Zoning, building permits and septic rules in San Bernardino, California
San Bernardino is a city in San Bernardino County, California. San Bernardino adopts its own zoning, so inside its limits San Bernardino’s rules apply, not the county’s. 8 rules below are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked, most recently on October 22, 2026. Rules for unincorporated land are on the San Bernardino County page.
Answers from the rulebook for San Bernardino
San Bernardino’s own rules
Building permitRequired
Structural, electrical, plumbing, heating and air-conditioning work on private property inside the City of San Bernardino
Minor work such as water heater replacements or electrical panel upgrades is usually issued directly over the counter.
Projects needing plans must submit plans for code review before permit issuance; certain projects require a California registered architect or engineer.
Online permits require the appropriate state contractor's license for the work and a current city business license.
The city's exemption list follows California Building Code section 105.2 and California Residential Code section R105.2 (not opened).
“with a few minor exceptions, building permits are required for all structural, electrical, plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning work.”
Building code adoptedAdopted
New construction and remodels on private property inside the City of San Bernardino
The page refers to the city's building codes and ordinances and cites the California Building Code (chapter 1, section 111.1) for certificates of occupancy; the adopting ordinance and edition were not opened.
“san bernardino specifically adopts the following california codes as the municipal building laws of the community.”
InspectionsRequired
Permitted construction work inside the City of San Bernardino
Inspections are scheduled through the City Information Center; the permit number must be provided.
Scope of which inspection stages apply to a residential project was not opened.
“inspection requests must be made through sb direct by calling 909-998-2000.”
Certificate of occupancyRequired
New commercial buildings and commercial structures undergoing change of occupancy, classification, ownership, tenancy or renovation inside the City of San Bernardino
Applies to non-residential buildings per the city's certificate of occupancy section; the page does not state a residential certificate of occupancy rule.
A certificate of occupancy is required before a new commercial building may be occupied or used.
“per chapter 1, section 111.1 of the california building code a certificate of occupancy is required before a new commercial building may be occupied or used.”
Local zoningPresent
Land inside the City of San Bernardino limits (city's own Development Code administered by its Planning Division)
Source confirms the city administers a Development Code implementing the General Plan; the zone-by-zone text of the Development Code could not be opened, so district rules are recorded as unknown elsewhere.
The city's code of ordinances lists Title 19 as land use/subdivision regulations (see subdivision claim).
“the planning division is responsible for the implementation of the city's general plan and development code.”
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Land divisions inside the City of San Bernardino
Subdivision rules are in Title 19 of the city code, which the code lists as land use and subdivision regulations; the chapter text was not opened.
“title 19: land use/subdivision regulations”
Permit feesPublished
Building permit fees for work inside the City of San Bernardino
The fee schedule is a linked PDF; the dollar amounts were not read.
“view the updated building and safety fee schedule (pdf)”
Permit processPublished
Building permit application process inside the City of San Bernardino
Plans are submitted in person for plan check; the page says mail, courier and email submittals are not accepted except for expedited residential solar and EV charger plans.
Permit service counter is at 201 North E Street; hours are listed on the page.
“all building permits will require a completed building permit application (pdf).”
Still unanswered
We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask San Bernardino or San Bernardino County directly.
Owner-builder exemption — Owner-occupant building permits for one- and two-family dwellings inside the City of San Bernardino
Zoning districts — Zoning districts inside the City of San Bernardino
Minimum dwelling size — Main single-family residential district (RS) inside the City of San Bernardino
Minimum lot size — Main single-family residential district (RS) inside the City of San Bernardino
Setbacks — Main single-family residential district (RS) inside the City of San Bernardino
17 more unanswered
Lot coverage
Building height
Living in an RV
Camping on your land
Tiny homes
Manufactured homes
Accessory dwellings
Who permits septic
Septic permit
Septic inspection
Off-grid sanitation
Well permit
Mandatory utility hookup
Agricultural exemption
Driveway access
Building in a floodplain
Short-term rentals
Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.
Unanswered questions are usually a sign that San Bernardino publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. San Bernardino County’s page lists the county offices to call.
Off-grid gear
Going off-grid in San Bernardino means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:
