Building in the City of Lake Arrowhead
Lake Arrowhead, California is a picturesque mountain community located in the San Bernardino Mountains, renowned for its scenic lake, forested surroundings, and strong focus on outdoor and community-oriented living. Nestled along Highway 18, the area provides convenient access to nearby mountain towns, recreational areas, and regional destinations in Southern California.
The community is primarily composed of single-family homes, cabins, and vacation properties set among wooded hills and natural terrain. A significant portion of the area is devoted to open space, parks, trails, and lakefront amenities, supporting an active lifestyle with opportunities for boating, hiking, biking, and year-round outdoor recreation. The village also features small commercial centers that provide shopping, dining, and services for residents and visitors.
Community engagement and quality of life are central to Lake Arrowhead’s character. The area emphasizes safe, welcoming neighborhoods, well-maintained infrastructure—including roads, utilities, and drainage systems—and programs that promote recreation, culture, and tourism. With its combination of natural beauty, quality housing, outdoor amenities, and community-focused services, Lake Arrowhead is a highly desirable destination for families, retirees, and those seeking a serene mountain lifestyle in Southern California.
Construction Procedure in the City of Lake Arrowhead
1. Initial Project Planning
The first step in any development project in Lake Arrowhead is to define the project’s vision, scope, and feasibility. Developers begin by reviewing the property’s General Plan designation, zoning classification, and relevant sections of the San Bernardino County Development Code and local ordinances. Early evaluation of site-specific factors is critical, including access, circulation, parking, utilities, drainage, environmental constraints, fire safety, and compatibility with surrounding properties and forested areas. Design considerations such as architectural style, landscaping, sustainability, and sensitivity to hillside, topographic, and natural conditions are carefully assessed to ensure that the project aligns with Lake Arrowhead’s community values and preserves the area’s mountain and forest character.
2. Pre-Application Consultation and Development Review
Before submitting a formal application, developers are encouraged to meet with the San Bernardino County Land Use Services Department for a pre-application consultation. This early coordination identifies required permits, such as Conditional Use Permits, Site Development Permits, or Design Review approvals, and determines whether environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is necessary. Staff provide preliminary feedback on project design, neighborhood and environmental compatibility, infrastructure impacts, fire protection, and access considerations. Early consultation helps clarify expectations, reduce delays, and ensure projects support the County’s vision for safe, high-quality, and community-oriented development in the Lake Arrowhead area.
3. Submit Your Permit and Application Package
Once the project concept is finalized, developers submit a complete application to the Land Use Services Department. Required materials typically include site plans, building elevations, floor plans, landscaping designs, and technical studies such as drainage, geotechnical, traffic, wildfire risk, and environmental assessments. Larger or discretionary projects, including multifamily housing, mixed-use developments, or commercial centers, may require additional documentation, such as full architectural packages or CEQA environmental reports. A thorough application facilitates an efficient review process and minimizes potential delays.
4. Plan Check, Design, and Code Review
After submission, the project undergoes review by multiple County divisions. The Planning Division evaluates land use, site layout, architecture, landscaping, parking, and compatibility with neighboring properties. The Building and Safety Division ensures compliance with state and local building codes, structural standards, fire safety, and accessibility requirements. The Public Works Division or County Engineering Division reviews infrastructure, streets, drainage, grading, utility connections, and impacts to public roads and rights-of-way. CEQA review is conducted when applicable. Review timelines vary depending on project complexity and discretionary approvals.
5. Permit Issuance and Infrastructure Coordination
Once all reviews are complete, conditions are satisfied, and applicable fees are paid, the County issues construction, grading, and building permits. Developers coordinate with utility providers for water, sewer, electrical, and telecommunications connections. Public Works or County Engineering approval is required for any improvements within public rights-of-way, including roads, sidewalks, drainage, lighting, and landscaping. Coordinated infrastructure planning ensures compliance with County standards and reduces potential construction delays.
6. Construction and Inspections
Construction may begin once permits are issued. All work must adhere to approved plans, conditions of approval, and applicable building codes. The Building and Safety Division inspects key phases of construction, including foundations, framing, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, fire protection, and final completion. The Public Works or County Engineering Division inspects infrastructure and public-right-of-way improvements. Any changes to approved plans must be reviewed and approved by the County prior to implementation.
7. Final Inspection and Certificate of Occupancy
After construction is complete, a final inspection is conducted by the Building and Safety Division to verify compliance with approved plans, building codes, and permit conditions. Once inspections are passed, the County issues a Certificate of Occupancy for new buildings or Final Approval for remodels and tenant improvements, confirming that the structure is safe, code-compliant, and ready for use.
8. Project Close-Out
During the close-out phase, developers complete any remaining obligations, such as final landscaping, signage, or public improvements. “As-built” drawings documenting field changes may be required. The Public Works or County Engineering Division inspects and approves all infrastructure improvements. Completing the close-out process ensures accurate documentation and finalizes the project record with the County.
9. Ongoing Compliance and Future Modifications
After occupancy, property owners are responsible for maintaining compliance with the San Bernardino County Development Code, Zoning Ordinance, and Building Standards. Any future modifications—including additions, exterior renovations, signage changes, or land use alterations—require review and approval by the Planning or Building and Safety Divisions prior to implementation. Continued compliance preserves community character, supports safety, and aligns with the County’s vision for sustainable, high-quality development in the Lake Arrowhead area.
Planning Division
Address: 385 North Arrowhead Avenue, First Floor, San Bernardino, CA 92415‑0182 (San Bernardino County Land Use Services Department) Land Use Services+1
Phone: (909) 387‑8311 Land Use Services+1
Website: Planning/Development – San Bernardino County Land Use Services
Building & Safety Division
Address: 385 North Arrowhead Avenue, First Floor, San Bernardino, CA 92415‑0182 (same county building) Land Use Services+1
Phone: (909) 387‑8311 (contact for Building & Safety through the County) Land Use Services+1
Website: Building & Safety – San Bernardino County
Public Works / Engineering Department
For infrastructure, roads, rights‑of‑way etc in the Lake Arrowhead area, the responsible entity is the county (San Bernardino) via Public Works/Transportation divisions. Contact via the same County Land Use Services/Engineering channels. lakearrowheadchamber.com+1
The Planning Division serving Lake Arrowhead operates under the San Bernardino County Land Use Services Department, which oversees land use, zoning, and community development throughout the unincorporated mountain communities. The Division implements the County’s General Plan and Development Code to ensure that new development aligns with long-term community goals for safety, sustainability, and environmental stewardship.
Planners review and process land-use and development applications—including residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects—to verify compliance with zoning regulations, design standards, and environmental review requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Key considerations include site design, access and circulation, parking, landscaping, architectural integration with the mountain setting, and compatibility with neighboring properties.
The Planning Division collaborates with property owners, architects, developers, and local agencies to support approvals such as Conditional Use Permits, Site Development Permits, Design Review, and Variances. This coordinated approach ensures that all development in Lake Arrowhead respects the community’s natural environment, maintains scenic quality, and supports sustainable, context-sensitive growth.
The Building and Safety Division, also part of the San Bernardino County Land Use Services Department, is responsible for ensuring that all construction in the Lake Arrowhead area complies with state and local building codes, safety regulations, and accessibility standards. The Division reviews building plans, issues construction, grading, and occupancy permits, and performs inspections throughout the construction process.
Inspectors verify compliance with the California Building Standards Code, addressing structural integrity, fire protection, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems. Because Lake Arrowhead is located in a high fire hazard and hillside area, additional emphasis is placed on fire-resistant design, slope stability, and seismic safety.
Through plan review, permitting, and inspection services, the Building & Safety Division helps ensure that all development is safe, durable, and consistent with County and State building regulations, protecting both property owners and the broader community.
The San Bernardino County Department of Public Works provides engineering, maintenance, and infrastructure services for the Lake Arrowhead area. The Department manages public roads, drainage systems, flood control facilities, and right-of-way improvements that support local development and community safety.
Public Works staff review grading, drainage, and street improvement plans associated with new development, ensuring compliance with County engineering standards and environmental protection measures. They also oversee the maintenance of county roads, snow removal, and stormwater management within the mountain region.
Through coordination with the Planning and Building & Safety divisions, the Public Works Department ensures that infrastructure improvements are properly designed, constructed, and maintained, supporting the safe and sustainable growth of the Lake Arrowhead community.
Lake Arrowhead, California is a picturesque mountain community located in the San Bernardino Mountains, known for its alpine scenery, forested landscapes, and relaxed small-town atmosphere. Centered around the iconic Lake Arrowhead reservoir, the community offers a mix of residential neighborhoods, vacation homes, and local commercial areas that serve both residents and visitors. Surrounded by natural beauty, Lake Arrowhead provides abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, boating, fishing, and winter sports.
The area places strong emphasis on responsible land use and environmental preservation, ensuring that development complements its mountain setting. The San Bernardino County Planning, Building & Safety, and Public Works departments work collaboratively to maintain safe infrastructure, manage hillside and drainage systems, and guide growth in a manner that preserves the region’s character and natural resources.
With its combination of scenic charm, recreational amenities, and community-oriented living, Lake Arrowhead offers a distinctive mountain lifestyle that blends tranquility, environmental stewardship, and year-round outdoor enjoyment in one of Southern California’s most beautiful settings.
