San Bernardino Building and Trade Permit Guide

San Bernardino County covers a huge stretch of Southern California, from growing suburban neighborhoods to major commercial developments. If you’re building or performing trade work in the city or county of San Bernardino, you’ll probably need a building permit before breaking ground.

This guide explains the San Bernardino building permit process simply. We cover which projects require permits, what’s exempt, how much permits cost, and step-by-step instructions for submitting your application.

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What requires a building permit in San Bernardino?

San Bernardino permits are required for most construction and trade work, including:

• Structural changes (walls, windows, framing)
• Electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work
• Room additions or garage conversions
• Re-roofing
• Solar panel installation
• Retaining walls >4 ft or supporting surcharge
• Demolition
• New pools, spas, or permanent hot tubs
• Water heaters and gas line work
• Foundation or grading modifications
• Sign installations (business)

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What doesn’t require a permit?

Some minor upgrades or projects that don't exceed specific measures can be done without a building permit. They include:

• One-story detached accessory structures (<120 sq ft)
• Fences <7 ft (except masonry walls; zoning approval still required)
• Oil derricks
• Retaining walls <4 ft (not supporting surcharge/liquid)
• Water tanks <5,000 gallons with H:W ratio <2:1
• Sidewalks/driveways <30 in above grade, not over basement
• Interior finish work (painting, tiling, cabinets, countertops, etc.)
• Temporary sets/scenery for film/theater
• Prefab pools <24 in deep, <5,000 gallons, above-ground

To find more information about your specific case, refer to the Building & Safety Division page.

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Who handles permitting in San Bernardino?

Permits are issued and managed by the Building & Safety Division, part of the Community & Economic Development Department.

• Online permitting is available via the online permits portal
• Additional resources, such as forms, permit research, and status tracking, are accessible via the Building & Safety Division page

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San Bernardino building permit cost

Fees in San Bernardino are based on valuation and size and include multiple components: plan review, issuance, trade subcode fees, SMIP fees, tech surcharge, etc.

Residential fees

1. Additions to Existing Single-Family Homes
   
   1. Without bath/kitchen: $1.74/sq ft
   2. With bath/kitchen: $1.92/sq ft
   3. Minimum fee: $375
   4. Max fee up to 1,200 sq ft: $1,459
2. New Tract Homes (Phases of 5 or more)
   
   1. Use Table 1A, e.g.:
   2. 1,500 sq ft = $625
   3. 3,000 sq ft = $927
   4. 5,000 sq ft = $1,329
   5. Over 7,500 sq ft: Fee = $1,832 + (sq ft - 7,500)/100 × $19.72
3. In-Fill or Custom Homes
   
   1. Use Table 1B, e.g.:
   2. 1,500 sq ft = $1,568
   3. 3,000 sq ft = $2,100
   4. 5,000 sq ft = $2,810
   5. Over 7,500 sq ft: Fee = $3,698 + (sq ft - 7,500)/100 × $35.50

Note: All residential fees above include building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical inspection. They don’t include plan review, issuance, or other fees.

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Commercial fees

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Additional fees

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Surcharges:

• Technology fee: 2% of plan review + permit fees
• General plan maintenance fee: 2%
• SMIP fee:
  
  • Residential: 0.0001 × valuation
  • Commercial/Industrial: 0.00021 × valuation

More information about fees for other types of projects can be found on the schedule of fees.

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San Bernardino trade permits

Electrical permits

Electrical system installations or modifications. Requires a separate permit even if bundled with a building permit.

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Plumbing permits

Required for all plumbing fixture and system work.

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Mechanical (HVAC) permits

Required for heating and cooling system installations or modifications.

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Roofing, signage, fencing, accessory structures

Permits required for exterior changes, such as roof replacement, signs, fences, accessory structures.

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How to get a building permit in San Bernardino

Step 1: Prepare your scope and documentation

Before you approach the Building & Safety Division, make sure you’ve clearly defined your project. Depending on the type (e.g., new home, addition, electrical upgrade, roof replacement), gather the necessary documentation:

• Site plans and floor plans
• Structural and Title 24 energy calcs
• Contractor license and credentials
• Any engineering or architectural drawings
• Completed San Bernardino building permit application:
  
  • Application for building
  • Application for mechanical/electrical/plumbing

Note: The city does not accept plan submittals via mail, email, or courier. All plans, except expedited residential solar or EV charging stations, must be submitted in person.

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Step 2: Submit the San Bernardino building permit form in person

The City of San Bernardino requires physical submittals. Bring your full plan set to:

• Building & Safety Division
  
  • Address: 201 N E Street, 3rd Floor, San Bernardino, CA 92401
  • Phone: (909) 384-5357

Note: You can email the completed permit application (only) in advance to CD-Technician@sbcity.org. Submitting plans via email or courier won’t be accepted.

Your plans will be stamped and logged. City staff will provide tracking numbers and guidance on the next steps.

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Step 3: Plan review

Your submittal goes through a multi-departmental review. This may include:

• Structural and engineering
• Electrical, mechanical, plumbing
• Fire safety and egress
• Accessibility (ADA)
• Zoning compliance
• Energy efficiency (Title 24)

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Step 4: Pay fees and get your permit

Once your plans are approved, you'll receive a fee summary. This includes:

• Plan review fees
• Permit issuance fees
• Trade permit fees (e.g., plumbing, electrical, HVAC)
• Technology and General Plan surcharges
• Strong Motion Instrumentation Program (SMIP) fees

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Step 5: Inspections

After work begins, you must call for inspections at key stages (e.g., foundation, framing, final). Schedule inspections via:

• Phone: (909) 998-2000 (Have your permit number ready)
• In person at the Building & Safety Division

You’ll receive either approval, correction notices, or reinspection instructions.

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San Bernardino permitting resources

• Building & Safety Division
  
  • Address: 201 N E Street, 3rd Floor, San Bernardino, CA 92401
  • Phone: (909) 384-5357
  • Email: CD-Technician@sbcity.org
• Building & Safety Division page
• Building permit application (PDF)
• Mechanical, Electrical, or Plumbing permit application (PDF)
• Building and Safety Fee Schedule (PDF)
• Online permits portal

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