Some relief is coming to San Bernardino County residents affected by recent winter storms. At its Tuesday, Jan. 13, meeting, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved recovery fee waivers to help eligible property owners repair and rebuild after the torrential storms that b egan Dec. 23, a county news release states. The storms delivered more than 17 inches of rain to some areas and caused flooding, mudslides and debris flows that hit mountain and High Desert communities including Wrightwood, Lytle Creek, Phelan, Piñon Hills and Hesperia, officials said. Several roadways, including areas near Mt. Baldy, were also affected by the weather. San Bernardino County CEO Luther Snoke declared a local emergency on Christmas Day, Thursday, Dec. 25. Plan review and permit fees for the county’s Land Use Services have been waived, up to $5,000 per property, including both fees combined. A countywide limit of $200,000 is available on a first-come, first-served basis through June 30, 2027, for post-disaster recovery and repairs to damaged properties, the release states. According to the San Bernardino County Fire Department, two buildings were destroyed, and 31 had major damage. Another 23 buildings sustained moderate damage, 37 sustained minor damage, and a total of 93 were categorized as being affected by the storm. The board’s decision also means the Land Use Services’ plan review and permit process will be expedited. The board authorized the county’s Solid Waste Management division to waive standard gate rate disposal fees for affected property owners. This will allow those who qualify from the eligible areas to get rud of debris at county landfills for free. The debris cannot contain asbestos, hazardous materials or other unacceptable waste. The total waiver amount cannot exceed $16,800, the release states. The program is limited to an estimated 48 residential properties, with a maximum of five tons per property, and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis through June 30, 2026, officials said. “Recovering from a disaster is hard enough without additional costs standing in the way,” board Chair and 3rd District Supervisor Dawn Rowe said in the release. “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.” Related Articles Riverside considers accepting $20 million state grant for homeless housing Here’s when valet parking debuts in downtown Riverside Riverside to rename a portion of Lime Street after late fire Capt. Tim Strack Transgender nonprofit group accuses Riverside County of discrimination New lawsuits blame suicide, terminal illness deaths on Palisades fire Paul Cook, county supervisor for the 1st District, added that “from the mountains to the High Desert, residents have been dealing with damage, debris and disrupted access. By reducing their out-of-pocket costs to rebuild, we’re helping residents and business owners get repairs started.” County officials said they hope to provide support and coordinate long-term recovery for residents navigating the continuing impacts of the storm. December storms brought so much precipitation to the state that California is 100% drought-free for the first time in a quarter-century, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. For insurance-related assistance after flood and mudslides, contact the California Department of Insurance consumer hotline, 800-927-4357. For help with debris cleanup, call the California Floods Home Cleanup Hotline through Friday, Jan. 23: 800- 451-1954, bit.ly/4bumkgu. Information and storm recovery resources: prepare.sbcounty.gov/recoveryresources ...read more read less