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Local Permits for Preschools in San Bernardino County

Local zoning, health permit, fire safety, and business license requirements for preschool programs in San Bernardino County, California.

Part of the San Bernardino County and California compliance guides. See California Preschool Requirements for state licensing standards, or San Bernardino County Local Requirements for all permit types.
San Bernardino County (Preschool) — Local Permit Quick Reference
Zoning / CUPPossibly — depends on zoning district; centers generally require CUP or use permit in residential zones — fee: Data in 2025-2026 Land Development Schedule of Fees but specific childcare CUP amount not visible in search results
Health permit authorityCalifornia CDSS — Community Care Licensing Division (state) + County Environmental Health (county facility permit) — fee: Contact required
Fire inspectionPre-opening: Yes; annual re-inspection required
Business licenseYes — fee: Varies by incorporated city — San Bernardino city issues its own business licenses
Last verified2025-2026 (effective 7/1/2025)

Zoning requirements in San Bernardino County

Local zoning rules determine where you can operate a childcare program in San Bernardino County and whether a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) or special use permit is required before opening. Zoning approval is typically required alongside your state licensing application.

Zoning authoritySan Bernardino County Land Use Services — Planning (unincorporated)
Permitted zonesVaries by zoning district — check specific county/city zoning ordinance for childcare use classification
CUP required?Possibly — depends on zoning district; centers generally require CUP or use permit in residential zones
CUP applicationApply or inquire here
CUP / permit feeData in 2025-2026 Land Development Schedule of Fees but specific childcare CUP amount not visible in search results
State preemptionYes — family childcare homes only (CA HSC §1597.45/§1597.46, SB 234 2020); centers must comply with local zoning

Large geographic county; Inland Empire. 24 incorporated cities each have own zoning. CAL FIRE covers some areas.

Health permit requirements in San Bernardino County

In addition to your state childcare license, many counties require a separate local health or environmental permit before operating a childcare program. Requirements and fees vary by county.

Health / licensing authorityCalifornia CDSS — Community Care Licensing Division (state) + County Environmental Health (county facility permit)
Permit required?Yes — two layers: (1) state CDSS license; (2) county Environmental Health facility permit
ApplicationApply here
Annual permit feeContact required
Inspection frequencyAnnual (CDSS) + county env health inspection per county schedule
Key requirements35 sq ft indoor/child; 75 sq ft outdoor/child; background checks; health screening; staff ratios; annual renewal

Two-layer permit system: CDSS (state) + San Bernardino County Environmental Health facility permit. URL: https://wp.sbcounty.gov/dph/environmental-health-services/

Fire safety requirements in San Bernardino County

Fire marshal approval is typically required before your state childcare license is issued in San Bernardino County. A pre-opening fire inspection is required, and annual re-inspections are generally required for license renewal.

Fire authoritySan Bernardino County Fire District (unincorporated)
Pre-opening inspectionYes
Annual re-inspectionYes — annual fire safety inspection required
Key requirementsCalifornia Fire Code (Title 19 CCR + CBC); annual fire inspection required for licensed childcare centers

Business license requirements in San Bernardino County

A local business license is required to legally operate a childcare program in San Bernardino County. This is typically required before your state childcare license application can be completed.

Licensing authorityCounty or city business license per jurisdiction
Required?Yes
ApplicationApply here
Annual feeVaries by incorporated city — San Bernardino city issues its own business licenses

Business license required from applicable city or county. San Bernardino providers in incorporated cities need city license.

Frequently asked questions: San Bernardino County childcare compliance

Does San Bernardino County require a Conditional Use Permit for preschool programs?
Possibly — depends on zoning district; centers generally require CUP or use permit in residential zones Contact San Bernardino County Land Use Services — Planning (unincorporated) to confirm the requirement for your specific address and zone before signing a lease.
What health permit is required to operate a Preschool in San Bernardino County?
Yes — two layers: (1) state CDSS license; (2) county Environmental Health facility permit Contact California CDSS — Community Care Licensing Division (state) + County Environmental Health (county facility permit) for current requirements, fees, and to schedule a pre-opening inspection.
What fire inspections are required before opening a Preschool in San Bernardino County?
Yes — a pre-opening fire inspection is required and is typically a prerequisite for your state childcare license. Contact San Bernardino County Fire District (unincorporated) to schedule.
Do I need a business license to operate a Preschool in San Bernardino County?
Yes Contact County or city business license per jurisdiction for current requirements and fees.
How does my California state childcare license relate to local permits in San Bernardino County?
Your California childcare license is issued by the state and covers program standards including staff ratios, background checks, and facility requirements. Local San Bernardino County permits — including zoning/CUP, health permits, fire inspections, and business licenses — are separate requirements set by local authorities. Both the state license and applicable local permits are required to legally operate a childcare program.

Stay compliant in San Bernardino County with brightwheel

Brightwheel helps preschool programs in California manage the documentation requirements that come with operating a licensed childcare program — from CCDBG attendance tracking to staff records and billing.

Digital attendance tracking Satisfies CCDBG documentation requirements for subsidy-funded families
Staff & compliance records Keep training hours, background checks, and credentials organized
Billing & subsidy management Track subsidy family billing alongside private pay families
See how brightwheel works for California providers

Also in this guide: San Bernardino County Childcare Center Requirements, San Bernardino County Small Family Child Care Home Requirements, San Bernardino County Large Family Child Care Home Requirements

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Childcare licensing and local permit requirements in San Bernardino County change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the applicable agency before making compliance decisions. Brightwheel is not responsible for errors or omissions.