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Big Bear Lake · Building on your lot

Building on a hillside in Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake's own rules on building on a hillside, with the code text for every value.

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Each rule below links to the section of the Big Bear Lake Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Big Bear Lake's code says

Big Bear Lake code What Big Bear Lake's code adds
Soils or geology report
  • A detailed geologic report is required.
    Applies: Natural slopes of 30% or more where work builds roads or structures or subdivides land; the city engineer may waive it in writing.
    § 17.09.020 · code text
    Unless otherwise waived in writing by the city engineer, a detailed geologic report shall be filed with the city engineer with all development permit applications where any part of the lot area to be developed contains slopes with a natural grade of thirty percent (30%) or greater and will result in the construction of roads or structures or the subdivision of land.
Grading and retaining walls
  • Cuts and fills up to 10 feet high each, at slopes up to 2:1.
    Applies: The city engineer may permit them with findings; larger cuts and fills need a conditional use permit.
    § 17.09.020 · code text
    Maximum cuts and fills of up to ten (10) feet each in vertical height at up to 2:1 horizontal to vertical slope with provisions for slope and soil stability may be permitted by the city engineer, if the following findings can be made:
  • Exposed retaining walls no higher than 8 feet.
    Applies: Hillside cuts and fills.
    § 17.09.020 · code text
    Exposed retaining walls shall not exceed a maximum height of eight feet.
When hillside rules apply
  • No development where the average slope is 40% or more.
    § 17.09.020 · code text
    Development shall be prohibited in areas with an average slope of forty percent (40%) or greater.
  • Single-family homes on existing lots with all slopes under 30% are exempt from the hillside rules.
    Applies: The city's hillside development standards.
    § 17.09.020 · code text
    Unless otherwise waived in writing by the city engineer, a detailed geologic report shall be filed with the city engineer with all development permit applications where any part of the lot area to be developed contains slopes with a natural grade of thirty percent (30%) or greater and will result in the construction of roads or structures or the subdivision of land.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What extra rules apply to a hillside lot in Big Bear Lake?

Big Bear Lake's code: No development where the average slope is 40% or more. (§ 17.09.020); Cuts and fills up to 10 feet high each, at slopes up to 2:1. (The city engineer may permit them with findings; larger cuts and fills need a conditional use permit.) (§ 17.09.020).

General information, not legal advice.

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Ask GoCodebook how Big Bear Lake's building on a hillside rules apply to your situation and get an answer that cites the section.

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Big Bear Lake Municipal Code — full text