San Bernardino County waives recovery fees for storm victims

San Bernardino County has agreed to waive the recovery fees of eligible property owners who suffered losses in the December storms.

The storms, which began Dec. 23, dropped more than 17 inches of rain in some parts of the county, causing flooding, mudslides and large debris flows in some places, according to a statement on the county’s website.

Mountain and High Desert communities – Wrightwood, Lytle Creek, Phelan, Piñon Hills and Hesperia -were hit especially hard. Several roadways, including areas near Mt. Baldy, were also badly damaged.

“Recovering from a disaster is hard enough without additional costs standing in the way,” said Supervisor Dawn Rowe, board chair, in the statement. “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.”

The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved waiving the plan review and permit fees, both of which are levied by the Land Use Services Department.  The waivers will be available through June 30, 2027, according to the statement.