California / San Bernardino County
Deck Permit in San Bernardino County, California
It depends
Sometimes, depending on the project
Before building a deck, balcony or porch larger than 120 square feet at a home in the unincorporated county, and before building any deck that will carry a spa.
Issued bySan Bernardino County Land Use Services Department, Building and Safety Division
By Mario Bailey, verified against official sources
Quick answer
San Bernardino County handles decks as Residential Accessory work: its Which Permit Do I Need index routes both "Deck" and "Deck - Parking" to the Residential Accessory application, and Deck, Balcony and Porch all appear in that application's typical-project list. The Residential Accessory rule is that a permit is required for accessory structures greater than 120 square feet, which matches the county's headline "New Buildings and Structures greater than 120 square feet" trigger. The county lists a "Deck Handout (no spa)" and a "Deck Handout (with spa)" among the application's resources, and a deck built to carry a spa also pulls in the Pool and Spa requirements.
Typical threshold: floor area of a detached residential accessory structure.
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When a permit is usually needed
Before building a deck, balcony or porch larger than 120 square feet at a home in the unincorporated county, and before building any deck that will carry a spa.
What a deck permit costs in San Bernardino County
How San Bernardino County compares in California
That is the strictest deck permit threshold among the California jurisdictions we have verified: Contra Costa County, Riverside County, Sacramento County, San Diego, San Jose, and Santa Clara County allow up to 200.
| Jurisdiction | Permit needed? | Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Contra Costa County | It depends | area of a deck that is also no more than 30 inches above grade at any point, is not attached to a dwelling, and does not serve a code-required exit door |
| Riverside County | It depends | A deck is exempt only if it is 200 square feet or less in area, no more than 30 inches above grade at any point, not attached to a dwelling or townhouse, and does not serve the required exit door |
| Sacramento County | It depends | deck area, where the deck is also no more than 30 inches above grade at any point, is not attached to a dwelling, and does not serve a required exit door |
| San Bernardino Countythis page | It depends | floor area of a detached residential accessory structure |
| San Diego | It depends | deck over 200 sq ft or over 30 inches above grade or attached to a dwelling requires a permit |
| San Jose | It depends | deck over 200 sq ft or over 30 inches above grade or attached to dwelling or serving required exit requires a permit |
| Santa Clara County | It depends | deck area, paired with a 30-inch height limit, no attachment to the dwelling, and no required exit door served |
Closest deck permit thresholds outside California
Jurisdictions we cover whose limit sits nearest San Bernardino County's 120 sq ft.
- Baltimore County, Maryland, deck floor area, with a permit also required for any deck more than 16 inches above the lowest grade
- Manatee County, Florida, All attached decks require a building permit regardless of size. A detached deck requires a permit if it is over 30 inches high or over 120 square feet; a detached deck under 30 inches high and under 120 square feet does not require a permit.
- Leon County, Florida, Decks greater than 100 square feet in area, or more than 30 inches above grade on any side, require a building permit (either condition alone triggers it).
- Austin, Texas, uncovered decks with area no greater than 200 sq ft and no more than 30 inches above grade and not attached to the dwelling and not providing required egress and not in floodplain are exempt
How to apply in San Bernardino County
In San Bernardino County, a residential deck permit application is a set of construction documents that show what will be built and prove it meets the IRC deck provisions. In practice that means a scaled site plan locating the deck and its setbacks, plus deck plans and structural details covering the footings, posts, beams, joists, ledger, guards, and stairs.
What most deck permit applications include:
- For San Bernardino County, a permit application identifying the work, the deck's size (square footage), and whether electrical work such as lights or receptacles is included, submitted for plan review before construction begins (IRC R106).
- For San Bernardino County, a scaled site plan (for example 1/4 inch to 1 foot) showing the new deck's location relative to the house, its overall length and width, and dimensioned distances from the deck to all property lines and other structures so required setbacks can be verified (IRC R106.1.1).
- For San Bernardino County, a deck plan drawn to scale showing overall dimensions and the framing layout: joist size, spacing, span, and species; beam size and span; post size and height; and footing or pier size and depth (IRC R507.4 posts, R507.5 beams, R507.6 joists, R507.3 footings).
- For San Bernardino County, a section or side elevation with connection details showing the ledger attachment to the house band joist with flashing, the fastener or bolt schedule, joist hangers, post-to-beam and post-to-footing connections, and the required lateral load connection (IRC R507.9 ledger connection, R507.9.2 lateral connection, R507.2.4 flashing).
- Footing sizing derived from tributary area, the soil bearing value, and design loads per IRC Table R507.3.1, with footings shown bearing on undisturbed soil at the frost depth required by the jurisdiction (IRC R507.3).
- Details for the guards required where the walking surface is more than 30 inches above grade, and for the stairs and handrails, showing guard height and opening limits, stair riser and tread dimensions, and handrail location (IRC R312 guards, R311.7 stairs and handrails).
- For designs that fall outside the prescriptive R507 tables (for example multi-story or stacked decks, or a ledger attached to a cantilever), engineered and stamped structural plans are submitted in place of the prescriptive details (IRC R507.1 and R301).
General submittal guidance from IRC R106.1.1 (construction documents) and IRC R507 (exterior decks), 2021 IRC. Source. San Bernardino County Land Use Services Department, Building and Safety Division sets the exact checklist for San Bernardino County.
Where to apply in San Bernardino County:
San Bernardino County Land Use Services Department, Building and Safety Division
- County Government Center, 385 N. Arrowhead Ave., First Floor, San Bernardino, CA 92415
- Phone: 909-387-8311
Deck Permit in San Bernardino County compared with nearby California localities
| Locality | Permit needed? | Threshold | What each California schedule says | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Bernardino County | It depends | floor area of a detached residential accessory structure | ...Deck, Carport, Patio Cover": for Construction Type VA/VB the base cost is $691 at... | |
| Alameda County | It depends | Height of a raised deck above adjacent grade at which the building permit exemption stops, and only where the deck is not over a basement or story below and is not part of an accessible route | ...valuation using the Schedule A building permit fee table (for example, '$381.46 for... | |
| Contra Costa County | It depends | area of a deck that is also no more than 30 inches above grade at any point, is not attached to a dwelling, and does not serve a code-required exit door | No deck-specific flat fee is published | |
| Fresno County | Permit required | Any size | No flat deck permit fee is published | |
| Los Angeles | Permit required | Any size | ...graduated by declared project valuation per LAMC 91.113 Table 1-A, posted base $65... |
Inspections and closing out your permit
In San Bernardino County, deck work is inspected in sequence as it is built: the footings before concrete is placed, the framing before the decking boards go down, and a final inspection once the deck is complete. Each stage checks the items that would be hidden or unsafe if missed.
- Footing or pier inspection in San Bernardino County: after the holes are dug and any forms or reinforcing are set but before concrete is placed, the inspector checks footing depth and diameter, a flat undisturbed bearing surface, and that the holes are free of water (IRC R109.1.1 foundation inspection; R507.3 footings).
- Framing inspection in San Bernardino County: after the deck is framed but before the decking conceals it, the inspector verifies the ledger attachment and its flashing, the fastener and bolt schedule, joist hangers and metal connectors, post-to-beam and post-to-footing connections, and the lateral load connection; call it before decking is installed (IRC R109.1.4 frame inspection; R507.9 ledger and flashing).
- Final inspection in San Bernardino County: after the deck is complete and before it is used, the inspector confirms guard height and opening limits (a 4 inch sphere must not pass, 4 3/8 inch at stairs), stair riser and tread dimensions, handrail height and graspability where there are 4 or more risers, stair landings, and required stair lighting (IRC R109.1.6 final inspection; R312 guards, R311.7 stairs and handrails).
Schedule each inspection in advance and pass the final before you use the work or close the permit. Request inspections through the San Bernardino County permit portal or by phone at 909-387-8311.
Inspection sequence from IRC R109 (inspections: R109.1.1 footing before concrete, R109.1.4 frame, R109.1.6 final), 2021 IRC. Source. An open permit left un-inspected can surface later in a title search or home sale.
Your Deck Permit checklist for San Bernardino County
- Confirm the requirement. Sometimes, depending on the project. Typical threshold: floor area of a detached residential accessory structure. Usually needed: Before building a deck, balcony or porch larger than 120 square feet at a home in the unincorporated county, and before building any deck that will carry a spa.
- Budget the fee. Decks are priced off the FY 2026/27 Construction Fee Schedule adopted under County Code 16.0204(a)(1), which combines plan check and inspection fees. The line item is "U Other - Awning/Canopy, Deck, Carport, Patio Cover": for Construction Type VA/VB the base cost is $691 at the 50 sq ft project-size threshold, $810 at 250 sq ft, $1,054 at 500 sq ft and $1,436 at 1,000 sq ft, with a per-100-sq-ft add-on between thresholds. A $57.00 intake processing fee under 16.0204(h)(1) is applied to each permit. Official fee schedule.
- Apply. In San Bernardino County, a residential deck permit application is a set of construction documents that show what will be built and prove it meets the IRC deck provisions. In practice that means a scaled site plan locating the deck and its setbacks, plus deck plans and structural details covering the footings, posts, beams, joists, ledger, guards, and stairs. Start at the San Bernardino County permit portal.
- Keep the office details handy. San Bernardino County Land Use Services Department, Building and Safety Division. Phone: 909-387-8311. Address: County Government Center, 385 N. Arrowhead Ave., First Floor, San Bernardino, CA 92415.
- Plan for inspections. In San Bernardino County, deck work is inspected in sequence as it is built: the footings before concrete is placed, the framing before the decking boards go down, and a final inspection once the deck is complete. Each stage checks the items that would be hidden or unsafe if missed.
Compiled from the official sources on this page. Last checked .
Frequently asked questions
- Do you need a deck permit in San Bernardino County?
- San Bernardino County handles decks as Residential Accessory work: its Which Permit Do I Need index routes both "Deck" and "Deck - Parking" to the Residential Accessory application, and Deck, Balcony and Porch all appear in that application's typical-project list. The Residential Accessory rule is that a permit is required for accessory structures greater than 120 square feet, which matches the county's headline "New Buildings and Structures greater than 120 square feet" trigger. The county lists a "Deck Handout (no spa)" and a "Deck Handout (with spa)" among the application's resources, and a deck built to carry a spa also pulls in the Pool and Spa requirements. Floor area of a detached residential accessory structure. Always confirm with the office before starting.
- How much does a deck permit cost in San Bernardino County?
- Decks are priced off the FY 2026/27 Construction Fee Schedule adopted under County Code 16.0204(a)(1), which combines plan check and inspection fees. The line item is "U Other - Awning/Canopy, Deck, Carport, Patio Cover": for Construction Type VA/VB the base cost is $691 at the 50 sq ft project-size threshold, $810 at 250 sq ft, $1,054 at 500 sq ft and $1,436 at 1,000 sq ft, with a per-100-sq-ft add-on between thresholds. A $57.00 intake processing fee under 16.0204(h)(1) is applied to each permit. See the official fee schedule for current amounts.
- Where do you apply for a deck permit in San Bernardino County?
- You can apply through the San Bernardino County permit portal or contact the San Bernardino County Land Use Services Department, Building and Safety Division directly. The links are listed on this page.
- Can a homeowner pull a deck permit themselves in San Bernardino County?
- Under California law (Business & Professions Code 7044(a)-(b); Business & Professions Code 7031.5): California exempts an owner from contractor licensing under section 7044 when they personally perform all the work on their own property, or any work they do not perform themselves is done by their own employees paid only wages, and none of the improvements are intended or offered for sale. It also exempts an owner who directly contracts with licensed contractors for each trade, as long as no more than four of the single-family residential structures involved are intended or offered for sale in a calendar year; this route does not apply if the owner instead contracts with a general contractor for the construction. A homeowner may also improve their own principal residence without a license, as long as the work is done before any sale, they have actually resided there for the 12 months before completion, and they have not used this exemption on more than two structures more than once in any three-year period. Selling a self-built structure within one year of completion creates a rebuttable presumption that it was built for sale, which defeats the exemption, and selling five or more structures within a year makes that presumption conclusive. Separately, every city or county that requires a permit must also require the applicant to file a signed statement giving their contractor license number or the basis of their claimed exemption; a false or missing statement carries a civil penalty of up to $500. Confirm how San Bernardino County applies this before you apply.
From the Library
What else needs a permit in San Bernardino County
Every other permit type we have verified for this jurisdiction, with the rule that applies here.
| Project | Permit needed? | Threshold | Typical fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...fees effective July 1, 2026: "Meter change out and upgrades only" $195.00, "New... |
| Fence Permit | It depends | height of a fence or block wall | ...flat fee: "Chain link, wood and/or wrought iron fencing: A) Residential" is $117.00... |
| HVAC Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...residential mechanical fees effective July 1, 2026: "HVAC change out only" $156.00... |
| Patio Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...Deck, Carport, Patio Cover": for Construction Type VA/VB the base cost is $691 at... |
| Plumbing Permit | Permit required | Any size | ..."Fixture or traps including water drainage piping and backflow protection": $156.00... |
| Pool Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...July 1, 2026 for "Swimming pools accessory to single-family dwellings": $647.00... |
| Roof Replacement Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...1, 2026: "Re-roofs: A) Residential (with detached or attached garage)" is $234.00... |
| Shed Permit | It depends | floor area of a detached residential accessory structure | ...is "U Accessory-Barn or Shed": for Construction Type VA/VB the base cost is $3,091... |
| Solar Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...systems for single family residential - roof mount system": plan review $215.00... |
Deck Permit in other California localities
Everything above, sourced
Code references
National and state model-code sections the general guidance on this page is drawn from. They are not San Bernardino County documents; the office above sets the local rules.
How this deck permit page for San Bernardino County was verified. 2 official sources: lus.sbcounty.gov, wp.sbcounty.gov; fee schedule: official document. Last checked by Mario Bailey, not confirmed with San Bernardino County Land Use Services Department, Building and Safety Division. Rules change; confirm before you build. How we verify.
Last checked: Report an error on this page
Compare Deck Permit requirements across California localities