Before You Build in San Bernardino, CA: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Retaining walls over four feet from the bottom of the footing, or any wall supporting a surcharge, require a building permit and engineered plans under the California Building Code.

California Health and Safety Code 115920 through 115929 (Swimming Pool Safety Act) requires a 60-inch non-climbable barrier plus at least one additional drowning-prevention feature for residential pools.

San Bernardino requires a building permit for fences and walls over six feet in height and for all retaining walls over four feet measured from the bottom of the footing.

California Civil Code 841, the Good Neighbor Fence Act, presumes adjoining owners share equally in the cost of a boundary fence and requires 30 days' written notice before work.

San Bernardino Development Code 19.20.030 limits residential fences to four feet in front yards and six feet in side and rear yards. Taller fences need a fence height modification permit.

Above-ground pools in San Bernardino over 18 inches deep follow the same permit and barrier rules as in-ground pools. Pool walls of 60 inches can serve as the barrier when steps or ladders are locked or gated.

San Bernardino treats spas over 18 inches deep as pools under CA H and S Code 115921. A locking ASTM F1346 safety cover can substitute for the perimeter fence on residential hot tubs when kept locked when not in use.

San Bernardino requires building, electrical, and plumbing permits for every pool over 18 inches deep. Plans are reviewed under SBMC Title 15 and must show barrier compliance with CA H and S Code 115920.

San Bernardino enforces pool safety under CA H and S Code 115920, the federal Virginia Graeme Baker anti-entrapment rules, and Building Code alarm and cover rules. Public pools are inspected by county health.

San Bernardino pool barriers follow CA H and S Code 115920. Pools over 18 inches deep need a 60-inch barrier with self-closing, self-latching outward-swinging gates plus one of seven approved safety features.

Garage conversions in San Bernardino are usually done as ADUs under CA Gov Code 65852.2, which waives replacement parking. Non-ADU conversions must meet habitable-space code and replace parking.

San Bernardino permits ADUs on single-family and multi-family lots under CA Gov Code 65852.2. Detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft and JADUs up to 500 sq ft are ministerially approved.

Tiny homes on permanent foundations in San Bernardino are regulated as ADUs under CA Gov Code 65852.2. Tiny homes on wheels are treated as RVs and cannot be permanent dwellings outside approved parks.

Carports in San Bernardino need a building permit and must meet setback and height limits under the Development Code. Prefab metal carports require engineered plans for wind and seismic loads.

Sheds up to 120 sq ft in San Bernardino do not require a building permit under the California Residential Code, but must meet zoning setbacks, height limits, and fire clearance rules.

Open burning of yard waste, construction debris, and trash is prohibited in San Bernardino under SCAQMD Rule 444 and county fire rules. Only small recreational cooking or warming fires are allowed.

San Bernardino allows residential fire pits under strict size, fuel, and clearance rules enforced by San Bernardino County Fire. Recreational fires must be small and fueled by clean wood.

Private yard trees in San Bernardino can usually be removed without a permit, but heritage and street trees require city approval, and riparian or hillside trees may trigger CEQA and nesting rules.

San Bernardino Municipal Water Department enforces year-round water waste rules and drought stages. Hosing hardscape is banned, irrigation is limited to set days, and AB 1572 phases out non-functional turf.

San Bernardino owners must keep trees trimmed for sidewalk and street clearance, and in foothill fire zones limbs must be at least six feet above ground and canopies 10 feet apart under PRC 4291.