San Bernardino County Building and Safety: Permits, Inspections, EZOP, Forms and Official Contact
San Bernardino County building permits can involve plan review, permit issuance, inspections, final approval, zoning/setback checks, grading review, manufactured home rules, solar requirements, permit research and online fee payments. This guide explains the official county process in simple language, so homeowners, contractors, developers, real estate buyers and rural-property owners can use the right Building and Safety resources without wasting time on wrong forms, city-versus-county confusion or missed inspection steps.
Main office
County Government Center, 385 N. Arrowhead Ave., San Bernardino, CA 92415.
Phone
Call 909-387-8311 or toll free 800-722-4542 for Land Use Services questions.
Portal
Use EZ Online Permitting to submit applications, plans, documents, payments and status checks.
Inspections
Schedule with EZ Inspect app, Accela/EZOP or phone; have your permit number ready.
Official San Bernardino County Building and Safety Links and Resources
Toll free: 800-722-4542. Main location: County Government Center, 385 N. Arrowhead Ave., San Bernardino, CA 92415. Use EZ Online Permitting for applications, plans, documents, status checks and online payments.
What San Bernardino County Building and Safety Does
Building and Safety’s primary responsibility is the enforcement of Building Standards adopted by the State of California and San Bernardino County. This includes California Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical and Energy Codes, plus disabled access regulations in Title 24.
The permit process includes construction plan review, permit issuance, inspections as work progresses, final inspection approval and Certificate of Occupancy issuance when applicable. Building and Safety also investigates complaints related to unpermitted construction and accessibility violations.
Plan review
Plans are reviewed to determine design compliance with applicable codes before permit issuance.
Permit issuance
Permits must be issued before starting work that requires county approval.
Inspections and final approval
Construction work is inspected as it progresses and must pass final inspection where required.
Common Projects That Require a San Bernardino County Building Permit
San Bernardino County says users should be sure they have all necessary permits before starting work. The official Permits page lists several common examples of work requiring permits.
Project type | Official permit example | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|
New structures | New buildings and structures greater than 120 square feet. | Check zoning, setbacks, access, utilities, grading and fire requirements before applying. |
Solar | Roof and ground mount solar installation. | Use EZOP solar or solar farm application categories where applicable. |
Patio covers and enclosed patios | Solid and lattice patio covers and enclosed patios. | Include structural attachment, site plan and setback information. |
EV charging station | Electric charging station. | Use the EVSE eligibility checklist where applicable. |
Additions and alterations | Residential and nonresidential additions and alterations. | Plan review may include structural, energy, plumbing, electrical and mechanical requirements. |
Pools, spas, carports, garages and barns | Pools and spas, carports, garages and barns. | These often require site layout, fencing/barrier, electrical and inspection details. |
Walls, fences and retaining walls | Fences/block walls over 6 feet and retaining walls over 4 feet, or retaining walls supporting surcharge. | Check height, footing, drainage, surcharge and setback issues before building. |
Trade and repair work | Electrical, plumbing, mechanical and structural repairs, plus re-roofing. | Do not cover work before required inspections are approved. |
Grading and demolition | Onsite grading of 100 cubic yards or more, demolition and erosion control. | Grading may require land development, drainage, erosion control and environmental review. |
Signs and temporary structures | Wall or monument signs and temporary structures such as modular units, recreational vehicles or trailers. | Temporary does not automatically mean exempt. Verify before placing structures on site. |
San Bernardino County EZ Online Permitting: Apply, Upload, Track and Pay
EZ Online Permitting is San Bernardino County’s enterprise land development and building permitting resource. The county says users can submit applications, plans and documents, check application status, view project updates and pay fees online.
EZOP task | What it helps with | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|
Create an account | Start applications and submit documents online. | Use an email address you check regularly for county notices and review updates. |
Submit applications | Apply for building, planning, land development and related permit records. | Choose the correct application category so the record routes properly. |
Upload plans and documents | Submit PDFs and supporting files for review. | Use clear file names such as Site Plan, Structural Plans, Energy Forms and Response Letter. |
Check application status | Track project updates and review progress. | Check status regularly so correction requests do not sit unanswered. |
Pay fees online | Complete payment when invoices are available. | Save receipts with the permit number and property address. |
Schedule or link to inspections | Use inspection resources tied to the permit process. | Have your permit number ready before scheduling. |
San Bernardino County EZOP Building Application Types
The official Forms and Applications page lists many permit types that can be applied for through EZOP. Choosing the right application category is important because it affects routing, review and required documents.
EZOP category | Examples | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
New construction | Residential new construction, residential multi-family, non-residential new construction and mixed use. | Use for new buildings or major new construction work. |
Addition / alteration / tenant improvement | Residential addition, residential alteration, non-residential addition and non-residential tenant improvement. | Use for remodels, additions, tenant improvements and altered building areas. |
Manufactured homes | Manufactured home permitting. | Use for manufactured home placement or related permits in county jurisdiction. |
Grading and land-related permits | Grading, geology investigation and geotechnical soil report. | Use for site work, slopes, earthwork and technical studies. |
Trade permits | Electrical, mechanical and plumbing. | Use for trade-specific work that does not require a broader building application. |
Solar and EV-related work | Solar, solar farm and EV charging station checklists. | Use for solar installations, solar farms or charging infrastructure. |
Accessory and exterior work | Residential accessory, non-residential accessory, walls and fences, pool and spa, reroof and sign. | Use for detached structures, walls, pools, re-roofs and sign permits. |
Other records | Addressing, demolition, approved fabricator and temporary structures. | Use when the project needs a special county record beyond standard construction review. |
How to Apply for a San Bernardino County Building Permit Without Missing Key Details
A strong permit package starts with confirming jurisdiction, selecting the right EZOP category, preparing current forms, checking zoning/setbacks and responding to plan review comments quickly.
Step 1: Confirm jurisdiction
Verify that the property is in unincorporated San Bernardino County, not inside a city building department area.
Step 2: Review permit requirement
Use the official Permits page to check whether the project type appears on the county permit-required list.
Step 3: Check zoning and setbacks
Even if a building permit is not required, the county notes all building setbacks must be maintained.
Step 4: Choose correct EZOP category
Select the best matching application type such as new construction, alteration, solar, grading, pool/spa, reroof or walls/fences.
Step 5: Upload complete documents
Submit plans, forms, owner/contractor documents, technical reports, site plans or checklists as required.
Step 6: Inspect and close
Schedule inspections with permit number ready and keep records until final approval is complete.
San Bernardino County Building Forms, Owner-Builder Forms and Technical Documents
The official Forms and Applications page includes many documents used during permit review. Always download current forms from the county site instead of reusing an old PDF from another project.
Form or document | What it helps with | Practical use |
|---|---|---|
Owner-builder acknowledgement | Owner-builder responsibility and disclosure. | Use when the property owner is applying or acting as owner-builder. |
Authorizing agent forms | Authorization for contractor or property owner representatives. | Use when someone else is submitting or managing permit records. |
Permit declaration forms | Permit declarations in English and Spanish. | Use when required by the county for the permit type. |
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm certificate | Residential smoke/CO compliance documentation. | Useful for residential alterations and permit closeout where required. |
Structural observation forms | Structural observation program and report requirements. | Use when plan review requires structural observation documentation. |
Disabled access upgrade summary | Accessibility upgrade documentation. | Important for commercial alterations and accessibility-related reviews. |
EV charging station checklists | Expedited EV charging station permits for residential and nonresidential projects. | Use before submitting EVSE work through EZOP. |
Wastewater plot plan form | Wastewater and site-related documentation. | Useful for rural or site-specific projects where wastewater location matters. |
How to Schedule San Bernardino County Building Inspections
The county says inspections can be scheduled through the EZ Inspect app, Accela Citizen Access/EZOP, or by phone. Have your permit number available when scheduling.
Inspection topic | Official guidance | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|
Scheduling options | Use EZ Inspect app, Accela Citizen Access/EZOP, or phone. | Use the online or app route when possible and keep the permit number ready. |
Request deadline | Requests received by 4:00 p.m. are scheduled for the following work day when available. | Submit early; full schedules may push the inspection to the next available day. |
Remote locations | Some remote county areas have limited inspection availability during the week. | Check area availability before coordinating subcontractors or concrete pours. |
Virtual inspections | The county suggests virtual inspections or self-inspections for some remote locations. | Ask whether your inspection type qualifies before relying on this option. |
Job-site readiness | Construction work is inspected as it progresses. | Do not cover framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical or structural work before approval. |
Permit Research, Permits Issued Report and Property Records
Permit research is useful before buying property, starting a remodel, checking whether work was permitted, confirming final approval or reviewing issued permits by area.
Permit Research
Use the county’s Permit Research resource for permit-related lookup and record questions.
Permits Issued Report
The county says issued permits can be searched by date range and ZIP code through EZ Online Permitting.
Status checks
EZOP lets users check application status and view project updates online.
Zoning, Setbacks, Development Code and Project Feasibility
Building and Safety permit review is not the only issue. San Bernardino County specifically notes that all building setbacks must be maintained whether a building permit is required or not.
Question | Why it matters | Practical step |
|---|---|---|
Is my parcel in the county? | City properties may use a city building department instead of county Building and Safety. | Use county parcel and jurisdiction tools before applying. |
What can I do on my property? | Zoning controls allowed uses, structures, setbacks and site limits. | Use EZOP’s zoning/project scoping tools and contact Land Use Services if unclear. |
Do setbacks apply even without a permit? | The county states building setbacks must be maintained whether or not a permit is required. | Check setbacks before placing sheds, walls, patio covers or accessory structures. |
Does grading or drainage review apply? | Site work can trigger grading, erosion control, land development or environmental review. | Ask before cutting/filling, building pads, driveways or slope work. |
San Bernardino County Building and Safety Office Locations
San Bernardino County lists multiple Land Use Services locations. If you plan to visit in person, the county strongly encourages making an appointment.
Location | Address | Services / hours note |
|---|---|---|
County Government Center | 385 N. Arrowhead Ave., San Bernardino, CA 92415 | Building and Safety, Code Enforcement, Land Development, Fire Hazard Abatement and Planning/Mining. Listed hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; public counter Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
Jerry Lewis High Desert Government Center | 15900 Smoke Tree St., Suite 131, Hesperia, CA 92345 | Building and Safety, Code Enforcement, Fire Hazard Abatement and Planning. Listed hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
Big Bear Building & Safety Office | 477 Summit Boulevard, P.O. Box 2835, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 | Building and Safety. Listed Tuesday hours: 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
Twin Peaks Building & Safety Office | 26010 State Highway 189, P.O. Box 709, Twin Peaks, CA 92391 | Building and Safety. Listed Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday hours: 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
Joshua Tree Building & Safety Office | 63665 Twentynine Palms Highway, Joshua Tree, CA 92252 | Building and Safety. Listed Wednesday hours: 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. |
Why San Bernardino County Building Permits Get Delayed
Most delays happen because the wrong jurisdiction was used, the wrong EZOP category was selected, plans were incomplete, setbacks were ignored, remote inspection timing was not planned, or the applicant did not respond to plan review comments.
Common delay | What it usually means | How to avoid it |
|---|---|---|
Wrong jurisdiction | The property may be inside a city with its own building department. | Confirm whether the parcel is in unincorporated county jurisdiction before applying. |
Wrong EZOP application type | The record may route incorrectly or require resubmittal. | Use the Forms and Applications categories and ask Land Use Services if unsure. |
Missing plans or documents | Plan review cannot confirm compliance. | Upload required plans, forms, reports, owner authorization and technical documents together. |
Setback or zoning issue | The structure location or use may not meet county development rules. | Check zoning, setbacks and overlays before final design. |
Remote inspection availability | Some remote areas have limited inspection days during the week. | Check inspection availability before scheduling crews or concrete work. |
Late correction response | The county is waiting for applicant revisions or missing information. | Respond to every comment clearly and upload corrected documents quickly. |
San Bernardino County Building and Safety Phone Number, Address and Map
Use the official contact information below for building permits, EZOP help, inspections, plan review, permit research, forms, zoning/setback questions, code enforcement and Land Use Services questions.
Land Use Services contact
Direct line: 909-387-8311
Toll free: 800-722-4542
Code Enforcement: 909-884-4056
Main office address
San Bernardino County Government Center
385 N. Arrowhead Ave.
San Bernardino, CA 92415
Public counter: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
High Desert office
Jerry Lewis High Desert Government Center
15900 Smoke Tree St., Suite 131
Hesperia, CA 92345
Mountain / desert offices
Big Bear, Twin Peaks and Joshua Tree Building & Safety offices are listed by the county with limited weekday schedules. Check official hours before visiting.
Map shows the County Government Center, 385 N. Arrowhead Ave., San Bernardino, CA 92415. For most permit activity, start with EZ Online Permitting before visiting an office.
San Bernardino County Building and Safety FAQs
These FAQs focus on the most common user searches around San Bernardino County building permits, EZ Online Permitting, inspections, forms, permit research, issued permits, office locations and official contact details.
QHow do I contact San Bernardino County Building and Safety?
Call San Bernardino County Land Use Services at 909-387-8311 or toll free at 800-722-4542. The main County Government Center address is 385 N. Arrowhead Ave., San Bernardino, CA 92415.
QWhere do I apply for a San Bernardino County building permit online?
Use the official EZ Online Permitting portal. The county says EZOP lets users submit applications, plans and documents, check application status, view project updates and pay fees online.
QWhat does San Bernardino County Building and Safety do?
Building and Safety enforces California Building Standards and San Bernardino County requirements through plan review, permit issuance, construction inspections, final inspection approval and Certificates of Occupancy where applicable.
QWhat projects require a San Bernardino County building permit?
The county lists examples including new buildings over 120 square feet, solar, patio covers, enclosed patios, EV charging stations, additions, alterations, pools, spas, carports, garages, barns, tall fences or block walls, retaining walls, electrical, plumbing, mechanical and structural repairs, re-roofing, temporary structures, grading, demolition, erosion control and wall or monument signs.
QHow do I schedule a San Bernardino County building inspection?
Schedule inspections through the EZ Inspect app, Accela Citizen Access/EZOP, or by phone. Have your permit number available when scheduling.
QWhat is the inspection request deadline?
The county says inspection requests received by 4:00 p.m. will be scheduled for the following work day when the schedule allows. If the schedule is full, the inspection is scheduled for the next available day.
QDoes San Bernardino County offer virtual inspections?
Yes. The county references virtual inspections and self-inspections through the EZ Inspect app, especially for remote locations or areas with limited inspection availability.
QWhere can I find San Bernardino County building forms?
Use the official Building and Safety Forms and Applications page. It includes EZOP application categories and documents such as owner-builder forms, authorizing agent forms, permit declaration forms, smoke and carbon monoxide alarm certificates, structural observation forms and EV charging station checklists.
QWhere can I see issued San Bernardino County permits?
Use the Permits Issued Report through EZ Online Permitting. The county says users can search issued permits by date range and ZIP code.
QCan I visit a San Bernardino County Building and Safety office?
Yes, but the county strongly encourages making an appointment before visiting. Office locations include the County Government Center in San Bernardino, the Jerry Lewis High Desert Government Center in Hesperia, and Building & Safety offices in Big Bear, Twin Peaks and Joshua Tree with limited schedules.
QIs San Bernardino County Building and Safety the same as City of San Bernardino Building Division?
No. County Building and Safety generally serves unincorporated San Bernardino County areas. The City of San Bernardino and other incorporated cities may have their own building departments. Confirm jurisdiction before applying.
QIs Building-Department.org the official San Bernardino County website?
No. Building-Department.org is an independent guide. Official permit applications, inspections, payments, plan review decisions, zoning decisions and code actions must be handled through San Bernardino County Land Use Services or its official EZ Online Permitting system.
Khushboo Bobade is a public records researcher and editorial writer specializing in government service documentation and construction permit systems.
Her research focuses on explaining building permits, inspection procedures, zoning regulations, and public permit records maintained by local government building departments across the United States.
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Check Permit Type, Estimate Fees, Prepare Inspections and Find Official Building Department Links
Use this free tool before applying for a building permit, booking an inspection, checking zoning rules, or searching permit records. It helps homeowners, contractors, landlords, buyers, and business owners understand the next step before visiting the official building department portal.
What building department task do you need help with?
Choose your goal. The tool will suggest the right next step, what to prepare, and which official page to check.
Before starting work, check whether your project needs building, zoning, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, right-of-way, or HOA approval.
Many portals require contractor registration, license details, insurance, plans, owner authorization, and inspection scheduling access.
Building Permit Type Finder
Select the project type to understand which permits or reviews are commonly required. Always confirm with the official local building department.
Permit Fee Estimate Calculator
Estimate a rough permit fee using project value and common percentage-based review assumptions. Local minimum fees, technology fees, impact fees, reinspection fees, and trade fees can change the final amount.
Inspection Readiness Checklist
Use this before scheduling framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing, final, or certificate-related inspections.
Zoning and Setback Pre-check
Use this before applying for a permit when your project may affect land use, setbacks, lot coverage, height, parking, signs, fences, accessory structures, or business use.
Plan Review Timeline Estimator
Estimate how complex your review may be. Local staffing, incomplete plans, corrections, holidays, fire review, zoning review, and outside agency review can change timing.
Permit Records Search Helper
Use this if you are trying to find old permits, inspection history, certificate of occupancy details, open permits, or code-related records.
Official Building Department Resource Finder
Enter city/county and state to create safe searches for official permit portals, inspection scheduling, building codes, zoning maps, forms, fees, and contact pages.
Building Department vs Planning/Zoning
- Building Department: permits, plan review, inspections, code compliance, certificates.
- Planning/Zoning: land use, setbacks, height, lot coverage, signs, parking, variances.
Best sitewide placement
Place this tool after the first main guide section or before FAQs. It turns a normal article into a practical permit-preparation page.
Important note
This tool gives educational guidance only. Final permit requirements, fees, inspections, forms, and deadlines must be confirmed with the official local building department.