City of San Bernardino

Building in the City of San Bernardino
San Bernardino, California, is a historic and culturally rich city located in the heart of the Inland Empire, framed by the striking San Bernardino Mountains. With origins dating back to the early 19th century as a Spanish mission outpost and later a key stop along historic Route 66, the city has evolved into a diverse urban center with deep roots in transportation, industry, and regional growth. Today, San Bernardino is home to over 220,000 residents and serves as a major hub in Southern California’s Inland region.

The city is known for its dramatic natural landscapes, varied neighborhoods, and strong sense of community identity. San Bernardino offers an array of parks, recreation facilities, and outdoor destinations, including the expansive San Bernardino National Forest and nearby mountain communities that provide year-round hiking, biking, and winter sports. Residents and visitors enjoy local shopping, dining, and entertainment options throughout the city, including the revitalizing downtown area, cultural venues, and historic landmarks such as the California Theatre and the original McDonald’s site and museum.

San Bernardino is also recognized for its educational institutions, including California State University, San Bernardino, which contributes to the city’s academic, cultural, and economic vitality. Community programs, public services, and neighborhood initiatives support residents and reflect the city’s commitment to safety, revitalization, and long-term growth.

The city’s development is guided by ongoing planning efforts focused on economic recovery, sustainability, and reinvestment in infrastructure. Major transportation corridors—including Interstates 10, 215, and 210—enhance regional connectivity and position San Bernardino as a central gateway for commerce and logistics across Southern California. Local transit, including Metrolink service and the sbX rapid transit line, further supports mobility throughout the region.

At the same time, San Bernardino celebrates its rich heritage and community spirit through local festivals, cultural events, and civic engagement. These efforts help ensure the city remains forward-looking while honoring its unique history—a resilient, inclusive community that continues to evolve and thrive for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

Construction Procedure in the City of San Bernardino
1. Initial Project Planning
‍Successful development in the City of San Bernardino begins with thorough initial planning to ensure that proposed projects align with the goals and policies outlined in the San Bernardino General Plan 2021–2040, the Development Code, and the city’s broader vision for revitalization, economic growth, and high-quality design. At this early stage, applicants should evaluate the property’s zoning designation, allowable uses, and any applicable specific plans or overlay districts. A detailed assessment of site conditions—including access, circulation, parking capacity, utilities, drainage patterns, topography, stormwater requirements, environmental constraints, fire-risk considerations, and proximity to transit, schools, commercial areas, and public services—is essential. Developers are encouraged to incorporate sustainable building features, drought-tolerant landscaping, and architecture that enhances community character while supporting San Bernardino’s goals for safe, vibrant, and resilient neighborhoods.

‍2. Pre-Application Consultation and Staff Review
‍Before submitting a formal application, developers are encouraged to schedule a pre-application meeting with the City of San Bernardino’s Planning Division. This consultation allows staff to identify required entitlements such as Conditional Use Permits, Development Plan Review, Variances, Tentative Parcel or Tract Maps, Specific Plan Amendments, or Development Agreements, depending on the nature of the proposal. Staff will also determine whether environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is required and advise on the likely level of environmental documentation. During the meeting, the City provides feedback on land use compatibility, traffic and circulation impacts, infrastructure capacity, stormwater management obligations, fire safety considerations, and the project’s consistency with surrounding development and the city’s long-term planning objectives. Early coordination with staff helps streamline the approval process, reduce revisions, and align the project with both regulatory requirements and community expectations.

‍3. Application Submittal
‍Once the project concept has been refined based on initial feedback, the applicant submits a complete development application to the City’s Planning and Building & Safety Divisions. A complete submittal typically includes site plans, floor plans, elevations, landscape plans, preliminary grading and drainage plans, and any required technical studies such as traffic analyses, hydrology reports, noise assessments, air quality studies, biological evaluations, and geotechnical investigations. For larger or more complex proposals, CEQA documentation may also be required at this stage. Submitting a full and accurate application enables Planning, Building & Safety, Public Works/Engineering, Fire Prevention, Environmental Compliance, and other divisions to begin their coordinated review and provide comprehensive and timely evaluations.

‍4. Plan Check, Design Review, and Code Compliance Evaluation
‍Following application submittal, the project enters a detailed plan-check phase involving multiple City departments. The Planning Division reviews the proposal for zoning compliance, site design, architectural quality, land-use compatibility, and consistency with the San Bernardino General Plan. Building & Safety evaluates the plans for compliance with the California Building Standards Code, including structural integrity, mechanical, plumbing, electrical systems, accessibility, fire-life safety, and energy standards. Public Works/Engineering examines grading, stormwater management, drainage systems, utility connections, street improvements, and potential traffic impacts. The Fire Department reviews the project for fire access, hydrant locations, water supply requirements, fire suppression systems, and any hazardous materials considerations. City staff may request plan revisions to ensure full compliance with the Municipal Code, CEQA requirements, and San Bernardino’s expectations for quality development.

‍5. Permit Issuance and Infrastructure Coordination
‍Once all plan-check comments have been addressed and required approvals have been granted—either administratively or through hearings before the Planning Commission or City Council—the City issues the appropriate building, grading, encroachment, and construction permits. The developer then coordinates with utility providers, including the San Bernardino Municipal Water Department for water and sewer services, Southern California Edison for electrical power, SoCalGas for natural gas, and telecommunications companies for communication infrastructure. Public Works/Engineering oversees and inspects required public improvements such as street widening, sidewalk installation, storm drain upgrades, traffic signal modifications, and utility extensions, ensuring all work meets City standards and integrates properly with existing infrastructure.

‍6. Construction and Inspections
‍Construction may begin once all required permits have been issued. Throughout the construction phase, all work must strictly adhere to the approved plans, permit conditions, and applicable building and safety codes. Building & Safety inspectors conduct inspections at key stages, including foundation, framing, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, insulation, and final building systems. The Fire Department evaluates fire protection systems, emergency access, alarms, and other life-safety components. Public Works/Engineering inspects grading operations, stormwater features, on-site infrastructure, and all public-right-of-way improvements. Any proposed changes to the approved plans during construction must be reviewed and authorized by the City to ensure continued compliance with regulatory requirements and safety standards.

‍7. Final Inspection and Certificate of Occupancy
‍Upon completion of construction, the Building & Safety Division performs a final inspection to verify that the project complies with all approved plans, building codes, and conditions of approval. If all requirements have been satisfied, the City issues a Certificate of Occupancy for new buildings or provides Final Approval for remodels or tenant improvements. This certification confirms that the building is safe, code-compliant, and authorized for its intended use. For phased developments, Certificates of Occupancy may be issued for individual structures or components as they are completed.

‍8. Project Close-Out
‍During the close-out phase, the developer must complete all outstanding obligations, including final landscaping installation, permanent signage, lighting, and any remaining public improvements. The developer must also submit as-built drawings that accurately reflect all approved field changes and constructed conditions. Public Works/Engineering performs final inspections of public facilities, infrastructure, and stormwater elements to confirm that all work meets City standards. Upon verification of completion, performance or maintenance bonds associated with the project may be released. The project is officially closed once all improvements have been accepted, all documentation has been submitted, and all conditions of approval have been fulfilled.

‍9. Ongoing Compliance and Future Modifications
‍After the project has been completed and occupied, the property owner must continue to comply with the San Bernardino Municipal Code, Development Code, zoning regulations, and all conditions of approval that apply to the site. Any future modifications, including building additions, façade improvements, new signage, operational changes, or alterations to land use, require review and approval from the Planning Division and may involve additional review by Building & Safety, Public Works/Engineering, or the Fire Department. Maintaining long-term compliance helps preserve community character, ensures public safety, supports economic stability, and reinforces the City of San Bernardino’s vision for high-quality and sustainable development.