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.
Hillside development standards in the Development Code limit cut-and-fill volumes, require contour grading, and protect natural slopes above 30 percent. Tree removal during grading is restricted under the county tree ordinance. Building height is measured from natural grade rather than finished pad to prevent stepped pads disguising tall structures. Geotechnical reports are required for slopes over 15 percent. Stormwater controls during construction prevent erosion into Big Bear Lake, Lake Arrowhead, and protected mountain creeks. WUI fire-safe construction standards layer on top, requiring ignition-resistant exteriors.
Unpermitted grading on slopes triggers stop-work orders, restoration requirements with bonded landscaping, double permit fees, and potential CEQA violations and downstream property damage liability.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
San Bernardino, CA
Amplified music audible beyond property lines during quiet hours violates SBMC Chapter 8.54. Police can issue citations and impound sound equipment under SBM...
San Bernardino, CA
Aircraft noise is preempted by the FAA and not subject to local San Bernardino enforcement. San Bernardino International Airport (SBD) and nearby March Field...
San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino Municipal Code Chapter 8.54 sets quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM weekdays and 10 PM to 9 AM weekends and holidays. Exterior residential limits ...
San Bernardino, CA
Outdoor concerts, backyard parties, and festivals in San Bernardino must stay within SBMC Chapter 8.54 limits. Large or amplified events typically require a ...
San Bernardino, CA
Industrial noise limits in San Bernardino follow Development Code 19.20.030 standards, with exterior caps of 70 to 75 dBA depending on zone. SCAQMD Rules 444...
San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino uses CVC 22651(k) to tow vehicles left on public streets more than 72 hours. Abandoned vehicles on private property can be removed under CVC 2...
See how San Bernardino's hillside overlay rules rules stack up against other locations.
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