SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, Calif. (VVNG.com) — The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors has approved a package of recovery fee waivers and expedited processes to help residents repair and rebuild following the severe winter storms that began on December 23, 2025.
According to a written statement from the County, the Board unanimously approved the measures at its Tuesday, January 13, 2026, meeting to assist property owners impacted by widespread flooding, mudslides, and debris flows in mountain and high desert communities, including Wrightwood, Lytle Creek, Phelan, Piñon Hills, and Hesperia. Damage also affected roadways near Mt. Baldy.
“Recovering from a disaster is hard enough without additional costs standing in the way,” said Board Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe. “Waiving recovery fees removes barriers and helps families and property owners move forward safely and legally, so our communities can rebuild as quickly as possible.”
First District Supervisor Col. Paul Cook (Ret.) added, “By reducing their out-of-pocket costs to rebuild, we’re helping residents and business owners get repairs started. We’ll keep coordinating across departments and with our partners to support a steady recovery.”
The storm delivered more than 17 inches of rain in some areas. In its damage assessment, the San Bernardino County Office of the Fire Marshal found two buildings destroyed, 31 with major damage, 23 with moderate damage, 37 with minor damage, and 93 categorized as affected.
Fee Waivers for Plan Review and Permits
Residents in storm-damaged areas can apply for waivers of San Bernardino County Land Use Services’ plan review and permit fees, with a maximum waiver of $5,000 per property and a countywide cap of $200,000. The waivers are available on a first-come, first-served basis through June 30, 2027. The permitting and review process will also be expedited for eligible applicants.
Free Landfill Disposal for Storm Debris
The Board also approved a waiver of landfill disposal fees through San Bernardino County Public Works – Solid Waste Management for qualifying residents in Lytle Creek, Wrightwood, Phelan, and Hesperia. The program applies to an estimated 48 residential properties and covers up to five tons of acceptable debris per property. The disposal fee waivers, capped at $16,800 countywide, will be available through June 30, 2026. Prohibited materials include hazardous waste and asbestos.
Ongoing Response and Recovery
A local emergency was proclaimed by County CEO Luther Snoke on December 25 and ratified by the Board on December 29, enabling rapid coordination with state and federal agencies.
Last week, county teams accompanied the U.S. Small Business Administration and other agencies to conduct preliminary damage assessments in the affected areas. From January 8 to 10, a Local Assistance Center was hosted at the Rick Novack Community Center in Hesperia to provide recovery resources.
For more information, visit:
- San Bernardino County Land Use Services
- Solid Waste Management Division
- San Bernardino County Emergency Resources
- VOAD Cleanup Assistance
- California Floods Home Cleanup Hotline: 800-451-1954 (open through Jan. 23)
- California Department of Insurance Consumer Hotline: 800-927-4357
Residents can also sign up for the County’s Telephone Emergency Notification System (TENS) and download the Ready SB County app to receive alerts and safety updates.
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