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Codes, exemptions & field inspections

Build to the adopted code. Verify every exception.

This guide translates the available agency record into a preconstruction checklist for structural scope, minor work, and inspection release. The adopted code and the issuing official control when a field condition is disputed.

Regulatory framework

The code baseline for San Bernardino County.

For applications submitted on or after January 1, 2026, San Bernardino County requires the 2025 California Building Standards Code: 2025 California Building Code (CBC), California Residential Code (CRC), California Green Building Standards Code (CalGreen), California Wildland-Urban Interface Code (CWUI), California Mechanical Code (CMC), California Plumbing Code (CPC), California Fire Code (CFC), and California Building Energy Efficiency Standards (CBEES), together with San Bernardino County amendments and Title 24 disabled-access requirements.

Inspection lane

Schedule inspections 24/7 through the EZ Online Permitting/Accela portal or the county's EZ Inspect service at https://ezinspect.sbcounty.gov/. Inspection requests received by 4:00 p.m. are generally scheduled for the following workday, subject to area capacity; the inspector calls the listed contact the morning of inspection with a two-hour arrival window. Approved full-size plans must remain on the job site and accessible.

Minor-work playbook

Understand what may be exempt—and what is not.

The county states that a one-story detached tool/storage shed, playhouse, or similar accessory structure may be built without a building permit when it is 120 square feet or less, contains no utilities, is under 14 feet high, and meets minimum setbacks. The current permit list also identifies fences/walls at 6 feet or less, retaining walls at 4 feet or less when no surcharge is involved, and onsite grading under 100 cubic yards as generally below listed permit thresholds. The county warns that other work may still require a permit and that setbacks apply whether or not a permit is required; verify minor or cosmetic work with Building & Safety.

Field rule

A permit exemption generally addresses one narrow construction trigger. It does not automatically waive zoning, land-use, floodplain, shoreline, fire, energy, electrical, utility, septic, or right-of-way requirements. Obtain written confirmation when the project involves a new structure, structural alteration, change in occupancy, or concealed work.

Inspection pipeline

Keep the work visible at every release point.

  1. 1

    Request with lead time

    Schedule inspections 24/7 through the EZ Online Permitting/Accela portal or the county's EZ Inspect service at https://ezinspect.sbcounty.gov/. Inspection requests received by 4:00 p.m. are generally scheduled for the following workday, subject to area capacity; the inspector calls the listed contact the morning of inspection with a two-hour arrival window. Approved full-size plans must remain on the job site and accessible.

  2. 2

    Preserve access

    Do not cover framing, reinforcement, wiring, piping, damp-proofing, or life-safety work until the required inspection has been completed and documented.

  3. 3

    Close the record

    Retain the approved plans, inspection approvals, correction responses, and final certificate or occupancy release with the property file.

Contractor verification

Verify the builder before the contract is signed.

Use the state licensing system to verify active registration, trade credentials, bond status, and liability coverage where available. Match the legal business name to the proposal and permit application.

Verify contractor ↗

Planning reference

Keep the parcel rules beside the building plans.

A building permit is only one part of statutory compliance. Check the local zoning, ordinance, map, or land-use reference before finalizing setbacks, height, lot coverage, access, drainage, or accessory structure placement.

Open planning reference ↗

Source trail

Official sources for this profile

Use these direct agency or licensing links to confirm current instructions before you file, pay, or schedule work. External pages control if their information differs from this directory.

Agency websiteOpen official source ↗Permit portalOpen official source ↗Fee scheduleOpen official source ↗Planning or zoning referenceOpen official source ↗Contractor license lookupOpen official source ↗

Project questions

Frequently asked questions for San Bernardino County

Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?

San Bernardino County Land Use Services Department - Building & Safety Division (unincorporated areas) is the identified county-level authority for this profile. Confirm that the property is in its service area before filing.

How should I begin an application?

Begin with the online permit gateway listed in the application guide. If the portal does not recognize the address or project type, contact (909) 387-8311.

How long might review take?

N/A for general building-plan review; the county publishes no single typical review time. For ADUs, the county adopted timelines of 75 calendar days for standard-plan applications and 45 calendar days for pre-approved-plan applications.

How are inspections scheduled?

Schedule inspections 24/7 through the EZ Online Permitting/Accela portal or the county's EZ Inspect service at https://ezinspect.sbcounty.gov/. Inspection requests received by 4:00 p.m. are generally scheduled for the following workday, subject to area capacity; the inspector calls the listed contact the morning of inspection with a two-hour arrival window. Approved full-size plans must remain on the job site and accessible.

Which codes and exemptions should I review?

For applications submitted on or after January 1, 2026, San Bernardino County requires the 2025 California Building Standards Code: 2025 California Building Code (CBC), California Residential Code (CRC), California Green Building Standards Code (CalGreen), California Wildland-Urban Interface Code (CWUI), California Mechanical Code (CMC), California Plumbing Code (CPC), California Fire Code (CFC), and California Building Energy Efficiency Standards (CBEES), together with San Bernardino County amendments and Title 24 disabled-access requirements. The county states that a one-story detached tool/storage shed, playhouse, or similar accessory structure may be built without a building permit when it is 120 square feet or less, contains no utilities, is under 14 feet high, and meets minimum setbacks. The current permit list also identifies fences/walls at 6 feet or less, retaining walls at 4 feet or less when no surcharge is involved, and onsite grading under 100 cubic yards as generally below listed permit thresholds. The county warns that other work may still require a permit and that setbacks apply whether or not a permit is required; verify minor or cosmetic work with Building & Safety.

Field sequencing matters

The inspector needs to see the work at the right moment.

Code compliance is not only a plan-review exercise. Footings, reinforcement, framing, fireblocking, wiring, piping, insulation, weather protection, and life-safety systems each have points where the work must remain accessible. Build the inspection calendar into the trade schedule instead of treating it as a final administrative step.

When a project qualifies for a narrow minor-work exemption, keep a written explanation of why it qualifies and confirm that related zoning, utility, fire, energy, or environmental rules do not create a separate approval requirement.

Closeout file

Keep the approved plan set, inspection approvals, correction responses, contractor license verification, final certificate, and any occupancy release together. A clean record protects the owner, builder, lender, insurer, and future buyer.