San Bernardino County Approves Storm Fee Waivers for Dec 2025 Damage

San Bernardino County waives recovery fees to speed rebuild after December storms, but limits and timelines raise questions

San Bernardino County on Jan. 13, 2026, unanimously approved permit and debris-disposal fee waivers to help property owners affected by severe storms that began Dec. 23, 2025, aiming to speed rebuilding in mountain and high-desert communities.

Storm damage and county response

Severe storms beginning Dec. 23, 2025 dropped intense rainfall — in some places more than 17 inches in a short period — producing flooding, mudslides and debris flows that cut roads and damaged homes near Mt. Baldy and in communities including Wrightwood, Lytle Creek, Phelan, Piñon Hills and Hesperia. For the county summary, see the San Bernardino County news release and the Board district announcement.

County emergency crews coordinated with state and federal partners for damage assessments. County CEO Luther Snoke proclaimed a local emergency on Dec. 25; the Board ratified that declaration on Dec. 29 to unlock resources and improve coordination with partner agencies.

A Local Assistance Center was open at the Rick Novack Community Center in Hesperia from Jan. 8–10 to help residents access services and to assist with assessments conducted alongside the U.S. Small Business Administration and state partners.

What the fee waivers cover — and what they don’t

Plan review and permit fee waivers

Eligible property owners may have plan review and permit fees waived up to a combined $5,000 per property. The county established an aggregate cap of $200,000 for all permit waivers. The Land Use Services Department will expedite plan review and permitting for eligible applicants. These waivers are available on a first-come, first-served basis through June 30, 2027. (See the county news release and the Board announcement.)

Debris disposal fee waivers

San Bernardino County Public Works — Solid Waste Management will waive standard gate rate disposal fees for identified impacted properties. The program is limited to an estimated 48 residential properties, capped at five tons per property, and will run through June 30, 2026. The total debris waiver fund is not to exceed $16,800. Debris must meet landfill acceptance criteria; hazardous waste and asbestos are excluded. See the county program guidance.

Officials and local leaders speak

Board of Supervisors Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe said: Recovering from a disaster is hard enough without additional costs standing in the way. 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.

Limits and local concerns: an investigative view

The board’s action provides immediate, targeted help, but strict limits raise concerns. The debris program’s capacity — roughly 48 homes at five tons each with a $16,800 total cap — may leave many homeowners responsible for additional disposal costs. The $5,000 permit waiver is useful for modest repairs, but larger rebuilding projects commonly exceed that amount, and the county-wide $200,000 cap could be exhausted if demand is high.

The exclusion of asbestos and hazardous materials from the debris waiver is standard for public health but forces owners of older properties or those with hazardous contamination to arrange separate (often costly) removal — a significant barrier for lower-income households.

State and federal aid: where the county stands

County officials worked with the U.S. Small Business Administration and state partners on preliminary damage assessments and opened a Local Assistance Center to help residents. The emergency declaration remains local (proclaimed Dec. 25; ratified Dec. 29), which helps mobilize county resources but is distinct from a state or federal disaster declaration that would unlock broader assistance. For reporting on the damage counts and assessments, see CBS Los Angeles.

Implications for communities and policy

Economic: Modest local waivers reduce upfront costs and encourage permit-compliant repairs, but limited funding and property caps mean many homeowners may still face significant out-of-pocket expenses.

Political: The unanimous board action demonstrates bipartisan urgency, but if the county’s limited funds prove insufficient, pressure could grow for larger state or federal aid.

Social and cultural: Quick fee relief can shorten the time families live in unsafe conditions and align with local values of self-reliance. Clear, accessible information from officials will be essential to maintain trust.

Practical steps for property owners

• Apply quickly for permit waivers — they are first-come, first-served and available through June 30, 2027 (see the county news release).
• Confirm debris eligibility before hauling materials to county landfills; hazardous or asbestos-containing waste will not be accepted under the waiver (program guidance).
• Use county resources such as the Land Use Services Department and Local Assistance Centers for guidance and documentation needed for permits and claims.

Sources and where to apply

For residents and reporters seeking more details or to apply, official county announcements and program specifics:

• San Bernardino County news release (Jan. 15, 2026)
• Board of Supervisors district announcement (Jan. 13, 2026)

Local coverage and reporting:

• CBS Los Angeles
• HeySoCal
• Victor Valley News Group (VVNG)

The county will continue coordinating response and recovery operations with partner agencies as communities navigate ongoing impacts and move toward long-term rebuilding.