PLANS and PERMITTING
in SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Permitting with Pacific Sands
Project permitting can be a long, tedious, and frustrating process. At Pacific Sands, we pride ourselves not only on our designs, but on our ability to guide those designs through the permitting process with as few revisions and delays as possible.
San Bernardino County permitting can involve coordination between the city where the project is located as well as the County of San Bernardino for unincorporated areas. With a wide geographic range and varying local requirements, understanding how each jurisdiction operates is essential for keeping projects on track.
Permitting Jurisdictions within San Bernardino County
| Adelanto | Grand Terrace | Redlands |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Valley | Hesperia | Rialto |
| Barstow | Highland | San Bernardino |
| Big Bear Lake | Loma Linda | Twentynine Palms |
| Chino | Montclair | Upland |
| Chino Hills | Needles | Victorville |
| Colton | Ontario | Yucaipa |
| Fontana | Rancho Cucamonga | Yucca Valley |
Standard Permit Process Explanation
What is a permit?
A building permit is a legal document issued by a city or county that outlines the approved plans for construction. It also serves as a record of completed inspections and final approval.
Permit issuance is dependent upon the approval of other required agencies that may be triggered based on the scope of work. The permit can only be issued to a contractor with the appropriate license(s) (Contractors State License Board – CSLB), to the property owner in certain cases, or to an authorized representative. A permit fee is collected, and the permittee is given the proper documentation to begin construction.
Why is a permit needed?
A permit helps protect a property owner’s investment by ensuring construction meets safety standards and local building codes.
Work completed without proper permits may result in:
- Additional costs to legalize or remove unpermitted work
- Denial of insurance claims
- Potential legal or financial penalties
- Uncertainty regarding safety and construction quality
When is a permit required?
Permits are generally required for the following:
- New buildings
- Additions to buildings
- Tenant improvements
- Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) conversions
- Miscellaneous structures (decks, patios, fences, fireplaces, pools, retaining walls, etc.)
- Remodels and renovations (garage conversions, kitchen remodels, layout changes, etc.)
- Electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work
- Grading work
Example of Permit Types by Department
| Review Department | Clearances |
|---|---|
| Building & Safety Division | Electrical Section - Solar |
| Environmental Programs Division | Construction & Demo Debris Recycling and Reuse Plan |
| Environmental Programs Division | Fire Debris Removal Final Sign Off Certificate |
| Fire Prevention Bureau | Fire Protection Engineering - (As Required by Form 195) |
| Fire Prevention Bureau | Sprinklers, Residential & Remodel, Hoods, Tanks |
| Geotech & Materials Engineering Division | Geo/Soils Sections - Plan Approval is Required for Site Stability |
| Geotech & Materials Engineering Division | Referral for Retaining Walls or Systems |
| Local Water Company | Fire Flow Availability Letter (Form 195/196) Completed by Water Company |
| Local Water Company | "Will Serve" Letter from Water Company |
Projects in San Bernardino County
- Garage ADU (GADU) conversions
- Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) design and construction
- Home additions and expansions
- Residential conversions
- Interior and exterior remodels
- Ground-up new construction
