ADU Permit Process - San Bernardino, California

Housing and Building Standards California 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 10, 2026 Flag of California

Introduction

Applying for an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in San Bernardino, California requires coordination with the City planning and building departments, compliance with local zoning and building standards, and submission of construction drawings and permit applications. This guide explains the city process, typical checklist items, enforcement risks, and practical next steps so homeowners and contractors can prepare complete applications and avoid delays. Consult the municipal code and the Building & Safety division for definitive requirements and current forms.[1]

Eligibility & Standards

Basic eligibility depends on lot zoning, setbacks, parking rules, size limits, and utility connections. San Bernardino enforces both zoning and building code requirements; applicants should confirm lot-specific constraints with Planning staff before preparing plans.

  • Check zoning and allowable ADU types (attached, detached, garage conversion).
  • Meet building code and structural requirements in the Building Code.
  • Confirm lot coverage, setbacks, and height limits with Planning.
  • Address parking requirements or demonstrate exemptions where state ADU law applies.
  • Prepare plans, site exhibits, and utility diagrams for permit review.
Early pre-application contact with Planning reduces review cycles.

Application Process

Submit permit documents to the City Building & Safety division. Typical steps: completeness review, plan check, payment of fees, permit issuance, inspections during construction, and final inspection for occupancy. Processing times and fee schedules are published by the City; check the Building & Safety page for current procedures and online submittal options.[2]

  • Completeness check and plan intake.
  • Technical plan review by Building & Safety and other departments.
  • Pay permit and plan check fees upon invoicing.
  • Schedule inspections during construction.
  • Obtain final inspection and certificate of occupancy.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of ADU-related violations in San Bernardino may involve fines, stop-work orders, and building or zoning correction notices. Specific penalty amounts for ADU violations are not listed on the cited municipal pages and thus are not specified on the cited page.[1]

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing violations and per-day penalties are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, demolition or removal orders, and abatement are possible enforcement actions.
  • Enforcer: Building & Safety and Code Enforcement divisions handle inspections and corrective orders; Planning enforces zoning compliance.
  • Inspection and complaint pathway: report violations to Building & Safety or Code Enforcement via official contact channels.
If work begins without a permit, expect stop-work orders and possible additional penalties.

Applications & Forms

The City publishes permit application instructions and any ADU checklists on the Building & Safety page. Specific form names or numbers for ADU permits are not consistently listed on a single page; consult Building & Safety for the current application packet and submittal checklist.[2]

Action Steps

  • Contact Planning to verify zoning and ADU feasibility before design.
  • Prepare complete plans (site plan, floor plans, elevations) with a licensed designer or architect.
  • Submit the Building & Safety permit application and pay applicable fees.
  • Schedule required inspections and comply promptly with correction notices.

FAQ

How long does an ADU permit take in San Bernardino?
Processing time varies by workload and application completeness; a typical plan check timeline is not specified on the cited page.
What fees apply to ADU permits?
Fees depend on scope and valuation; exact fee schedules are published by Building & Safety and are not specified on the cited page.
Do ADUs require inspections?
Yes. Building inspections during construction and a final inspection for occupancy are required.

How-To

  1. Confirm lot zoning and ADU eligibility with Planning.
  2. Prepare architectural and site plans that meet building and zoning rules.
  3. Submit a complete permit application to Building & Safety with required documents and fees.
  4. Address plan-check corrections and schedule inspections during construction.
  5. Obtain final inspection sign-off and certificate of occupancy.

Key Takeaways

  • Start with Planning to confirm zoning and feasibility.
  • Complete plans and a correct application reduce delays.
  • Use official City Building & Safety contacts for forms and inspections.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] San Bernardino Municipal Code - Code of Ordinances
  2. [2] City of San Bernardino - Building & Safety

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