 feet. In fire zones, PRC 4291 requires 10-ft chimney clearance and removal of ladder fuels.
Rainwater harvesting is legal in San Bernardino County under the CA Rainwater Capture Act of 2012. Rain barrels up to 50 gallons need no permit. Cisterns over 5,000 gallons require permits.
San Bernardino County allows artificial turf residentially and commercially. CA Civil Code 4735 bars HOAs from banning synthetic turf. Fire-rated turf is recommended in fire hazard zones.
San Bernardino County requires grass and weeds under 6 inches in maintained areas. In fire hazard zones, PRC 4291 mandates grass under 4 inches within 100 feet of structures.
San Bernardino County follows State Water Board drought rules and local agency schedules. AB 1572 bans irrigation of non-functional turf at commercial sites in phases from 2027.
San Bernardino County encourages native and drought-tolerant landscaping under MWELO. Joshua trees and many desert natives are protected, requiring a CDFW permit for removal in most cases.
San Bernardino County Code Ch. 23.12 declares weeds, dry grass, and rubbish a public nuisance. Vacant lots must be cleared annually or face forced abatement with tax liens for non-compliance.
San Bernardino County requires CDFW permits for Joshua tree removal and county permits for trees in the public right-of-way. Private property removal is generally permitted without a permit.
San Bernardino County Development Code Chapter 83.13 prohibits exterior commercial signs identifying a home occupation in residential zones. The dwelling must continue to appear as a single-family residence.
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.
San Bernardino County Development Code Chapter 84.07 requires a Home Occupation Permit from Land Use Services before operating most home businesses in unincorporated areas, plus a business license.
California Health and Safety Code 1597.40 treats Family Child Care Homes as a residential use. San Bernardino County cannot ban them by zoning, but operators must be licensed by CA Dept of Social Services.
San Bernardino County Development Code Chapter 84.07 allows home occupations as accessory uses in most residential zones, provided the business is incidental to the dwelling and does not change its residential character.
California AB 1616 and AB 1240 let registered Cottage Food Operations make approved low-risk foods at home. SB County Public Health registers Class A and permits Class B operations under state law.
San Bernardino County regulates STR noise under Development Code Chapter 84.28 and the general noise standards of Chapter 83.01. Quiet hours run 10 PM to 7 AM, with amplified outdoor sound prohibited.
San Bernardino County Development Code Chapter 84.28 caps short-term rental occupancy at two persons per bedroom plus two additional persons, with hard limits set by the STR permit and posted inside the rental.
San Bernardino County does not impose a countywide annual night cap on STRs, but Development Code Chapter 84.28 lets community plan overlays and Good Neighbor conditions limit rental nights locally.
San Bernardino County Development Code Chapter 84.28 requires STR operators to carry commercial general liability insurance, typically 500,000 to 1 million dollars per occurrence, with a certificate on file.
San Bernardino County Development Code Chapter 84.28 requires STRs to provide on-site parking, typically one space per bedroom, with no street parking in most mountain and desert areas.
Unincorporated San Bernardino County does not require an STR operator to occupy the property during guest stays. Most desert and mountain rentals are non-hosted whole-home stays operated by remote owners.
Unincorporated San Bernardino County does not limit short-term rentals to a host's primary residence. Investor-owned vacation homes are explicitly allowed across desert and mountain zones, subject to standard permit conditions.
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.
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.
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.
San Bernardino County requires a Short-Term Rental Permit under Development Code Chapter 84.28 for all STRs in unincorporated Mountain and Desert Regions. Permits are biennial. Operating without a permit carries fines of $1,000/day or up to 6 months imprisonment.
San Bernardino County requires a Short-Term Rental Permit under Development Code Chapter 84.28 for all STRs in unincorporated Mountain and Desert Regions. Permits are biennial. Operating without a permit carries fines of $1,000/day or up to 6 months imprisonment.
San Bernardino County imposes a 7 percent Transient Occupancy Tax on stays under 30 days in unincorporated areas under County Code Chapter 14.0201, plus STR permit and renewal fees under Development Code Chapter 84.28.
Spas and hot tubs in San Bernardino County fall under the California Pool Safety Act (H and S 115920) with a 60-inch barrier unless a listed ASTM F1346 locking safety cover is used.
Swimming pools in San Bernardino County must meet CA Health and Safety Code 115920-115929 (Swimming Pool Safety Act) with five-foot pool fencing, self-closing gates, and two of seven approved safety features.
San Bernardino County Building and Safety requires a building permit for any pool, spa, or water feature deeper than 18 inches, with grading, electrical, and plumbing inspections under the CBC.
Unincorporated San Bernardino County applies California Building Code (CBC) Chapter 31 Section 3109, California Residential Code Appendix CI, and the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (Cal. H&S Code Sections 115920-115929). Private single-family pools and spas deeper than 18 inches must be enclosed by a barrier at least 60 inches high with a self-closing, self-latching gate, and new or remodeled pools must add at least two of seven approved drowning-prevention features.
Unincorporated San Bernardino County treats an above-ground residential pool deeper than 18 inches as a swimming pool under the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (HSC 115920-115929) and Title 8 of the County Code, which adopts the California Building, Residential, and Swimming Pool and Spa Codes. A 60-inch barrier and at least two of seven drowning-prevention features are required.
San Bernardino County permits carports under Development Code Ch. 83.02. A building permit is required for permanent carports. Typical setbacks are 5 feet side and rear with a 15-foot max height.
San Bernardino County permits tiny homes on wheels as recreational vehicles under park rules, while permanent tiny houses on foundations must meet full California Residential Code and ADU standards.
Sheds and accessory structures up to 120 sq ft do not require a building permit under Development Code §84.01.050. Structures over 120 sq ft require a Residential Accessory permit. All structures must comply with setback requirements and exist in conjunction with a primary dwelling.
San Bernardino County regulates Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units under the Development Code Title 8, Chapter 84.01 (Accessory Structures and Uses), specifically §84.01.060. ADUs are allowed in any land use zoning district on any site with a proposed or existing single-family dwelling; one detached ADU plus one JADU (max 500 sq ft) is allowed per single-family lot, and up to 25% of existing units may be added as ADUs on multifamily properties.
Garage-to-ADU conversions are permitted by right in San Bernardino County under CA Gov Code 65852.2. Replacement parking cannot be required. A building permit is required for habitable conversion.
San Bernardino County follows CA Government Code 65850.7 for expedited EV charger permits. Residential Level 2 chargers get over-the-counter permits, typically within 1-3 business days.
Unincorporated San Bernardino County follows CA Vehicle Code 22651(k) allowing removal of vehicles parked 72+ hours. RV and oversized-vehicle street parking is restricted under CVC 22507.5.
Development Code Chapter 83.11 regulates driveways in unincorporated San Bernardino County. Residential driveways must be paved with approved dust-free surfaces, and encroachment permits are required for curb cuts.
RVs and recreational vehicles stored on residential properties in unincorporated areas must comply with Development Code accessory use standards. Street storage of vehicles is prohibited under §52.0119. Desert properties with larger lots have more flexibility.
Commercial vehicle parking on residential properties in unincorporated areas is regulated by the Development Code. Exterior storage must be screened under §83.02.060. Chapter 83.11 establishes parking and loading standards for commercial uses.
County Code §52.0119 prohibits using streets for vehicle storage in unincorporated areas. §52.0120 prohibits parking for advertising or displaying vehicles for sale on streets. Enforcement by Code Enforcement and Sheriff.
San Bernardino County participates in state Abandoned Vehicle Abatement under CVC 22710. Inoperable vehicles on private property must be enclosed or screened from public view.
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.
San Bernardino County limits maximum lot coverage by buildings to 40-50% in residential zones, 20-30% in rural zones, with impervious surface limits on hillsides and near watercourses.
San Bernardino County Development Code limits residential structures to 35 ft in most zones, with agricultural and rural zones permitting 50 ft, measured from finished grade to highest point of the roof.
San Bernardino County Development Code establishes minimum yard setbacks that vary by zoning district, with typical single-family residential requiring 25 ft front, 5 ft side, and 20 ft rear.
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.
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+.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Trash and recycling carts in unincorporated San Bernardino County must be stored out of public view between collection days. Visible carts on non-collection days trigger citations.
Vacant-lot owners in unincorporated San Bernardino County must control weeds, debris, and fire hazards. Fire District requires annual weed abatement in high-fire-severity zones.
San Bernardino County Code Title 3 defines blight as debris, overgrown vegetation, inoperable vehicles, graffiti, or deterioration. Code Enforcement can abate with owner billed.
San Bernardino County franchised haulers include 2-4 bulky pickups per year for furniture and appliances. Residents can self-haul to Mid-Valley, San Timoteo, or Victorville Landfill.
San Bernardino County residents must separate recyclables under CA AB 341 and AB 1826. SB 1383 requires all residents and businesses to participate in organic waste recycling since 2022.
Solid waste collection in unincorporated San Bernardino County is provided by franchised haulers. Weekly curbside pickup includes trash, recycling, and green waste per SB 1383 organics rules.
San Bernardino County carts must be placed at the curb no earlier than 6 PM the evening before collection and removed by 8 PM on collection day. Store out of public view between pickups.
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 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 does not require general rental-property registration. However, short-term rentals require county permits and Transient Occupancy Tax registration.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
San Bernardino County requires permits to remove protected native trees, including oaks, sycamores, junipers, and pinyon pines on undisturbed parcels. Mountain communities also protect specific conifer species under community-plan tree ordinances.
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.
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.
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.
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.