San Bernardino Hazardous Materials Storage and Spill Rules

Public Safety California 3 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of California

San Bernardino, California regulates storage and response for hazardous materials through local enforcement in coordination with County and state programs. This guide summarizes who enforces rules, common obligations for businesses and property owners, basic steps to report and respond to releases, and where to find official forms and contacts. It is intended for facility managers, contractors, and residents in San Bernardino seeking clear, actionable steps to remain compliant and reduce public-safety risk.

Penalties & Enforcement

The primary enforcing authority for hazardous materials business plans, spill reporting, and cleanup coordination in the San Bernardino area is the San Bernardino County Fire Department Hazardous Materials Division acting as the Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA)[1]. Specific civil fines or daily penalties for violations are not specified on the cited page[1]. Where municipal code sections apply they may add local penalties; those amounts are not specified on the cited page.

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page[1].
  • Escalation: enforcement typically distinguishes first, repeat, and continuing offences but ranges and schedules are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: corrective orders, mandatory abatement, property or equipment seizure, work stoppage orders, and referral to court may be used; specific procedures not fully detailed on the cited page.
  • Inspection and complaint pathway: complaints and incident reports are handled through the County Fire CUPA reporting contacts and local fire dispatch as listed by the CUPA[1].
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes and statutory time limits for reviewing enforcement actions are not specified on the cited page; local code or administrative hearing procedures may apply.
Report spills immediately to emergency services and your CUPA; delays increase liability.

Applications & Forms

Facilities storing regulated quantities of hazardous materials must prepare and submit a Hazardous Materials Business Plan (HMBP) and follow CUPA reporting requirements. The County Fire CUPA publishes program guidance and submission instructions[1]. Fees, form numbers, and payment methods are not specified on the cited page.

  • Required plan: Hazardous Materials Business Plan (HMBP) — purpose: inventory, reporting, and emergency-response information; submission method: through the CUPA portal or as directed by the CUPA (details not specified on the cited page).
  • Fees: not specified on the cited page.
  • Inspections: businesses should expect periodic CUPA inspections and to retain records as required by CUPA guidance.

Actions to Take After a Release

Immediate actions reduce harm and limit enforcement exposure. Secure the area, evacuate if necessary, call 911 for life-safety incidents, and notify the CUPA or designated environmental health contact as required by local rules and the HMBP. Coordinate with licensed spill contractors for containment and proper disposal.

If a release threatens public health or the environment, contact emergency services first and your CUPA second.
  • Containment: stop source if safe and use absorbents or berms to limit spread.
  • Notification: call 911 for emergencies and notify the CUPA per HMBP instructions.
  • Documentation: record time, materials, quantity, witnesses, and response actions for reports and potential enforcement reviews.

FAQ

Who enforces hazardous materials storage and spill response in San Bernardino?
The San Bernardino County Fire Department Hazardous Materials Division acts as the CUPA for the area and coordinates enforcement with city and state agencies.[1]
Do I need an HMBP for small quantities of hazardous materials?
Thresholds and exemptions are defined by CUPA and state regulations; check CUPA guidance and the HMBP instructions for specific thresholds.
How do I report a spill?
Report immediate threats to 911, then notify the CUPA as required by your HMBP and local reporting procedures.

How-To

  1. Identify: confirm material identity, quantity, and hazards and consult your HMBP for required notifications.
  2. Secure: isolate the area, evacuate if necessary, and control ignition sources.
  3. Notify: call 911 for emergencies and report to the CUPA per your HMBP.
  4. Contain and cleanup: employ trained contractors and follow hazardous-waste disposal rules.
  5. Document and follow up: file required reports, preserve records, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Key Takeaways

  • Maintain an up-to-date HMBP and know your reporting duties.
  • Report releases promptly to 911 for emergencies and to the CUPA per local rules.
  • Keep records of inventories, inspections, and incident responses to reduce enforcement risk.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] San Bernardino County Fire - Hazardous Materials Division program and CUPA information

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