San Bernardino AI Ethics & Bias Audit Rules

Technology and Data California 4 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of California

San Bernardino, California is beginning to confront how municipal rules apply to algorithmic tools used by city departments, contractors, and regulated businesses. This guide summarizes where to look in the City of San Bernardino municipal code and local enforcement channels for AI ethics, transparency, and bias-audit expectations, and explains steps to comply, report concerns, or request review. Official code text and department procedures are the controlling sources; check the municipal code and Code Enforcement for formal requirements and timelines.City municipal code[1]

Scope and who this applies to

This article covers municipal-level requirements and enforcement relating to automated decision tools used by the city, city contractors, licensees, or regulated entities in San Bernardino. For department-specific procurement or licensing clauses, contact the relevant local office listed below.

How local rules are sourced

  • Consult the City of San Bernardino municipal code for adopted ordinances and definitions relating to technology and public records.Municipal code[1]
  • Code Enforcement and the Community Development Department handle complaints about unlawful practices and noncompliance with city regulations.Code Enforcement[2]
  • Planning and procurement rules may include required reviews or impact assessments for new automated systems used in city operations.Planning Department[3]

When in doubt, request the specific ordinance section and any implementing administrative rule in writing.

Penalties & Enforcement

San Bernardino enforces municipal ordinances through Code Enforcement, the Community Development Department, and, where applicable, administrative or judicial proceedings. Specific monetary fines, escalation rules, and non-monetary sanctions vary by ordinance and are stated in the controlling code section or implementing regulation. If a precise fine or time limit is not listed on the cited page, this guide notes that the amount is "not specified on the cited page" and provides the official link for verification.

  • Monetary fines: amounts depend on the ordinance; specific dollar figures are not specified on the cited municipal code landing page.See municipal code[1]
  • Escalation: code enforcement typically uses warnings, administrative citations, and then daily continuing fines where authorized; exact escalation schedules are not specified on the cited overview page.See Code Enforcement[2]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: compliance or corrective orders, permit suspension, injunctive relief or referral to court are standard remedies; specific orders for AI tool misuse are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Enforcer and contact: Code Enforcement and Community Development manage investigations and complaints; use the official Code Enforcement contact page to report concerns.Code Enforcement contact[2]
  • Appeals and review: administrative appeal routes or hearing procedures are set out in the city code or the specific ordinance; deadlines for appeals are not specified on the cited overview pages and should be confirmed in the applicable code section.See municipal code[1]

Common violations and typical outcomes:

  • Failure to disclose use of automated decision tools to affected individuals — often results in notice and corrective action; monetary penalties not specified on the cited page.
  • Skipping required bias audits or not retaining audit records — enforcement may require audits to be submitted and records preserved; specific fines not specified.
  • Using biased models in licensing, permitting, or public benefits decisions — may lead to orders to cease using the tool and remedial steps.

Applications & Forms

Where the city requires submissions (audit reports, applications for variances, or procurement disclosures), the controlling ordinance or department will list the form name and submission method. A general search of the municipal code and department pages is required for the exact form number; a specific universal AI ethics form is not listed on the general code pages cited here. Contact Code Enforcement or Planning for the current form list.Planning Department[3]

How to comply and immediate action steps

  • Inventory: document all algorithmic tools used in city operations or regulated services and retain vendor documentation.
  • Bias audit: commission an independent audit or prepare internal bias assessment reports and retain evidence of methods and results.
  • Notice and transparency: adopt clear public notices and procedures for individuals affected by automated decisions.
  • Contact the city: file inquiries or complaints through Code Enforcement or the relevant department contact page.Code Enforcement[2]

FAQ

Does San Bernardino have a dedicated AI ordinance?
Not specifically published as a single dedicated AI ordinance on the municipal code overview; related obligations appear under procurement, public records, and enforcement provisions and must be confirmed in the code text.Municipal code[1]
Who enforces compliance with local technology rules?
Code Enforcement and Community Development handle complaints and enforcement; contact details are on the city site.Code Enforcement[2]
How do I request an appeal or review?
Appeal procedures are set in the code or the specific ordinance; if not on the overview pages, request the exact section from the City Clerk or department staff.Municipal code[1]

How-To

  1. Identify the tool and gather vendor documentation, data schemas, and decision rules.
  2. Prepare or commission a bias audit report describing methods, datasets, and mitigation steps.
  3. Contact Code Enforcement or the relevant department to submit reports or ask about required forms.
  4. If cited, follow the corrective order or file the administrative appeal within the deadline specified in the ordinance or notice.

Key Takeaways

  • San Bernardino relies on existing municipal code and departmental enforcement rather than a single, widely publicized AI statute.
  • Document tools, obtain bias audits, and keep records to reduce enforcement risk.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of San Bernardino municipal code (Municode) — Code of Ordinances
  2. [2] City of San Bernardino Code Enforcement — department contact and complaint information
  3. [3] City of San Bernardino Planning Department — planning and permitting information

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