San Bernardino, CA Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- 2022 California Building Code
- Governing chapter
- SBMC Ch. 15.04
- Permit lapse
- 180 days without inspection
- Fence exemption
- Up to 6 ft, no permit
- Appeals body
- Board of Building Commissioners
- Penalty
- Up to $1,000/6 months, § 1.12.010
Summary
San Bernardino has adopted the 2022 California Building Code as its administrative provisions for construction, and it is unlawful to erect, construct, alter, repair, move, demolish or grade property in the city without complying with those adopted codes. The Building Official enforces compliance and permit expiration rules.
(A) Except as provided in this chapter, the code currently adopted State Building Code under Title 24, Sections Parts 1 through 6, 8, 9 and 11 of the CCR known and designated as the 2022 California Building Codes ("CBC"), as adopted by the State of California, based on the 2021 International Building Code ... shall become the administrative provisions of the city for regulating the construction, erection, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, removal, demolition, conversion, occupancy, equipment, use and occupancy and maintenance of all buildings and/or structures in the city. ... It shall be unlawful to erect, construct, change the occupancy, alter, repair, rehabilitate, remove, move or maintain any building or structure, or grade or alter any land, in the city in violation of, or without complying with, the appropriate provisions of this chapter.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-2: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. MC-1666, passed 8-5-2026).
Full Breakdown
020(B) formally adopts thirteen specific 2022 code volumes, including the Building, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Energy, Historical Building, Fire and Green Building Standards Codes, plus the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings and the International Property Maintenance and Existing Building Codes. 030(B) provides the state code governs over any conflicting standard. 050 deems a permit abandoned and expired if the permittee fails to obtain an inspection or show substantial progress within any 180-day period. 060, hearing disputes over Building Official determinations under CBC § 113.
Violations & Fines
Building without a required permit or in violation of the adopted codes is declared unlawful by § 15.04.030 with no separate penalty stated in Chapter 15.04, so the citywide general penalty at § 1.12.010 applies: up to six months in county jail, a fine up to $1,000, or both, with § 1.12.020 making each day of continued unpermitted work a separate offense. Work found abandoned under § 15.04.050 forfeits the expired permit, requiring a new application before work can resume.
Frequently Asked Questions
What building code does San Bernardino enforce?
Do I need a permit to build a fence in San Bernardino?
What happens if my building permit expires from inactivity?
Who hears an appeal of a Building Official decision?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Bernardino
California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino to another location·View the California building safety overview
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Building Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle building permits.