San Bernardino County, CA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Front setback (Valley, RL/RS/RM)
- 25 ft.
- Rear setback (Valley, RL/RS/RM)
- 15 ft.
- Interior side, lots ≤75 ft wide
- 5 ft. + 10 ft.
- Street-side, local street
- 15 ft.
- Governing rule
- County Code § 83.02.070
Summary
Unincorporated San Bernardino County requires a 25-foot front setback and 15-foot rear setback for RL, RS, and RM residential zones under the Development Code's Valley Region standards table.
Table 82-9A Residential Land Use Zoning District Development Standards Valley Region ... Development Feature RL Rural Living RS Single Residential RM Multiple Residential ... Front 25 ft. 25 ft.(2) 25 ft.(2) ... Rear 15 ft. 15 ft. 15 ft.
Full Breakdown
The Development Code sets minimum yard setbacks by residential zoning district and region (Valley, Mountain, Desert) in Tables 82-9A/B/C. In the Valley Region, RL (Rural Living), RS (Single Residential), and RM (Multiple Residential) zones all require a 25-foot front setback and 15-foot rear setback. Interior side setbacks scale with lot width: on lots 75 feet wide or less, 5 feet on one side and 10 feet on the other; wider RL lots need 15 feet on each side, while RS/RM use 5 feet and 10 feet regardless of lot width.
Street-side setbacks on corner lots are 15 feet off a local street or 25 feet off a collector or wider road. Mountain and Desert Region tables (82-9B, 82-9C) set their own numbers. Mountain front setbacks reach 25 feet with 20-25 foot side and rear yards. 070 governs how every setback is measured and lists narrow exemptions (fences within height limits, short retaining walls). Reduced 22-foot front setbacks are allowed on a Final or Parcel Map only if the subdivision's average front setback stays at 25 feet.
Violations & Fines
Building within the required setback without an approved exception, variance (Chapter 85.17), or map-based reduction is a Development Code violation subject to Code Enforcement action and can block final building permit sign-off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build closer to the front property line than 25 feet?
Do setbacks differ across the county?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Bernardino County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino County to another location·View the California building setbacks & zoning overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.