San Bernardino County, CA Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Erosion control in San Bernardino County is regulated through the Development Code grading chapter, Hillside Development Overlay, and MS4 stormwater permits. Any earth disturbance requires BMPs during and after construction including silt fences, fiber rolls, stabilized construction entrances, sediment basins, and inlet protection per the California Stormwater Quality Association BMP Handbook. Sites disturbing 1 acre or more require a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) under the statewide Construction General Permit. Hillside development (slopes over 15 percent) is subject to Chapter 83 of the Development Code requiring geotechnical reports, slope stability analysis, and revegetation with native or drought-tolerant species. Post-construction, vegetative cover must achieve 70 percent coverage within specified timeframes or surety bonds may be called. Fire rebuild areas (Blue Cut, El Dorado, Apple Fire burn scars) have accelerated erosion requirements and post-fire debris flow protection rules coordinated with the San Bernardino County Flood Control District. Wind erosion controls are required in desert areas under Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District (MDAQMD) dust control rules including PM10 BMPs, watering, and stabilizers. Agricultural operations have separate erosion rules under the Lahontan or Santa Ana Regional Water Boards.