City of Crestline

Building in the City of Crestline
Crestline, nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains of San Bernardino County, is a scenic mountain community known for its natural beauty, relaxed pace of life, and close‑knit neighborhood feel. Historically a retreat area and gateway to mountain recreation, Crestline has evolved into a place where residents and visitors alike enjoy cabin‑style living, forested surroundings, and a break from the bustle of the lower‑elevation cities. Its convenient access from major Southern California metro hubs makes it an attractive destination for nature‑oriented living and recreation.

Crestline’s infrastructure—including its roads, public facilities, water and sewer systems, and recreation networks—is managed to support both local residents and the visitor economy. The community’s economy is anchored in tourism, outdoor recreation, local service businesses, and small‑scale retail, all contributing to regional vitality and lifestyle appeal.

Moving forward, Crestline is looking ahead with an emphasis on preserving its natural setting, strengthening community connection, and supporting responsible growth. The area’s long‑term outlook includes enhancing outdoor amenities, protecting its mountain‑environment heritage, improving infrastructure suited to alpine living, and fostering a balanced environment where residents and visitors can thrive. By blending its scenic legacy with mindful development and community engagement, Crestline continues to shape itself as a resilient, inclusive, and nature‑centered mountain community.

Construction Procedure in the City of Crestline
1. Initial Project Planning
Begin by defining your project’s vision, scope, and feasibility, whether it is residential, commercial, or mixed-use. Review your property’s zoning designation, the Crestline General Plan, and relevant development standards, including the Zoning Ordinance and any applicable planning policies. Assess key site-specific factors such as street and utility access, drainage, topography, environmental sensitivity, and infrastructure availability. All construction, additions, grading, demolition, or major remodels within Crestline must comply with the city’s permitting process and building codes, so early planning helps ensure a smooth development process.

2. Pre‑Application Consultation & Development Review
Schedule a consultation with the San Bernardino County Land Use Services Department (LUS) – Planning Division – which oversees planning for Crestline. This includes staff from Planning, Building & Safety, Public Works/Engineering, and relevant utility providers. This consultation allows you to verify zoning compliance, identify required approvals such as Conditional Use Permits, design review, variances, or compliance with the community plan, and review conceptual plans. Engaging staff early helps identify potential challenges, streamline review, and ensure your project aligns with Crestline’s development goals.

3. Submit Your Permit and Application Package
After incorporating feedback from the pre-application consultation, submit a complete permit and application package to the County Planning/Building Division. This typically includes permit forms, site plans, floor plans, and building elevations. Larger or site-specific projects may require grading, drainage, and landscape plans. Additional studies such as traffic reports, geotechnical assessments, environmental evaluations, or noise studies may be required depending on the project. Include all necessary fees to prevent delays.

4. Plan‑Check, Design & Code Review
The county reviews submitted plans for compliance with state and local regulations. The Building & Safety Division verifies adherence to California Building Standards Codes, including structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and energy requirements. The Planning Division evaluates zoning compliance, land-use compatibility, and architectural design. The Public Works/Engineering Division reviews impacts to public rights-of-way, grading, drainage, and utility infrastructure. Projects in environmentally sensitive areas may require additional review under CEQA.

5. Permit Issuance & Infrastructure Coordination
Once all plan checks are approved and fees submitted, the county issues the necessary permits. Coordination with utility providers for water, sewer, electricity, and gas connections is required. Off-site improvements, such as street, traffic, or drainage upgrades, are coordinated through the Public Works/Engineering Division. Projects affecting public rights-of-way, grading, or encroachments may require additional permits from the Engineering Division. Proper coordination ensures construction can proceed efficiently.

6. Construction & Inspections
Construction may begin once permits are issued. All work must be performed by licensed contractors and follow approved plans. Inspections occur at key stages, including foundations, framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical systems, and final inspection. Public improvements, such as sidewalks, drainage systems, and street improvements, are also inspected. Any deviations from approved plans must be submitted for review and approval before continuing work.

7. Final Inspection & Certificate of Occupancy (or Final Approval
)After construction is complete and corrections made, request a final inspection from the Building & Safety Division. If the work complies with approved plans and conditions of approval, the county issues a Certificate of Occupancy for new buildings or Final Approval for remodels. This confirms that the building is safe for use and meets all regulatory requirements.

8. Project Close‑Out
Project close-out includes meeting all conditions of approval, paying outstanding fees, submitting as-built drawings, completing landscaping and off-site improvements, and addressing any public infrastructure or easements. Once all requirements are satisfied, the project file is officially closed.

9. Ongoing Compliance & Future Modifications
Even after completion, ongoing compliance with Crestline and San Bernardino County codes and maintenance standards is required. Future modifications, such as adding accessory structures, signage, fences, or changing land use, must be submitted for review and approval by the Planning Division, Building & Safety, and other relevant departments. This ensures continued safety, compliance, and alignment with the county and community’s long-term planning goals.