| Zoning / CUP | Possibly — 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 authority | California CDSS — Community Care Licensing Division (state) + County Environmental Health (county facility permit) — fee: Contact required |
| Fire inspection | Pre-opening: Yes; annual re-inspection required |
| Business license | Yes — fee: Varies by incorporated city — San Bernardino city issues its own business licenses |
| Last verified | 2025-2026 (effective 7/1/2025) |
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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 authority | San Bernardino County Land Use Services — Planning (unincorporated) |
| Permitted zones | Varies 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 application | Apply or inquire here |
| CUP / permit fee | Data in 2025-2026 Land Development Schedule of Fees but specific childcare CUP amount not visible in search results |
| State preemption | Yes — 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 authority | California 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 |
| Application | Apply here |
| Annual permit fee | Contact required |
| Inspection frequency | Annual (CDSS) + county env health inspection per county schedule |
| Key requirements | 35 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 authority | San Bernardino County Fire District (unincorporated) |
| Pre-opening inspection | Yes |
| Annual re-inspection | Yes — annual fire safety inspection required |
| Key requirements | California 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 authority | County or city business license per jurisdiction |
| Required? | Yes |
| Application | Apply here |
| Annual fee | Varies 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
Stay compliant in San Bernardino County with brightwheel
Brightwheel helps childcare providers in California manage the documentation requirements that come with operating a licensed program — from CCDBG attendance tracking to staff records.