Most renovation work in San Bernardino County requires a building permit if it involves structural changes, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work. Cosmetic work like painting, flooring, and countertops does not require a permit.
San Bernardino County requires building permits for: structural modifications (removing/adding walls, changing rooflines), electrical work beyond simple fixture replacement, plumbing modifications, HVAC system changes, window or door size changes, roofing replacement, room additions, and converting garages. Cosmetic work not requiring a permit includes painting, wallpapering, flooring replacement, cabinet installation, countertop replacement, and minor repairs. Permits are obtained through the county Building & Safety Division with plan review required for most projects. Review typically takes 2-4 weeks for residential projects. In fire-prone areas, additional requirements for fire-resistant materials may apply. ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) construction follows streamlined permitting under California state law.
Unpermitted work can result in stop-work orders, fines, requirement to open finished walls for inspection, and double permit fees for retroactive permits. Unpermitted work may also create issues when selling the property.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
San Bernardino County, CA
Motor-vehicle noise on roads in unincorporated San Bernardino County is governed mainly by the California Vehicle Code, which the state controls: every vehic...
San Bernardino County, CA
Curb colors in unincorporated San Bernardino County follow California Vehicle Code Section 21458, which defines red (no stopping), yellow (freight/passenger ...
San Bernardino County, CA
San Bernardino County Development Code Section 83.11.090 requires off-street loading spaces for institutional, commercial, industrial and special uses. Each ...
San Bernardino County, CA
Unincorporated San Bernardino County does not have a single dedicated 'oversized vehicle' street ordinance. Large and heavy vehicles are instead controlled b...
San Bernardino County, CA
The County Development Code dictates both permitted and prohibited fence materials in the unincorporated area. Required separation and right-of-way walls mus...
San Bernardino County, CA
Backyard composting is allowed and encouraged in unincorporated San Bernardino County. Under California's SB 1383, residents in the mandatory-collection area...
See how San Bernardino County's renovation permits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.