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Planning staff reviews temporary certificates of occupancy and permitting trends; city will publish project mapping and disposal guidance
Summary
Planning staff told the commission it completed a review of temporary certificates of occupancy and permitting trends, concluding the city ordinance prohibits TCOs and that the last certifiable temporary CO in its records was issued July 7, 2021.
Planning staff provided a multi‑topic director’s report that addressed temporary certificates of occupancy, historic permit volumes, plans for a public project map and outreach on lead and asbestos disposal.
Temporary certificates of occupancy (TCO)
Staff reported a historical review that showed 81 temporary COs issued between 1997 and 2021; of those, 45 ultimately received final certificates of occupancy, a roughly 60% completion rate. Staff said the last city issued certifiable temporary certificate of occupancy in the records was dated July 7, 2021. Importantly, staff cited a City ordinance (Ordinance 1643) that the city adopted which prohibits issuance of temporary COs; staff said, and cited the 2022 California Building Code Section 111, that only the building official can issue a certificate of occupancy. The department reviewed a form presented at an earlier meeting and said that particular form is not in the city’s records and could not be validated as an official temporary COO.
Permit issuance trends (2022–2025)
Staff provided annual permit counts for context. The department reported higher permit volumes in 2022 (post‑COVID rebound) compared with subsequent years; totals provided in the handout showed: roughly 6,000+ permits in 2022, about 4,967 in 2023, 4,460 in 2024, and 1,879 so far in 2025. Staff said year‑to‑date 2025 totals are tracking similar to 2024 and 2023 activity and that the department will produce a public table (and publish the data) for greater transparency.
Interactive project map and public information
Planning staff said the department is developing a more comprehensive interactive mapping tool that will show projects in process, projects through review bodies, and project status (e.g., plan check, construction). Staff estimated a launch in the next few months and said the tool will list projects by ward and status and provide links to case planners or contact information for project inquiries.
Lead and asbestos guidance
Because San Bernardino has older building stock, staff also said it will publish guidance for contractors and homeowners on the handling and disposal of lead paint and asbestos encountered during demolition or renovation, and provide links to the South Coast AQMD and California Department of Public Health guidance.
Requested follow‑up
Commissioners asked staff to provide a simple table on the city website summarizing permits by year and to return with specific status information for select projects (for example, a southeast corner gas station project near Highland and Muscoy that a commissioner asked about). Staff said it will provide more detailed project‑status reporting and that it will return with requested details at the next meeting.
