San Bernardino County – Accessory Wind Energy System Permit
If you're installing a single small wind turbine (35 feet or less) on your property in unincorporated San Bernardino County, you may be exempt from permitting; however, if you have multiple systems or one taller than 35 feet, you'll need an Accessory Wind Energy System permit to ensure your installation meets County codes for safety and visual impact. You can apply online through the County's EZ Online Permitting portal by selecting "Accessory Wind Energy System" after logging in to the Planning section.
The County requires an Accessory Wind Energy System permit for most small wind installations in unincorporated areas (only single systems 35 feet or shorter are exempt), which you can help customers obtain through the EZ Online Permitting portal. The Director of Land Use Services will review each application discretionarily under Staff Review with Notice procedures, and applicants may appeal unfavorable decisions to the Planning Commission for an additional fee.
San Bernardino County's Land Use Services administers accessory wind energy permitting under County Development Code standards to evaluate location, design, and operation of small wind systems in unincorporated areas. The Director reviews applications on a discretionary basis with public notice, with appeals available to the Planning Commission; the program aims to balance renewable energy deployment with community safety and visual impact minimization across residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural parcels.
Program details
- Program ID
- 5901
- Last updated
- 9/19/2024
Eligibility
- Sectors
- commercial industrial residential agricultural
- Technologies
- wind (small)
Program summary
San Bernardino County’s Accessory Wind Energy System Permit provides a uniform and comprehensive set of standards, conditions, and procedures for the placement of accessory wind energy systems on parcels in unincorporated areas of the County. These regulations are intended to ensure that accessory wind energy systems are designed and located in a manner that minimizes visual and safety impacts on the surrounding community.
A permit is required for an accessory wind energy system as defined by § 810.01.250 (Definitions, “W”). A single accessory wind energy system that is 35 feet or less in height shall be exempt from the requirement. Multiple systems on the same parcel, even if they are 35 feet or less in height, shall be required to obtain an accessory wind energy system permit.
Contact & resources
- Additional resources
Please verify current program details with the administering agency before making any financial decisions.
