Accessory Structures in San Bernardino County, CA (2026)

5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 6 cities in San Bernardino County, California.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

ADU Rules

San Bernardino County caps attached ADUs at 1,200 square feet, limits floor area to 50% of the primary home, and sets 4-foot side and rear setbacks under Development Code Chapter 84.36.

San Bernardino County ADU Development Standards

Some Restrictions

San Bernardino County Code § 84.36.070, Table 84-0 Note (7)

Except as otherwise provided in this Chapter, the development standards for an accessory dwelling unit and junior accessory dwelling unit shall comply with the requirements set forth in Table 84-0 (ADU Building Form) and the restrictions provided herein. ... If there is an existing primary dwelling, the total floor area of an attached accessory dwelling unit shall not exceed 50 percent of the e...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

ADU Owner Occupancy

San Bernardino County does not require owner occupancy for a standalone accessory dwelling unit (ADU) under County Code § 84.36.060(b). A junior accessory dwelling unit (JADU), created within an existing single-family home, does require the owner to live in either the main house or the JADU, with narrow exceptions.

San Bernardino County ADU Owner Occupancy Rules

Light Restrictions

San Bernardino County Code § 84.36.060(b)

(b) Occupancy. Owner occupancy shall not be required for an accessory dwelling unit. A junior accessory dwelling unit shall require owner-occupancy in the existing or proposed single-family residence in which the junior accessory dwelling unit will be permitted. The owner may reside in either the remaining portion of the single-family residence or the newly created junior accessory dwelling uni...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

ADU Rental Restrictions

San Bernardino County lets accessory dwelling units be rented long-term anywhere, but short-term rentals under 30 days are allowed only in the Mountain and Desert Regions, under the county's short-term rental chapter.

San Bernardino County ADU Rental Term Rules

Significant Restrictions

San Bernardino County Code § 84.36.060

Rental Terms. An accessory dwelling unit and junior accessory dwelling unit may be rented separately from the primary dwelling... In all regions of the County, an accessory dwelling unit may be rented for a term longer than 30 consecutive days... In the Mountain and Desert Regions of the County, an accessory dwelling unit may be rented for a term less than 30 consecutive days, provided the shor...

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Shed & Carport Rules

One pre-manufactured storage shed per lot is exempt from a Building Permit and a planning permit, but parcels one acre or smaller get only one detached shed over 120 square feet, and no shed may top 1,000 square feet.

San Bernardino County Shed Permit Thresholds

Some Restrictions

San Bernardino County Code § 84.01.050(e)

(e) Detached Storage Structures. Parcels that are one acre or less in size shall be limited to only one detached storage structure that exceeds 120 square feet and the storage structure shall not exceed 1,000 square feet. Except in the Mountain Region, detached storage structures shall not extend in front of the primary structure where the primary structure faces a right-of-way.

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Tiny Homes

Unincorporated San Bernardino County allows a permitted "Tiny Home" on single-family residential parcels if it meets California Residential Code or manufactured-home construction standards; a recreational vehicle can never be approved as the dwelling itself under County Code Section 84.21.030.

Tiny Home Rules in San Bernardino County

Some Restrictions

San Bernardino County Code § 84.21.030(e)(2)

A “Tiny Home” may be permitted, provided that it complies with the minimum standards of the California Residential Code or standards for manufactured homes specified below. Recreational vehicles (defined in California Health and Safety Code § 18010) will not be approved for occupancy as a dwelling.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗