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.
See how Victorville's hillside overlay rules rules stack up against other locations.
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