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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Exemption threshold
100 cu yd cut/fill combined
Governing code
2025 CBC Appendix J, as amended
Issuing authority
County Building Official
Hillside trigger
15%+ slope, 500+ cu yd/lot
Citation
County Code § 63.0104

Summary

San Bernardino County adopts the California Building Code's grading appendix and carves out an exemption: County Code § 63.0104 excuses any job moving 100 cubic yards or less of combined cut and fill from needing a grading permit at all.

City-specific rules exist: Fontana, Hesperia, Rancho Cucamonga, Victorville, Rialto, Chino, and San Bernardino have their own erosion control rules that differ from San Bernardino County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Appendix J - "Grading" is hereby amended by adding exemption 8 to Section J103.2 entitled "Exemptions" to read: 8. The sum of the total excavation and fill not exceeding 100 cubic yards.

Source: San Bernardino County Building and SafetyView official code

Full Breakdown

Grading in the unincorporated county runs through Appendix J of the adopted 2025 California Building Code, brought in by County Code §§ 63.0101 and 63.0103. The Building Official amended the state exemption list at § 63.0104, adding exemption 8: any project with 100 cubic yards or less of total excavation and fill needs no permit. Move more dirt than that and a grading permit from the Building Official is required, with plan-review and issuance fees set in the County fee schedule. Sites on natural slopes of 15 percent or steeper face an added Hillside Grading Review under Chapter 83.08 once volume or disturbance thresholds are met.

Violations & Fines

Grading past the 100-cubic-yard exemption without a permit is a Building Code violation; the Building Official can stop work and require correction or restoration before any permit is issued.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to move dirt on my unincorporated-area property?
Not if the total cut and fill is 100 cubic yards or less. County Code § 63.0104 exempts small jobs from the Appendix J grading permit requirement entirely.
Who issues grading permits in unincorporated San Bernardino County?
The County Building Official, under Appendix J of the 2025 California Building Code as adopted and locally amended by County Code §§ 63.0101–63.0104.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in San Bernardino County

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsHeat Island MitigationSome RestrictionsFlood Elevation RequirementsSome RestrictionsStormwater ManagementSome RestrictionsVehicle Idling RestrictionsSome RestrictionsDefensible SpaceSome RestrictionsFlood ZonesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: MicrochippingSome Restrictions

All San Bernardino County rules

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Erosion Control in Cities Across San Bernardino County

San Bernardino, CAFontana, CARancho Cucamonga, CAOntario, CAVictorville, CARialto, CAHesperia, CAChino, CA