city · San Bernardino County · California

San Bernardino, California Building Permits & Zoning

Regulatory data for residential homebuilders and land developers

6.3

Friction Index Moderate Regulatory Environment

Permit Timeline

42 days

6 weeks

Total Fees Est.

$32,600

per residential lot

Impact Fees

$28,000

per lot

Permit Fee

$3,100

residential

Plan Review Fee

$1,500

per application

Delay Risk

30%

probability of delay

Zoning & Requirements

Overlay Districts

Permitted By-Right Uses

Permitting Requirements

✓ Building permit application with engineered plans
✓ CEQA review — categorical exemption for most SF infill
✓ Title 24 Part 6 energy compliance with HERS verification
✓ CalGreen mandatory checklist
✓ Grading permit with soils report
✓ SWPPP and WQMP (Santa Ana Regional Water Board)
✓ East Valley Water District or City water connection
✓ City sewer connection permit
✓ Fire department review — San Bernardino Fire
✓ SBCTA regional transportation fee
✓ School impact fees (San Bernardino City USD)
✓ MSHCP conservation fee
✓ Norton Air Force Base airport overlay check (for eastern portions)
✓ General Plan land use consistency verification

Process Notes

Staffing & Operations

County seat with recovering residential market. Lower fees than western Inland Empire cities. City has rebuilt permitting department after 2012 bankruptcy — turnaround times improved but some inconsistency remains. Pre-application conference strongly recommended.

Recent Changes

City adopted 6th Cycle Housing Element Q3 2024 (HCD-certified). Bankruptcy recovery complete — city infrastructure investment ongoing. New streamlining program for infill SF permits launched 2025. Airport overlay restrictions apply to portions of city.

Rezone Probability

68%

Contact Information

Permit Office Phone

(909) 384-5057

Official Website

https://www.sbcity.org/city_hall/community___economic_development

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