San Bernardino supervisors approve targeted fee waivers to speed repairs after brutal winter storms
San Bernardino, California (Our Hesperia) — The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved targeted recovery fee waivers on Jan. 13, 2026, to help property owners in storm-damaged areas speed repairs and debris removal after severe December 2025 winter storms.
- Two emergency waivers approved: plan review/permit fee waiver and debris disposal fee waiver.
- Time limits and caps: permit waivers through June 30, 2027 (up to $5,000 per property; countywide $200,000 cap); debris waivers through June 30, 2026 (approx. 48 properties, up to 5 tons each; countywide $16,800 cap).
- Who qualifies: property owners in affected communities including Wrightwood, Lytle Creek, Phelan, Piñon Hills and Hesperia; debris waiver applies to specified impact zones.
- Funded first-come, first-served: residents should apply promptly; hazardous materials are excluded.
Overview
On Jan. 13, 2026, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved two emergency recovery fee waivers to reduce out-of-pocket costs and accelerate repair work for property owners affected by the December 2025 storms. The waivers address plan review and permit fees and landfill disposal fees for qualifying debris.
What the waivers cover and how they work
The Board approved two distinct measures:
1. Plan review and permit fee waiver (Land Use Services)
- Relief up to $5,000 per property for combined plan review and permit fees.
- Countywide funding cap: $200,000.
- Permitting will be expedited for eligible applicants to shorten wait times and get repairs started sooner.
- Available through June 30, 2027.
- Details and the county announcement: San Bernardino County press release and Board of Supervisors District 1 notice.
2. Debris disposal fee waiver (Public Works – Solid Waste Management)
- Waives the Standard Gate Rate disposal fees at county landfills for acceptable, qualifying debris from impacted properties.
- Intended coverage: roughly 48 residential properties, up to 5 tons per property.
- Countywide cap: $16,800.
- Prohibited items include hazardous waste and asbestos; standard hazardous-waste handling rules apply.
- Available through June 30, 2026.
- Details: San Bernardino County press release and local coverage by Victor Valley News Group.
Why supervisors said the waivers were needed
Board Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe emphasized removing financial barriers. She 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 that lowering out-of-pocket costs helps residents and business owners get repairs started and keeps county departments coordinated during recovery.
(Coverage and quotes: San Bernardino County press release; Victor Valley News Group.)
Storm damage, emergency declaration and assessments
The storms that began Dec. 23, 2025, brought intense rain — more than 17 inches in some mountain and high desert pockets — causing flooding, mudslides and debris flows that affected homes, businesses and roadways near Mt. Baldy and across communities including Wrightwood, Lytle Creek, Phelan, Piñon Hills and Hesperia.
The San Bernardino County Office of the Fire Marshal completed initial damage assessments of 93 structures: 2 destroyed, 31 with major damage, 23 with moderate damage and 37 with minor damage. (Local reporting and county statements: Victor Valley News Group; CBS Los Angeles.)
County CEO Luther Snoke issued a local emergency proclamation on Dec. 25, 2025, ratified by the Board on Dec. 29, enabling coordination with state and federal partners and pursuit of additional resources for affected residents. (See the Board District 1 notice and county materials.)
Applying, limits, and what residents should know
- The waivers are first-come, first-served; homeowners should apply promptly if they believe they qualify.
- Debris disposal waivers exclude hazardous materials and asbestos; hazardous-waste protocols remain in effect.
- The permit process will be expedited for eligible applicants to reduce delays that commonly slow rebuilding.
- Both waiver totals are countywide and finite; funds may run out before every applicant is covered.
- For step-by-step guidance and contacts, residents should consult county Land Use Services and Solid Waste Management pages, and the District 1 notice.
Ongoing recovery work and coordination with state and federal partners
County teams have continued damage assessments and recovery coordination with state and federal agencies. Preliminary damage assessments have been carried out with the U.S. Small Business Administration and state partners in Wrightwood, Lytle Creek, Hesperia, Phelan and Piñon Hills. A Local Assistance Center was set up at the Rick Novack Community Center in Hesperia from Jan. 8–10 to help residents access resources and information. (Local reporting: Victor Valley News Group; Board District 1 notice.)
Investigative notes: questions for county officials and residents
Key oversight and follow-up questions:
- How will the county prioritize applications if demand exceeds allotted caps?
- What verification will be required to prove storm-related damage and eligibility?
- Will the county publish periodic accounting of waived fees to ensure transparency and fiscal oversight?
- If need exceeds current caps, will supervisors consider supplemental funding or seek state/federal reimbursement?
County spokespeople point to the emergency declaration and interagency work as paths to further aid, but residents and watchdogs will want clear reporting on how funds are spent. (See county materials: press release; District 1 notice.)
Implications for Hesperia, California
Economic impact
The debris disposal waiver and permit fee relief lower short-term repair costs for Hesperia homeowners and small businesses, which can help preserve property values and speed the return of normal commerce. However, the countywide caps ($200,000 for permits and $16,800 for debris) limit the total relief available; local officials should monitor share of funds and need for additional assistance. (County release: San Bernardino County press release.)
Political consequences
For conservative voters in Hesperia, the action balances fiscal restraint with targeted help: relief is time-limited, capped, and restricted to storm-impacted areas. County leaders framed the move as removing barriers while maintaining coordination and accountability.
Social effects
Faster permitting and lower disposal costs help families return homes to safe, code-compliant condition sooner, reducing unsafe repairs or illegal dumping. Continued outreach is needed to reach elderly or low-income households; Local Assistance Centers can provide direct help. (Local reporting: Victor Valley News Group.)
Practical applications for residents
- Apply early for permit fee relief if you live in Hesperia and sustained storm damage; waivers are first-come, first-served.
- Verify qualifying debris and remember hazardous materials are excluded and require professional removal.
- Keep repair receipts and documentation of storm damage — verification will be required for waivers and future aid applications.
- Stay informed through county online resources and Local Assistance Centers to access help before funds run out: county resources and the District 1 notice.
Sources and further reading
Preserve original sources and reporting for verification and next steps:
