The City of San Bernardino allows ADUs in most residential zones with no parking requirements and a state-mandated 60-day approval timeline. Favorable, state-aligned zoning with low local restrictions. (Unincorporated areas are governed separately by San Bernardino County Land Use Services.)
Zoning & Size Requirements [1][2]
Yes, you can build an ADU in San Bernardino. A detached ADU can be up to 1,200 sq ft under current California and San Bernardino zoning rules.
| Allowed Zones | Most residential zones (R-1, R-2, R-3, multifamily) |
| Max Size (Detached) | 1200 sq ft; reduces to 800 sq ft if lot coverage exceeded |
| Max Size (Attached) | 1200 sq ft or 50% of primary dwelling, whichever is less |
| Max Size (JADU) | 500 sq ft |
| Max Height | 16 ft minimum; up to 25 ft with exceptions |
| Max Units | 1 ADU + 1 JADU per single-family lot; multifamily lots may add up to 8 detached ADUs (SB 1211), not exceeding the number of existing units, plus conversions of non-habitable space |
Setback Requirements [1][2]
San Bernardino requires a rear setback of about 4 ft for a detached ADU, and no additional parking is required. Owner-occupancy is not required — you can rent it out without living on the property.
| Rear Setback | 4 ft minimum (detached new construction) |
| Side Setback | 4 ft minimum (interior side, detached new construction) |
| Front Setback | Base zone compliance |
| Parking Required | No additional parking required (conversions/existing exempt) |
| Owner Occupancy | Not required under state law |
| Min Lot Size | No specific state minimum |
Permit Process & Fees [3]
An ADU permit in San Bernardino typically costs $3,000-$12,000 estimated (building permit + plan check; varies by size) and takes 60 days mandatory for approval/denial of complete applications with an existing dwelling, through a ministerial, by-right review.
| Approval Process | Submit to the City of San Bernardino Community & Economic Development (Planning/Building). Ministerial review for compliant ADUs. (Properties in unincorporated areas go to San Bernardino County Land Use Services instead.) |
| Review Timeline | 60 days mandatory for approval/denial of complete applications with an existing dwelling |
| Permit Fees | $3,000-$12,000 estimated (building permit + plan check; varies by size) |
| Impact Fees | Waived under 750 sq ft (SB 13); proportional for larger units |
| Plan Check | Included in the permit timeline; agency must respond within 60 days |
| Pre-Approved Plans | Standard/pre-approved ADU plan options available (confirm City vs. County program for your address) |
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Construction Costs
Building an ADU in San Bernardino typically costs $160,000-$280,000 ($200-$260 per sq ft); a garage conversion runs $75,000-$140,000.
| Average Build Cost | $160,000-$280,000 |
| Cost per Sq Ft | $200-$260 |
| Garage Conversion | $75,000-$140,000 |
| Prefab ADU (Installed) | $80,000-$150,000 |
Finance Your ADU Project
Most ADU projects are funded through HELOCs, construction loans, or cash-out refinancing. Compare rates from top lenders.
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Rental Income Potential
A 2-bedroom ADU in San Bernardino rents for around $1,700-$2,100, an estimated 7-10 year payback.
| Avg Rent (1 Bedroom) | $1,300-$1,700 |
| Avg Rent (2 Bedroom) | $1,700-$2,100 |
| Short-Term Rental | Subject to city/county ordinances; verify before planning |
| Est. Annual ROI | 7-10 year payback |
Explore Prefab ADU Options
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Recent Law Changes
What's Changed Recently
- Data accuracy correction (2026-06-28): updated per official city/state sources following a regulatory audit.
- SB 543 (Jan 2026): ADU applications deemed approved if city fails to act within 60 days
- AB 1154 (effective Jan 1, 2026): A locality may require owner-occupancy for a JADU only if it shares a bathroom with the primary dwelling; JADUs with their own bathroom are exempt (matching detached ADU rules)
- SB 13 impact fee waivers for <750 sq ft units
- County mandates 60-day approval timeline
Tips for Building an ADU in San Bernardino
- Confirm whether your address is in the City of San Bernardino or unincorporated County — they use different permit offices
- 60-day approval timeline is legally mandated for complete applications
- Check if your property qualifies for a CalHFA ADU grant (when funding rounds are open)
- No parking requirements reduce construction costs
- Contact City of San Bernardino Community & Economic Development for City parcels
ADU Builders in San Bernardino
Looking for an ADU builder in San Bernardino? ADU projects need a contractor experienced with local zoning, the permit process, and utility connections — not every general contractor has built one. We match San Bernardino homeowners with experienced local ADU contractors who provide free, no-obligation quotes. Getting at least three bids typically saves 20-40% on the same scope.
Sources & References
All data on this page is sourced from official government records and verified market data. View our full methodology.
- City of San Bernardino — Community & Economic Development (Planning) Planning Department — Accessed 2026-06-28
- San Bernardino County Land Use Services — ADU/JADU Handout (unincorporated areas) Government Data — Accessed 2026-06-28
- City of San Bernardino — Building & Safety / Permits building_dept — Accessed 2026-06-28
- California HCD — Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook (updated March 2026) Government Data — Accessed 2026-06-28
- CA SB 543 (2025-2026) — Accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units (full bill text) Government Data — Accessed 2026-06-28
Frequently Asked Questions
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