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Redlands has no leaf-blower-specific ban. A proposed gas-blower ban was discussed by the City Council in March 2024 but was not adopted. Leaf-blower noise is governed by the general Community Noise Control chapter (8.06) and California's statewide CARB ban on the SALE of new gas-powered small off-road engines (effective 2024).
Redlands Municipal Code Section 8.06.070 sets exterior limits by receiving zone and time: 50 dBA night / 60 dBA day for residential, public-space and institutional districts; 60 dBA night / 65 dBA day for commercial; and 75 dBA anytime for industrial. Interior limits (Section 8.06.080) are 45 dBA for residential and institutional, 50 dBA commercial, 60 dBA industrial.
The City of Redlands treats 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. as its nighttime quiet period under Municipal Code Chapter 8.06 (Community Noise Control). During those hours exterior noise limits tighten and many activities (radios, loudspeakers, stereos) are prohibited if they create a noise disturbance across a residential or commercial property line.
Redlands Municipal Code Section 8.06.090.F bars construction and demolition that creates a noise disturbance across a residential or commercial property line between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays, including Saturdays, and at any time on Sundays or holidays, except for emergency utility/city work. Allowed weekday hours are effectively 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Redlands prohibits chronic animal noise two ways: Municipal Code Section 8.06.090.D bars keeping any animal or bird that frequently or for long duration barks, howls, meows or squawks so as to create a noise disturbance across a property line, and Section 6.24.120 (Noisy Animals; Prohibited) is enforced through a written warning and a 10-day abatement period before prosecution.
Redlands Municipal Code Section 8.06.090.A prohibits radios, TVs, phonographs, drums and instruments, and Section 8.06.090.B prohibits loudspeakers and stereo systems, from creating a noise disturbance across a residential or commercial property line between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. At any hour, amplified sound must also stay within the exterior dBA limits of Section 8.06.070.
For vehicles on public roads, noise is controlled by the California Vehicle Code, not a Redlands ordinance: Sections 27150-27151 require an adequate muffler and bar amplified/modified exhaust (a 95 dBA SAE standard applies to vehicles under 6,000 lbs). On private property, vehicle and machinery noise falls under Redlands Municipal Code Section 8.06.090.C and the general limits of Chapter 8.06.
Outdoor music in Redlands is limited by the zone-based exterior dBA standards in Section 8.06.070 and is prohibited from disturbing neighbors between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. under Sections 8.06.090.A/B. In City parks, loudspeakers and amplified sound for music or speeches require a reservation or permit from the director under Section 12.44.090.
Redlands Municipal Code Section 8.06.070 caps exterior noise at industrially zoned receiving property at 75 dBA at any time; where industrial noise reaches a residential property, the lower residential limits (50 dBA night / 60 dBA day) apply. Stationary machinery must be muffled (8.06.090.C) and vibration is regulated under Section 8.06.090.G.
Redlands' Community Noise Control chapter (8.06) does not regulate aircraft noise. In-flight aircraft noise is controlled by the FAA under federal preemption; Redlands Municipal Airport defers all flight-noise complaints to the FAA. Airport land-use compatibility is addressed through the City General Plan and California state airport-noise standards, not a City noise ordinance.
Redlands levies a 10% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) under Municipal Code Chapter 3.24 on lodging rented to 'transients' (guests staying under 30 days). The City's TOT rate has been 10% since December 5, 1998 and generated about $2.31 million in fiscal year 2022-23. Hosts must collect this tax from guests and remit it to the City's Revenue Division.
Redlands has no primary-residence or owner-occupancy requirement for short-term rentals, because it has no STR ordinance. The only owner-occupancy rule tied to rentals is for SB 9 lot splits, where the owner must live in a unit for at least three years - and on those lots rentals under 30 days are banned outright (Section 18.156.1330).
Redlands has no short-term-rental-specific occupancy cap (for example, a per-bedroom guest limit) because the City has no STR ordinance. Occupancy is governed by generally applicable standards - the California Building/Residential Code and the City's housing/zoning rules - rather than an STR formula. Claims of a Redlands per-bedroom STR limit are not supported by the Municipal Code.
Redlands has no short-term-rental registration program. There is no City STR registry, certificate, or annual STR renewal in the Municipal Code. Hosts who collect Transient Occupancy Tax must register with the City's Revenue Division for TOT, and rental properties may fall under the City's general Rental Property Inspection registration - but neither is an STR-specific license.
Redlands does not require short-term-rental hosts to carry liability insurance, because the City has no STR ordinance imposing such a condition. Cities with STR permit programs often mandate $500,000-$1,000,000 in liability coverage; Redlands has none. Hosts should still carry adequate coverage and check platform-provided protection and their homeowner's policy.
The City of Redlands has no dedicated short-term-rental (STR) permitting ordinance. There is no STR-specific use permit, license type, or vacation-rental chapter in the Municipal Code, and STRs are not listed among the City's planning permit types. The one explicit STR rule is a ban on rentals under 30 days on lots created under California's SB 9 lot-split law.
Redlands has no short-term-rental-specific parking requirement, because there is no STR ordinance. Parking is governed by the City's general off-street parking standards in the zoning code (Chapter 18.164) and by on-street parking rules in Title 10. SB 9 two-unit projects must provide one off-street space per new unit (with transit exceptions) under Section 18.156.1330.
Redlands sets no annual night cap on short-term rentals (such as a 90- or 120-day limit), because the City has no STR ordinance. The only night-related rule is on SB 9 lots, where the Code bars any rental shorter than 30 days outright - a minimum-stay prohibition, not an annual cap - under Municipal Code Section 18.156.1330.
There is no STR-specific noise rule in Redlands, but STRs are fully subject to the City's Community Noise Control chapter (Municipal Code Chapter 8.06). It sets 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. quiet hours, residential exterior limits of 50 dBA night / 60 dBA day (Section 8.06.070), and bars loudspeakers, stereos and instruments that disturb neighbors at night.
Redlands imposes no host-presence or local-contact requirement on short-term rentals, because it has no STR ordinance. There is no rule that the host live on-site, designate a 24-hour responsible person, or respond within a set time - conditions common in cities with STR programs. General nuisance and noise enforcement applies regardless of host location.
Bookings of thirty-one consecutive days or longer fall outside the SBC short-term rental program and are treated as standard residential tenancies subject to AB 1482 statewide rent and eviction protections.
San Bernardino County places primary regulatory responsibility on the property owner or permitted operator. Booking platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are not deputized as enforcement agents, but must collect transient occupancy tax.
STR permits in unincorporated San Bernardino County may be suspended or revoked after a pattern of verified violations within a twelve-month window, particularly for noise, occupancy, parking, and trash complaints.
All fireworks are illegal in the City of Redlands, including so-called 'safe and sane' fireworks. The City Fire Code prohibits possession, sale, use, and discharge citywide. Violations carry fines up to $1,000, plus property-owner and guardian liability for the cost of the public-safety response.
Redlands has no separate fire-pit ordinance; backyard fire pits are governed by the 2022 California Fire Code, which the City adopted in Chapter 15.20. Recreational fires must stay at least 25 feet from structures, and manufactured portable outdoor fireplaces must stay at least 15 feet away.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm requirements in Redlands come from California state law (Health & Safety Code 13113.7 and 17926) and the California Building and Fire Codes the City adopted, not a separate City ordinance. Working alarms are required in every dwelling intended for human occupancy.
Open residential burning is effectively prohibited in Redlands. South Coast AQMD Rule 444 bans residential open burning throughout the San Bernardino Valley, and AQMD Rule 445 prohibits wood and solid-fuel burning on declared winter No-Burn days. The Redlands Fire Department enforces the adopted California Fire Code.
Propane (LPG) storage in Redlands is governed by the 2022 California Fire Code, which the City adopted in City Code Chapter 15.20 and enforces through the Redlands Fire Department. Small barbecue-size cylinders are allowed for household use; larger tanks and aggregate quantities trigger Fire Code permits and clearance requirements.
Redlands City Code Chapter 8.40 (Abatement of Weeds and Rubbish) declares dry weeds and brush that create a fire hazard a public nuisance. The Redlands Fire Department's Community Risk Reduction division inspects high-fire-hazard areas twice a year; non-compliant properties are abated by the City at the owner's expense.
Yes -- Redlands contains Fire Hazard Severity Zones. CAL FIRE's 2025 maps keep the southern/eastern foothills (San Timoteo Canyon, Live Oak Canyon, and the Crafton Hills area) in the 'Very High' zone, with new Moderate/High areas in North Redlands. The City Council adopted the updated map via Ordinance No. 2986.
Backyard recreational fires in Redlands are governed by the adopted 2022 California Fire Code (RMC 15.20), not a separate City rule. Recreational fires must be at least 25 feet from structures and attended; open burning of trash or debris is prohibited, and wood fires are banned on AQMD No-Burn days.
Redlands does not require cat licenses and its dog leash law does not apply to cats. Households may keep up to three adult cats under Municipal Code 18.40.040(G). The City's own shelter handles cats, and statewide rabies and cruelty laws still apply.
In early 2026 Redlands adopted Ordinance No. 2999 allowing backyard hens (and rabbits) in most single-family residential zones, scaled by lot size, with roosters prohibited for noise. Other livestock and fowl require a permit from Animal Control under Municipal Code 6.24.010.
Redlands does not allow wild, undomesticated animals as backyard pets. Keeping nondomestic animals requires an Animal Control permit under Municipal Code 6.24.010, and the rural-animal zone (Ch. 18.29) expressly bars lions, tigers, bears, wolves, and cougars. California's restricted-species law (14 CCR 671) separately bans most exotics.
Redlands prohibits dogs from running at large, loose, or unrestrained on any public street, sidewalk, or place under Municipal Code 6.04.170. The City runs its own Animal Services/Shelter on N. Kansas Street and licenses all dogs four months and older.
Keeping bees in Redlands requires a permit. Municipal Code 6.20.020 makes it unlawful to keep or control any stands of bees within the city without first obtaining a permit, subject to conditions imposed by Animal Control. Beekeepers must also register apiaries with the county under California law.
Redlands does not publish a standalone ordinance banning the feeding of wildlife. Feeding that attracts coyotes, rodents, or other animals can be addressed as a nuisance under the City's animal and nuisance rules, and noisy or nuisance animals are prohibited under Municipal Code 6.24.120. California also prohibits feeding big game wildlife.
Redlands does not ban any specific breed. Its dangerous- and vicious-dog rules in Municipal Code Chapter 6.05 (Ordinance No. 2988, 2025) are breed-neutral and based on a dog's behavior, imposing confinement, leash-and-muzzle, insurance, and signage requirements on dogs declared dangerous.
Horses and other livestock are tied to Redlands' rural and agricultural zones. In the R-R-A Rural Residential Animals District (Ch. 18.29) no more than three horses may be kept per lot, each requiring at least one acre, and animals must sit well back from neighboring homes and water wells. Other livestock needs a permit under 6.24.010.
Redlands limits households to not more than three adult dogs and three adult cats, plus their litters up to ten weeks of age, under Municipal Code 18.40.040(G). Dogs four months and older must also be licensed by the City under 6.04.020.
Redlands enforces humane care through its pet-limit rules and Animal Services, while serious neglect and hoarding are prosecuted under California Penal Code 597 and 597.1. The City's three-dog/three-cat cap (18.40.040(G)) helps prevent overcrowding, and Animal Control may seize neglected or hoarded animals.
San Bernardino County residents may not keep injured wildlife without a California Department of Fish and Wildlife rehabilitator permit. SBC Animal Care refers calls to permitted facilities such as those serving the desert and mountain corridors.
San Bernardino County aligns with the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and California Fish and Game Code. Removing active nests of native birds is prohibited, especially during nesting season, and tree work near raptor or songbird nests requires biological survey clearance.
San Bernardino County requires microchipping of dogs and cats at the time of licensing or shelter release. The chip must be registered to a current owner with active contact information that Animal Care officers can verify in the field.
San Bernardino County requires dogs and cats adopted or reclaimed from county shelters to be spayed or neutered before release. Owners present a deposit refunded once veterinary verification is submitted, encouraging compliance among redeeming owners.
San Bernardino County coordinates with California Department of Fish and Wildlife on coyote conflicts. Residents must avoid feeding wildlife, secure trash, and use hazing techniques. Lethal removal is reserved for animals showing imminent threats to people or pets.
California law and San Bernardino County retail rules require pet stores selling dogs, cats, or rabbits to source only from shelters or rescues. AB 485 enforcement is shared between Animal Care, code compliance, and the California Attorney General.
Redlands has no published fixed lawn-grass height number in its city code. Instead, overgrown vegetation is regulated through Municipal Code Chapter 8.40 (Abatement of Weeds and Rubbish), which treats fire-prone and nuisance vegetation as a condition the city can order abated rather than enforcing a turf-height limit.
Redlands encourages native and drought-tolerant landscaping and offers conversion rebates. There is no requirement to plant natives, but front yards must be at least 80% plant material (no more than 20% hardscape) under the city's landscaping code, and natives count toward that requirement.
Redlands treats street trees as city assets. Trimming any tree in a city easement or public place requires a Public Tree Encroachment Permit, and the work must meet International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) standards per Municipal Code Chapter 12.52. The city waives permit fees when residents hire certified contractors.
Removing any tree in a Redlands city easement or public place requires a Public Tree Encroachment Permit under Municipal Code Chapter 12.52. Heritage trees, landmark trees, and historic species groves (such as the Cajon Street palms) receive special protection, and significant or historic removals can require an independent arborist review.
Artificial (synthetic) turf is allowed in Redlands and counts as plant material toward the city's front-yard landscaping requirement. Under the city's code, at least 80% of the visible front yard must be plant material - which can include synthetic turf - with no more than 20% hardscape.
Redlands regulates weeds, dry brush, and rubbish under Municipal Code Chapter 8.40 (Abatement of Weeds and Rubbish). Fire (Community Risk Reduction) inspects high fire hazard areas twice a year; if a property fails, the owner is noticed and, if non-compliant, the city clears the hazard and bills the cost back to the property.
Redlands runs its own water utility (Municipal Utilities & Engineering) and enforces permanent outdoor watering rules under Municipal Code Chapter 13.06 (Water Conservation Plan). Even addresses water Mon/Thu/Sat, odd addresses Tue/Fri/Sun, never on Wednesdays, and never between noon and 8 p.m.
Redlands has no city ordinance restricting residential rainwater harvesting; the city actively encourages capturing stormwater. Its drought-tolerant landscaping guidance promotes rain gardens that capture runoff from rooftops, gutters, and streets and let it infiltrate within 24 to 48 hours. California's Rainwater Capture Act broadly permits residential capture statewide.
Redlands requires residents to recycle organic and food waste under California's SB 1383. Food scraps and yard/green waste go in the city's green curbside bin, not the regular trash. Backyard composting is still encouraged, and the city has provided free kitchen compost pails.
Redlands restricts where recreational vehicles, boats, trailers and campers may be parked. Detached campers, trailers, boats and watercraft must be parked in an approved space or screened from the street, not in the driveway or front yard, unless the resident obtains a minor exception permit. A legally parked motor home owned by the resident is exempt.
Vehicles parked on a Redlands street must be licensed and operable and cannot remain in one location for more than 72 consecutive hours. After 72 hours the police place a warning sticker citing Redlands Traffic Ordinance 10.40.110; if not moved, a street-storage citation is issued and the vehicle may be towed under California Vehicle Code 22651(k).
Redlands requires vehicles on residential property to be parked entirely on a permanent paved surface such as asphalt or concrete, not on a front lawn or unpaved dirt. Vehicles also may not block or partially block a sidewalk or driveway, and front-yard storage of trailers, campers and boats is prohibited without a permit.
Redlands does not impose a blanket citywide overnight street-parking ban; vehicles are governed instead by the 72-hour storage limit (RMC 10.40.110). However, it is unlawful to live or sleep in a recreational vehicle parked on any public property or street, and downtown timed-parking limits apply during daytime hours only.
Redlands restricts large vehicles through two main rules: heavy commercial vehicles and trailers rated 10,000 pounds GVWR or more are banned from residential streets (RMC 10.40.150), and detached trailers, campers, boats and similar oversized equipment must be screened from the street rather than stored in driveways or front yards (RMC 18.164.130).
Redlands prohibits parking commercial vehicles, truck tractors, semitrailers or trailers rated 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight or more on any street, alley or parkway in a residential district. In non-residential districts the same heavy vehicles may not park more than two hours, and any left over 24 hours may be towed under California Vehicle Code 22651(n).
Redlands treats abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicles on public or private property as a public nuisance subject to abatement under RMC Chapter 8.56. Before removing a low-value abandoned vehicle, the city must attach a notice at least 72 hours in advance. Once a vehicle is abated, the owner cannot reclaim it.
Redlands designates commercial loading zones with yellow curb paint stenciled 'LOADING ONLY' and passenger loading zones with white curb paint stenciled 'Passenger Loading Only.' It is unlawful to stop, stand or park in a loading zone for any purpose other than loading or unloading passengers or material, for only the time permitted.
Redlands adopted Chapter 15.58 of its municipal code (Ordinance 2869, 2018) to create an expedited, streamlined, nondiscretionary permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations. The chapter governs how charging stations are permitted and installed citywide, allows electronic submittal, and limits review to health-and-safety requirements.
In Redlands, curb colors signal parking rules consistent with California convention and the city's traffic code: yellow curbs stenciled 'LOADING ONLY' mark commercial loading zones, and white curbs stenciled 'Passenger Loading Only' mark passenger loading zones. Red curbs mean no stopping, standing or parking. Only the city may place official curb markings.
In Redlands, retaining walls over 3 feet high (measured from top of footing) require a city building permit; walls under 3 feet are exempt unless they support a surcharge or impound hazardous liquids. Exceptions to garden/retaining-wall heights under zoning standards are granted through the Minor Exception Permit committee.
In the City of Redlands, Municipal Code Chapter 18.168 limits fences and walls to 6 feet along side and rear property lines. In a required front yard, only open fences up to 4 feet are permitted, and no fence or wall over 3 feet may stand in a required front yard area.
Redlands does not broadly ban common fence materials, but RMC 18.168 sets material-specific rules: required buffer walls between commercial/industrial and residential uses must be solid masonry, and a front-yard 'open fence' must be wire mesh or similar admitting at least 90% light. Properties in historic districts face design review of materials.
Redlands requires a building permit for taller and structural fences/walls and a Minor Exception Permit for fences exceeding zoning height limits. Wood, chain-link, vinyl, or metal fences not over 6 feet are generally exempt from a building permit; masonry walls over 3 feet and most retaining walls over 3 feet require one.
RMC 18.168.030 requires a 6-foot solid masonry wall along property/zone boundaries separating industrial or commercial uses from abutting residential districts. Where that boundary is a side lot line, the wall drops to 3 feet within the required front yard; where it fronts a street, it is set back 10 feet with landscaping. Pools require code-compliant safety barriers.
Redlands has no separate boundary-fence cost statute; shared fences fall under California Civil Code 841, which presumes adjoining owners share equally in construction and maintenance and requires 30 days' written notice. The city's role is procedural: a fence crossing a property line needs signatures from affected neighbors on a Minor Exception application.
Common materials — wood, chain-link, vinyl, metal, masonry — are all usable in Redlands within the height/permit rules of RMC 18.168. Required buffer walls must be solid masonry, and front-yard 'open fences' must be see-through wire mesh. In Victorian/Craftsman historic districts, fence design and materials are subject to a Certificate of Appropriateness.
San Bernardino County enforces CA Health and Safety Code 115920 requiring a 60-inch barrier around residential pools. At least two of seven approved drowning prevention features are required.
Redlands prohibits advertising signs for home occupations. A home-based business may not display any on-premises sign or use local advertising that calls attention to the home being used for business, with the sole exception of a telephone-number listing.
Home occupations are allowed in Redlands residential zones as a secondary use, subject to Chapter 18.160 of the Redlands Municipal Code. The business must be clearly incidental to the dwelling, use no more than 10% of the home or one room, and not change the residential character of the property.
Anyone working from home or using a home as a place of business in Redlands must obtain a Home Occupation Permit under Chapter 18.160 of the Municipal Code, applied for together with a business license. The permit imposes conditions on floor area, employees, customers, deliveries, and signage.
Redlands cannot prohibit a state cottage food operation in a home under California law. A cottage food business needs a City Home Occupation Permit and planning approval, plus a Class A registration or Class B permit from San Bernardino County Environmental Health, which is the food-safety enforcement agency.
State-licensed family child care homes are a residential use by right in Redlands. Under California SB 234, the City cannot require a land-use permit or business license for small or large family daycare homes; the state Department of Social Services handles licensing.
San Bernardino County Development Code Chapter 84.07 limits customer, client, or student visits to a home occupation so that traffic and parking remain typical of a single-family residence in its zone.
The City of Redlands requires a building permit from its Building & Safety Division to construct a new swimming pool or spa or to remodel an existing one. Issuing a pool permit also triggers California's Swimming Pool Safety Act drowning-prevention requirements before final approval.
Redlands enforces the California Swimming Pool Safety Act for residential pool barriers. The City's official handout requires a non-climbable enclosure at least 5 feet (60 inches) tall measured opposite the pool, with a maximum 2-inch gap below and tightly spaced verticals so children cannot climb or squeeze through.
When a Redlands pool/spa permit is issued, the pool must have a code-compliant barrier plus at least one of seven state drowning-prevention features. Gates must swing away from the pool and be self-closing and self-latching, with latch release at least 54 inches above the floor, and house doors need exit alarms or self-latching hardware.
Redlands does not publish a separate above-ground pool ordinance. Above-ground pools deep enough to hold water that can drown are treated as swimming pools: they require a building permit and the same California Swimming Pool Safety Act barrier and drowning-prevention features as in-ground pools.
Redlands regulates spas and hot tubs as part of its pool/spa permitting. Spas need a building permit, and a permitted spa at a single-family home must meet the same California Swimming Pool Safety Act barrier and drowning-prevention requirements as a pool unless it qualifies for the state's approved safety-cover option.
Redlands allows an existing garage (attached or detached) to be converted into an ADU under California state law, which the City applies directly. Converting a garage to living space requires a building permit, and historic-district conversions are subject to design-compatibility review.
Redlands processes ADUs and junior ADUs under current California state law (Gov. Code 66310-66342), not its outdated Municipal Code 'second unit' sections. Detached ADUs are capped at 1,200 sq ft, JADUs at 500 sq ft, with 4-foot side/rear setbacks. ADUs in historic districts get design review.
Under Redlands Municipal Code 18.21.140, accessory buildings such as storage sheds must sit at least 5 feet from side and rear property lines (10 feet if over 10 feet tall), and cannot exceed 15 feet in height. Sheds must be at least 10 feet from the main house.
Carports are treated as accessory buildings in Redlands' residential zones and follow the same standards as garages and sheds under Title 18: at least 5 feet from side/rear property lines (10 feet if over 10 feet tall) and a 15-foot height cap under RMC 18.21.140.
Redlands has no separate 'tiny home' ordinance. A permanent tiny house on a foundation is regulated as a dwelling or ADU under California state ADU law; a tiny house on wheels is treated as an RV/trailer and cannot be used as a permanent residence outside a licensed park.
The City of Redlands collects trash, recycling, and organics weekly through its own municipal Solid Waste Division. Carts must be at the curb before 6:00 a.m. on the collection day, with pickup between 6:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Missed collections must be reported within 24 hours.
Redlands requires source separation of recyclables into the blue cart, collected by the city's municipal Solid Waste Division. Under SB 1383 and RMC Chapters 13.64/13.67, residents, multi-family tenants, and businesses must keep recyclables out of the trash. Contamination is prohibited.
Beginning April 1, 2024, all food waste in Redlands must go in the green (organics) cart. Under SB 1383 and RMC Chapters 13.64/13.67 (Ordinance No. 2987), organics collection is mandatory for all residents, multi-family tenants, and businesses. With over 70,000 residents, Redlands is not rural-exempt.
Redlands requires all carts curbside before 6:00 a.m. on collection day, placed at least 3 feet from any obstacle such as a parked car or fence and at least 1 foot from other containers. Carts must be removed from the street no later than 10:00 p.m. on the day of service.
The City of Redlands offers single-family customers two free bulky item pickups per year, up to three items each. Schedule on the first business day of the month (first 30 requests). Paid special hauls cost $56.65 for the first item and $28.32 per additional item.
Residential propane and charcoal barbecues are generally allowed in Redlands. There is no separate City BBQ ordinance; grills fall under the adopted California Fire Code (RMC 15.20). The main restriction is for multi-unit buildings, where open-flame grills are limited near combustible construction, and on AQMD No-Burn days for charcoal.
Backyard smokers (wood, pellet, charcoal, or propane) are allowed in Redlands for residential cooking. There is no specific City smoker ordinance; they fall under the adopted California Fire Code. Solid-fuel and charcoal smokers are subject to AQMD No-Burn days and balcony limits in multi-unit buildings.
Redlands setbacks vary by zoning district under RMC Title 18. In the R-1 single-family zone, front setbacks run from a 25-foot minimum context line up to a 40-foot maximum, side yards require 5 feet on one side and 10 feet on the other, and rear yards must be at least 25 feet (RMC 18.44.130–.150).
Redlands limits how much of a lot can be covered by structures, by zone. In the R-1 single-family district, maximum structure coverage is 30% of the lot area (RMC 18.44.110), on a minimum 7,200-square-foot lot. Other residential zones carry their own coverage standards in their chapters.
Redlands caps building height by zone. In the R-1 single-family district, buildings and structures may not exceed 2.5 stories or 35 feet (RMC 18.44.120). Other zones carry their own limits in their chapters, and designated historic resources may face additional design review of height and massing.
Redlands Municipal Code Chapter 5.68 requires a city permit before holding any yard, garage, patio, or rummage sale. Permits are issued by the finance director, the fee is set by city council resolution, and the city advertises a $10 yard sale permit applied for through the Revenue Division.
Redlands provides black (trash), blue (recycling), and green (organics/yard) carts through its municipal Solid Waste Division. Carts must be set out by 6:00 a.m. on collection day and removed from the street no later than 10:00 p.m. the same day. Storing carts as blight can trigger code enforcement.
Redlands requires vacant lots to be kept clear of weeds, rubbish, and fire-hazard vegetation. The city's Code Enforcement Division runs an Abandoned Property Registration program for vacant and foreclosed properties to prevent blight and dangerous-building conditions.
Redlands declares blighted property a public nuisance. Premises kept so out of harmony with the maintenance standards of adjacent properties as to cause substantial diminution in neighbors' enjoyment, use, or property values can be abated by the city's Code Enforcement Division.
Redlands Municipal Code Chapter 8.40 declares weeds, dry grasses, and combustible rubbish that constitute a fire hazard a public nuisance. The Fire Chief issues a Notice to Clean Premises giving owners 14 days to abate, with appeal to the city council and city abatement plus a lien if ignored.
San Bernardino County has no countywide snow-clearing ordinance, but mountain communities (Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead, Crestline) customarily expect owners to keep walkways passable.
Redlands requires a Public Tree Encroachment Permit to remove or significantly work on any tree in a city easement or public place under Municipal Code Chapter 12.52. Heritage and landmark trees and historic species groves get extra protection, and significant or historic removals can require an independent ISA arborist review.
Western Joshua trees are protected under California's Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act of 2023. Removing or relocating them in San Bernardino County requires a state permit and mitigation fees, with additional county Native Desert Plant Protection rules.
California provides statewide protections for native oak woodlands and heritage trees through CEQA review, Public Resources Code, and Forest Practice Rules that apply uniformly.
Garage and yard sale signs in Redlands fall under the temporary-sign rules of Sign Code Chapter 15.36. Temporary signs go on private property with the owner's consent; signs placed in the public right-of-way or on poles and street furniture are prohibited and may be removed by the City.
Political and other noncommercial signs in Redlands are regulated as temporary noncommercial signs on private property under RMC Chapter 15.36 (Sign Code), Article VIII. The code allows noncommercial messages on the same terms as other permitted temporary signs and protects ideological/political content.
Redlands has no comprehensive dark-sky ordinance, but its zoning code requires lighting to be controlled so it does not create glare or hazardous interference. In the C-3 commercial district, RMC 18.92.220 requires lighting to be arranged to protect highways and neighboring properties from direct glare.
Redlands controls light trespass through zoning glare standards rather than a numeric foot-candle limit. The clearest example is C-3 district section 18.92.220, requiring lighting to be arranged to protect neighboring properties from direct glare. Project lighting is conditioned through design review.
Redlands regulates park use and hours under Municipal Code Chapter 12.44 (Parks), which includes a 'Park Hours' provision (12.44.250). A separate juvenile curfew under Chapter 9.24 makes it unlawful for minors under 18 to be in public places during curfew hours, with standard exceptions.
San Bernardino County Code Chapter 34.01 prohibits minors under 18 from being in public places from 10 PM to 5 AM without a parent, guardian, or legitimate purpose such as work, school, or emergency.
HVAC units in unincorporated San Bernardino County must meet Title 8 residential property-line limits (55 dBA day, 45 dBA night). Title 24 Part 6 requires exterior units to publish sound ratings.
Bars and nightclubs in unincorporated San Bernardino County need a Conditional Use Permit. Amplified music must meet Title 8 residential limits (45 dBA at night). California Business and Professions Code 25612.5 also applies.
Standby and portable generators in unincorporated San Bernardino County must meet Title 8 limits (45 dBA night residential). PSPS and emergency use is exempt. SCAQMD Rule 1470 permits stationary units over 50 hp.
California Labor Code 7150-7157 and Title 8 CCR 1635-1662 govern scaffold safety in San Bernardino County, requiring competent person supervision, fall protection above 7.5 ft, and engineering for high scaffolds.
California Labor Code 7300-7323 and Title 8 CCR 3000+ require annual elevator inspections by Cal/OSHA in San Bernardino County, with permits to operate and licensed elevator contractors.
California Health and Safety Code 17920.10 and federal RRP rule require lead-safe work practices in San Bernardino County pre-1978 housing renovations, with EPA-certified contractors and tenant notifications.
Structural pest control in San Bernardino County requires licensing by the CA Structural Pest Control Board, with specific rules for termite fumigation, rodent control, and tenant notification under CA B&P Code 8500+.
San Bernardino County enforces California Building Code rules requiring egress doors to unlock with a single motion from the inside. Deadbolts must release with the same handle action, and key-operated locks are restricted to specific Group A, B, M, and E uses.
San Bernardino County adopts the California Residential Code requiring NFPA 13D automatic fire sprinklers in all new one and two-family dwellings. SBCFPD enforces stricter density and water-supply standards in mountain WUI subdivisions and remote desert parcels.
San Bernardino County applies floor area ratios, lot coverage, and height limits in mountain and foothill communities to limit mansionization. Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead, and Crest Forest community plans add stricter design review for oversized structures and bulky additions.
San Bernardino County licensed childcare centers must meet California Building Code Group E or I-4 occupancy rules with fire alarms, sprinklers, exit hardware, and accessible play areas. State Community Care Licensing inspects, while county Building and Safety verifies plan compliance.
San Bernardino County enforces the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen, Title 24 Part 11) on all new construction and major remodels. Mandatory measures include water-efficient fixtures, EV-ready wiring, construction waste diversion, and indoor air quality controls.
California Civil Code 4765 requires HOA architectural committees to use fair, reasonable procedures with written decisions, deadlines, and appeal rights, applying to San Bernardino County communities.
CC&R enforcement by HOAs in San Bernardino County follows California Davis-Stirling Act procedures requiring written notice, hearing opportunity, and graduated discipline before fines or liens.
California Civil Code 5600-5740 governs HOA assessments in San Bernardino County, requiring annual budget disclosure, limits on increases without member vote, and specific collection procedures.
HOAs in San Bernardino County follow California Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act (Civil Code 4000+) for board meetings, notice requirements, open meeting rules, and election procedures.
California Civil Code 5900-5965 requires HOAs in San Bernardino County to offer internal dispute resolution (IDR) and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) before filing litigation over most disputes.
San Bernardino County issues solar permits through expedited online portal under AB 2188 (3-day processing for small rooftop systems), with Title 24 compliance and utility interconnection coordination.
California Civil Code 714 (Solar Rights Act) prohibits HOAs in San Bernardino County from banning solar panels, limiting restrictions to reasonable placement that does not significantly reduce efficiency or raise cost.
San Bernardino County Development Code and MS4 permits require erosion control BMPs on all graded sites, with hillside development overlay imposing stricter rules including revegetation bonds.
San Bernardino County Development Code Chapter 83 requires grading permits for earth moving over 50 cubic yards, with hillside and rough grading permits, drainage plans, and geotechnical review.
California Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards mandate cool-roof reflectance values for new and re-roofed buildings in San Bernardino County climate zones 10, 14, 15, and 16, covering desert and mountain communities prone to extreme heat.
California AB 1346 bans the sale of new gas-powered leaf blowers, mowers, and similar small off-road engines starting in 2024. San Bernardino County does not impose a separate operational ban but enforces noise rules.
Properties in San Bernardino Mountain WUI zones must clear 100 feet of defensible space around structures. SBCFPD inspects annually before fire season; failure to comply triggers abatement orders, contractor cleanup at owner cost, and potential criminal citations.
San Bernardino County MS4 Permit under the Santa Ana and Lahontan Regional Water Boards requires stormwater BMPs for development over 1 acre and prohibits non-stormwater discharges to the storm drain system.
California Air Resources Board limits commercial diesel idling to 5 minutes statewide, enforced aggressively in San Bernardino County warehouse hubs like Fontana, Ontario, and the Inland Empire. SCAQMD adds local enforcement in non-attainment basins.
San Bernardino County adopted a Climate Action Plan and updated Renewable Energy and Conservation Element setting greenhouse gas reduction targets aligned with California SB 32. New developments must demonstrate consistency with CAP measures during CEQA review.
San Bernardino County is entirely inland - Mojave Desert, Inland Empire, and the San Bernardino Mountains - with no coastline and no California Coastal Commission jurisdiction. The relevant program is the Floodplain Safety (FP) Overlay in Title 8, Section 82.14, plus the Floodplain Administrator duties in Section 86.04, requiring a permit before any development in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area or designated desert wash.
San Bernardino County Floodplain Management Ordinance implements FEMA NFIP requirements including elevation certificates, 1-foot freeboard, and flood insurance for Special Flood Hazard Areas.
San Bernardino County Code prohibits obstructing sidewalks with merchandise, vegetation, or hoops. Trees must be trimmed to keep 8-foot vertical clearance over sidewalks.
Under CA Streets and Highways Code 5610, adjacent property owners in unincorporated San Bernardino County are responsible for maintaining and repairing sidewalks fronting their property.
California SB 54, the California Values Act, limits how San Bernardino County Sheriff and other local agencies may cooperate with federal immigration authorities in unincorporated areas and contract cities.
California prohibits state and local governments from requiring private employers to use the federal E-Verify system except where federal law mandates it, under Government Code 7285.1 and 7285.3. The restriction applies uniformly to every California city and county.
California Civil Code 1954.603 requires landlords to disclose bed bug information and prohibits renting units with known infestations; San Bernardino County enforces habitability complaints.
California law and San Bernardino County Solid Waste rules prohibit loose syringes and sharps in household trash; residents must use FDA-cleared sharps containers and approved drop-off sites.
San Bernardino County Public Health inspects restaurants countywide and posts color-coded grade placards (Pass, Conditional Pass, Closed) at the entrance after each routine inspection.
Property owners across San Bernardino County must keep premises free of rodent harborage, and Public Health may abate severe infestations on private land at the owner cost.
California AB 1884 bars full-service restaurants in San Bernardino County and statewide from automatically providing plastic straws; customers must specifically request them at sit-down meals.
California SB 54 phases out expanded polystyrene foam foodware statewide by 2030; some San Bernardino communities have earlier local bans on takeout containers and packing peanuts.
California SB 1383 organic waste rules push San Bernardino County restaurants toward compostable takeout containers and require commercial generators to subscribe to organics collection service.
California SB 270 bans most single-use plastic carryout bags at grocery and retail stores statewide; San Bernardino County retailers must charge at least ten cents for recycled paper or thicker reusable bags.
California AB 1276 prohibits restaurants and food delivery platforms in San Bernardino County from automatically including plastic utensils, condiments, and napkins; items must be provided only on customer request.
California SB 793, upheld by Proposition 31 in 2022, bans the retail sale of most flavored tobacco products and flavor enhancers across San Bernardino County, including menthol cigarettes and flavored vapes.
California Tobacco 21 law bars sale of cigarettes, vapes, and other tobacco products to anyone under 21 in San Bernardino County, with active duty military exempt to age 18.
California requires statewide licensing of tobacco and vape retailers under the STAKE Act and the Cigarette and Tobacco Products Licensing Act. Business and Professions Code 22970 establishes uniform retailer licensing, while local governments may adopt stricter rules.
For covered units in unincorporated San Bernardino County, no-fault evictions are limited to AB 1482's enumerated reasons: owner or family move-in, substantial remodel, government order, or withdrawal from the rental market.
Unincorporated San Bernardino County has not adopted a local relocation-assistance ordinance for displaced tenants. Only the relocation payment required by California AB 1482 for qualifying no-fault evictions applies.
San Bernardino County rentals follow California Civil Code 1950.5, which limits security deposits to one month's rent for both furnished and unfurnished units and requires return within twenty-one days of move-out.
San Bernardino County tenants who have occupied 12+ months are protected by CA AB 1482 just-cause eviction rules. Landlords must state a valid reason and pay relocation for no-fault terminations.
Unincorporated San Bernardino County has no local rent control, but California AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act of 2019) imposes a statewide cap of CPI plus 5% annually (maximum 10%) on most rental units over 15 years old.
California Government Code 12955 bars San Bernardino County landlords from refusing to rent solely because the tenant uses a Housing Choice Voucher or other lawful government rental subsidy as part of their income.
California requires landlords to include or attach an AB 1482 disclosure in every covered lease and lease renewal, informing tenants of the rent cap and just-cause protections in plain statutory language.
The Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino administers Housing Choice Vouchers across SBC, inspecting units for HUD habitability standards and paying the subsidy portion directly to the landlord.
Unincorporated San Bernardino County does not require general rental-property registration. However, short-term rentals require county permits and Transient Occupancy Tax registration.
California Density Bonus Law lets developers exceed San Bernardino County zoning density by up to 50 percent in exchange for affordable units. Recent updates under SB 1287 and AB 1287 raise the maximum bonus to 100 percent for highly affordable projects.
San Bernardino County's General Plan is implemented through 14 community plans covering distinct geographies like Bear Valley, Crest Forest, Joshua Tree, Lake Arrowhead, and Lucerne Valley. Each adds local zoning standards on top of the countywide Development Code.
San Bernardino Mountain communities under hillside overlays restrict grading volume, slope disturbance, and building height to protect views and reduce wildfire and landslide risk. Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear, Crestline, and Wrightwood enforce strict hillside standards.
San Bernardino County does not set a local minimum wage, so the California statewide rate of 16.50 dollars per hour applies in 2026 to most employers in unincorporated areas, with annual inflation indexing.
California requires most employers, including warehouse and logistics operators in the Inland Empire portion of San Bernardino County, to provide at least 40 hours of paid sick leave per year under SB 616.
Drone operators in unincorporated San Bernardino County must follow FAA 14 CFR Part 107 or Recreational Flyer rules. County parks and military R-2508 airspace restrict drone flight.
Commercial drone operations in California follow uniform federal rules under 14 CFR Part 107 plus statewide California provisions in Civil Code 1708.8 and Public Utilities Code 21401, with local rules limited to ground-based regulation.
San Bernardino County coordinates encampment sanitation responses through the Office of Homeless Services, providing advance notice, outreach offers, and storage of personal property removed during cleanup operations.
San Bernardino County prohibits obstructing public sidewalks, trails, and rights-of-way with personal property or encampments in unincorporated areas, applying offer-of-shelter principles consistent with Ninth Circuit precedent.
San Bernardino County funds bridge and interim housing through the Continuum of Care, including navigation centers, motel-voucher programs, and project-based interim sites in San Bernardino, Victorville, and the High Desert.
Unincorporated San Bernardino County prohibits commercial cannabis retail, manufacturing, and distribution; only Adelanto, Hesperia, Needles, and a few other cities permit licensed dispensaries with strict buffers.
California Business and Professions Code 26054 requires licensed cannabis businesses to sit at least 600 feet from schools, daycares, and youth centers; San Bernardino cities often expand these buffers.
San Bernardino County Development Code Chapter 84.34 bans commercial cannabis cultivation, manufacturing, and sales in all unincorporated zones, treating any such use as a public nuisance.
Adults 21 and older may grow up to six cannabis plants per private residence in San Bernardino County, but unincorporated areas require indoor cultivation inside a fully enclosed secure structure.
Unincorporated San Bernardino County allows personal cannabis cultivation only indoors. State Proposition 64 (Health & Safety Code Section 11362.1) permits up to six living plants per residence for adults 21+; medical patients may grow more under HSC 11362.77. County Code Section 84.34.040 requires cultivation in a fully enclosed, locked, secure area not perceptible from outside. Outdoor cultivation is prohibited.
Cucamonga Valley Water District, Inland Empire Utilities Agency, and Mojave Water Agency offer turf replacement rebates of 2 to 4 dollars per square foot to convert lawns to drought-tolerant landscaping. State law also blocks HOAs from banning xeriscaping.
Mojave Water Agency, Cucamonga Valley, and other San Bernardino County water districts impose day-of-week irrigation schedules during drought emergencies. State Water Board emergency rules can override locals, banning ornamental turf irrigation entirely.
San Bernardino County water districts require customers to repair visible leaks within 5 to 10 days of notice. Persistent leaks running into gutters or sidewalks during drought are treated as water waste and trigger escalating fines.
San Bernardino County's Non-Motorized Transportation Plan guides bike-lane and trail expansion across unincorporated areas, with major commuter routes along Pacific Electric Trail, Santa Ana River Trail, and segments connecting OmniTrans bus stops and Metrolink stations.
San Bernardino County designates specific truck routes through Fontana, Ontario, Bloomington, and Mira Loma warehouse corridors to keep heavy freight off residential streets. Operating outside designated routes risks weight-violation citations and impoundment.
Tobacco retailers in unincorporated San Bernardino County need a county tobacco retailer license alongside the state CDTFA license, and California prohibits sales of most flavored tobacco products under SB 793.
Operating an auto repair business from a home in unincorporated San Bernardino County is generally prohibited under Title 8 zoning, though minor repairs on personally owned vehicles remain allowed.
Secondhand dealers and pawnbrokers in unincorporated San Bernardino County must register with the Sheriff and report transactions through the California Department of Justice CAPSS reporting system under state law.
San Bernardino County requires conditional use permits for massage establishments in unincorporated areas, with operators and technicians holding California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) certification under state law.
Tow operators that perform police-initiated tows in unincorporated San Bernardino County must hold a Sheriff rotation tow contract and follow California Vehicle Code rate posting and storage rules.
California state law bans smoking in most outdoor public spaces near children, workplaces, and state parks, and San Bernardino County applies these rules in unincorporated parks and public buildings.
San Bernardino County treats loud and unruly gatherings as a public nuisance, and the Sheriff can bill responsible parties for repeat response calls under the County Code.
California limits criminal loitering to specific contexts, while San Bernardino County enforces trespass rules on county property, parks after closing, and unincorporated commercial centers.
California Proposition 64 and San Bernardino County rules ban smoking, vaping, or eating cannabis in public places, including streets, parks, and county buildings in unincorporated areas.
Unlike Los Angeles or Long Beach, San Bernardino County does not impose hotel worker retention or living-wage rules, leaving lodging employers to follow only state minimum wage and labor protections.
San Bernardino County imposes a 7 percent transient occupancy tax on stays of 30 days or fewer at hotels, motels, RV parks, and short-term rentals in unincorporated areas, including Big Bear and Joshua Tree.
The most common code violations in San Bernardino County include unpermitted construction, junk and debris accumulation, overgrown vegetation, inoperable vehicles, illegal cannabis cultivation, unpermitted short-term rentals, and zoning violations in unincorporated areas.
San Bernardino County Code Enforcement handles complaints in unincorporated areas via phone at (909) 884-4056 or online. The division enforces zoning, housing, public nuisance, and vehicle abatement ordinances under the County Development Code.
San Bernardino County Code Enforcement investigates complaints and provides a time frame for correction based on violation type. Health and safety violations are prioritized for faster response, while routine violations may take 5-10 business days for initial investigation.
San Bernardino County does not have specific ordinances banning or restricting bamboo cultivation. However, bamboo that encroaches on neighboring properties or creates a nuisance may be subject to general property maintenance code enforcement.
San Bernardino County follows the California Department of Food and Agriculture's noxious weed list and the California Invasive Plant Council's inventory. Notable invasive species in the region include Saharan mustard, tamarisk (salt cedar), and giant reed (Arundo donax).
California AB 2561 (2022) prohibits cities and HOAs from banning front-yard food gardens. San Bernardino County residents can grow vegetables and fruit in their front yards. The county also encourages drought-tolerant landscaping and has removed restrictions on replacing lawns with gardens.
In San Bernardino County, detached storage sheds of 120 square feet or less, single-story, and without plumbing or electrical do not require a building permit. Larger sheds require permits and must comply with zoning setbacks and building code requirements.
Wood and vinyl fences under 6 feet in San Bernardino County typically do not require a building permit. Masonry walls, retaining walls, and fences over 6 feet require a permit. Front-yard fences are limited to 42 inches in residential zones.
Decks over 30 inches above grade require a building permit in San Bernardino County. Ground-level patios and decks less than 200 square feet that are under 30 inches above grade and not attached to a dwelling generally do not require a permit.
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.
Residential security cameras are legal in San Bernardino County without a permit. California's privacy laws prohibit recording in areas where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Audio recording requires all-party consent under California Penal Code §632.
California is an all-party consent state for audio recording. All parties to a confidential conversation must consent to being recorded under Penal Code §632. Video recording in public is legal, but recording in private areas violates Penal Code §647(j).
San Bernardino County allows privacy fences up to 6 feet in side and rear yards and 42 inches in front yards in most residential zones. Fences under 6 feet typically do not require a building permit. Barbed wire is prohibited in residential zones.
California regulates concealed carry weapons licenses statewide under Penal Code 26150 through 26225. Senate Bill 2 (2023) imposes uniform sensitive-place restrictions and applicant standards, preempting local variations on issuance criteria and qualifications.
California preempts most local firearm regulation under Government Code 53071 and Penal Code 25605, reserving licensing, registration, and manufacture authority to the state. However, local governments retain limited authority over discharge, sensitive places, and zoning of gun businesses.
California broadly prohibits open carry of firearms statewide under Penal Code 25850 (loaded firearms in public) and Penal Code 26350 (open carry of unloaded handguns). The prohibition applies uniformly across all California cities and counties without local variation.
California prohibits carrying loaded firearms in vehicles statewide under Penal Code 25400 and 25850. Unloaded handguns transported in private vehicles must be in a locked container or the vehicle's locked trunk; long guns must be unloaded but need not be locked.
California Retail Food Code (Health and Safety Code 113700-114437) sets uniform mobile food facility permit, equipment, and food safety standards enforced by counties statewide.
California's Safe Sidewalk Vending Act (SB 946) preempts most local bans on sidewalk vending, allowing only objective health, safety, and welfare regulations.
The California Land Conservation Act of 1965 (Williamson Act), Government Code 51200-51297.4, allows landowners to enter contracts with counties restricting land to agricultural use for ten-year minimum terms in exchange for reduced property tax assessment based on farming income.
The California Right to Farm Act under Civil Code 3482.5 protects established agricultural operations from nuisance lawsuits brought by neighbors who moved in after farming began. The law applies statewide and limits both private and local government nuisance actions.