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San Bernardino · Building on your lot

Building on a hillside in San Bernardino

San Bernardino'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 San Bernardino Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What San Bernardino's code says

San Bernardino code What San Bernardino's code adds
Soils or geology report
  • A soils engineering report is required with a Conditional Use Permit application.
    Applies: Conditional Use Permit applications in the HM Overlay Zone.
    § 19.17.080 · code text
    A soils engineering report including data regarding the nature, distribution and strengths of existing soils, conclusions, and recommendations for grading procedures, design criteria for and identified corrective measures, and opinions and recommendations regarding existing conditions and proposed grading.
Grading and retaining walls
  • Graded slopes may be no steeper than 50% (2:1).
    Applies: Hillside Management Overlay zone; a steeper slope needs a soils report and stabilization study.
    § 19.17.070 · code text
    Slopes created by grading of the site shall not exceed 50 percent or 2:1, without a soils report and stabilization study indicating a greater permissible slope
  • Graded slopes may be no more than 30 feet high between terraces or benches.
    Applies: Hillside Management Overlay zone.
    § 19.17.070 · code text
    or shall not exceed 30 feet in height between terraces or benches
Height on hillside lots
  • No higher than 8 feet above the average ground level of the uphill lot.
    Applies: Hillside overlay; multi-story infill homes on existing lots, grade difference over 8 and under 20 feet, uphill lot has no building.
    § 19.17.060 · code text
    Where there is no structure on the immediately uphill lot, the maximum height shall not exceed a point eight feet above the average ground level of the uphill lot.
When hillside rules apply
  • Hillside rules apply to the foothill area with slopes of 15% or more.
    Applies: Hillside Management Overlay zone, as shown on the General Plan Land Use Plan map.
    § 19.17.030 · code text
    The foothill area is defined as that area of 15% or greater slope as shown on the General Plan Land Use Plan map on file in the Department.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What extra rules apply to a hillside lot in San Bernardino?

San Bernardino's code: Hillside rules apply to the foothill area with slopes of 15% or more. (Hillside Management Overlay zone, as shown on the General Plan Land Use Plan map.) (§ 19.17.030); Graded slopes may be no steeper than 50% (2:1). (Hillside Management Overlay zone; a steeper slope needs a soils report and stabilization study.) (§ 19.17.070).

General information, not legal advice.

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