Building permits in the City of San Bernardino are issued by the Building & Safety Division of the Community & Economic Development Department, 201 North E Street, 3rd Floor, San Bernardino, CA 92401. The permit service counter is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 8 am to 5 pm, Wednesday 10 am to 5 pm and Fridays 8 am to 4 pm; last sign-in for permit issuance is 4:30 pm Monday through Thursday and 2:30 pm Friday.
This guide covers San Bernardino’s Building & Safety Division, its submittal rules, fees, solar and ADU routes and inspections. The Division’s Schedule of Fees is dated 07/2020, so confirm current amounts at (909) 384-5357.
What requires a building permit in San Bernardino?
Permits for minor work, such as water heater replacements or electrical panel upgrades, are usually issued directly over the counter. Fences not over 7 feet high, other than masonry walls, are exempt from a building permit, but the Planning Division must approve all fence and wall plans for zoning compliance. A school fee letter is required for structures of 501 sq ft or larger, including ADUs.
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Get a free quote →California builds on one statewide code, Title 24, whose 2025 edition took effect on 1 January 2026; the editions in effect when the application is submitted apply, and cities and counties may adopt local amendments only with findings filed with the state (new residential amendments are largely frozen until June 2031). Title 24 and local amendments
Who handles permitting in San Bernardino?
| Office | Handles | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Building & Safety Division | Building permits and plan check; 201 North E Street, 3rd Floor, San Bernardino, CA 92401 | (909) 384-5357 |
| SB Direct (City Information Center) | Building inspection requests | 909-998-2000 |
| Planning Division | ADU submittals and fence and wall plans | 909-998-2300 |
| Land Development | 201B North E Street, 2nd Floor | 909-998-2510 |
| Water Department | Sewer capacity and will-serve letters; 1350 S E ST | 909-384-5095 |
| San Bernardino County Fire | Fire review; online applications only | County Fire online portal |
The city adopts the California Fire Code as enforced by the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District.
Not sure this scope needs a permit?
Get a free quote →ADU plans in San Bernardino
San Bernardino offers two pre-approved detached ADU plans, bought from the designer: Morning Glory (462 sq ft, 1 bedroom / 1 bathroom) and Carnation (738 sq ft, 2 bedrooms / 2 bathrooms). ADU plans go first to the Planning Division (909-998-2300). First plan reviews take 15-20 business days and later reviews 10 to 15 business days.
San Bernardino permit costs and fees
The Building & Safety Division Schedule of Fees is dated 07/2020:
- Permit issuance fee on all permits: $60.00; inspections $118.35 per hour; reinspection $118.35.
- In-house plan review: $122.37 per hour; a new single-family or duplex home is billed at 5 hours and an addition at 3 hours.
- Single-family additions: $1.74 per sq. ft. without a bath or kitchen and $1.92 per sq. ft. with one, minimum $375.00.
- Reroofing per square (100 square feet): $180.00 composition shingles, $230.00 built-up, $350 shake or tile.
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Call 1-855-478-4290 →How to get a building permit in San Bernardino
Three printed sets, at least 24 inches by 36 inches; plans are not accepted by courier, mail or email, except expedited residential solar and residential EV charger plans.
Plan check submittals: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 8 am to 4 pm, Wednesday 10 am to 4 pm, Fridays 8 am to 2 pm.
Single-family electrical re-wires, water re-pipes, panel upgrades and re-roofs; the contractor needs the right state license and a current City business license.
Residential solar and storage under 38.4 kilowatts can get instant plan review through the Symbium portal, with processing in about 1–3 business days; panel upgrades need a separate electrical permit.
San Bernardino County Fire accepts online applications only; sewer will-serve letters come from the Water Department.
A building permit carries a validity period and can expire if work does not start or stalls between inspections; confirm the expiry with San Bernardino on phased or delayed work. Permit validity in California
Rather not deal with the building department?
Get a free quote →Inspections in San Bernardino
Building inspections are requested through SB Direct, the City Information Center, at 909-998-2000; have the permit number ready.
Official San Bernardino permitting resources
These are the primary sources behind this guide. Codes, fee schedules and procedures change — confirm the position for your filing date.
- San Bernardino Building & Safety Division
- San Bernardino Schedule of Fees (07/2020)
- San Bernardino residential solar permits
- San Bernardino ADUs
Want this handled start to finish?
Get a free quote →Frequently asked questions
Can I email plans to San Bernardino?
No, except expedited residential solar and residential EV charger plans. Plans are submitted in person: three printed sets of at least 24 inches by 36 inches.
How do I schedule a building inspection in San Bernardino?
Call SB Direct, the City Information Center, at 909-998-2000 with the permit number ready.
Are San Bernardino’s published fees current?
The Building & Safety Division Schedule of Fees is dated 07/2020, so confirm amounts with the Division at (909) 384-5357.
Simplify San Bernardino permitting with Alliance Permitting
- Confirm the city’s planning, building, fire and public works reviews the project needs
- Prepare the application and plans for the city’s portal or counter and track each review cycle
- Schedule inspections and gather the clearances needed to close the permit
Inspections are where schedules slip.
Get a free quote →Alliance Permitting is a permit documentation and submission company in California. We prepare your paperwork, file it correctly and coordinate with the permitting authority through issuance. We are not a contractor and we do not perform licensed plan review or inspections; that work stays with your licensed team and the jurisdiction.
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More California permitting guides
This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general information about San Bernardino permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.