REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
June 23, 2026
FROM
MOE YOUSIF, Interim Director, Project and Facilities Management Department
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator
SUBJECT
Title
CAL FIRE Less than Three Acre Conversion Exemption Application for the SHR Big Bear Station Remodel Project
End
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Authorize the Director of Project and Facilities Management to complete, execute, submit, and sign all permit applications, certifications, and related documents required for the CAL FIRE Less Than Three Acre Conversion Exemption Application needed for the SHR Big Bear Station Remodel Project.
(Presenter: Moe Yousif, Interim Director, 387-5000)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Improve County Government Operations.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will not result in the use of Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost) as the process is non-financial in nature.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator’s Big Bear Station (Station) is a dual operations station that provides law enforcement services to the contract city of Big Bear Lake and the unincorporated areas of the County. The facility was originally constructed in 1972 as a bowling alley and was later converted into its current use as a Type I jail facility and patrol station. Since that time, only minor modifications have been completed to the facility. Due to increased staffing demand over the years, the operational needs of the division have exceeded the existing configuration and capabilities of the Station.
Approximately 49 employees are assigned to the Station to perform patrol operations and staff the 24-bed jail facility. Several areas within the Station currently operate with redundant use of space, while other areas remain underutilized due to limitations associated with the original bowling alley layout and design. In addition, increased staffing levels, the age and condition of the building, Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, and changes to operational logistics have prevented the facility from functioning in an efficient and effective manner.
To address these deficiencies, the County is advancing the SHR Big Bear Station Remodel Project (Project), which includes facility modernization, operational improvements, infrastructure upgrades, and parking lot expansion necessary to support continued Sheriff operations and public safety services within the Big Bear region.
To facilitate portions of the Project scope, the County is required to obtain a Less Than Three Acre Conversion Exemption permit through the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) pursuant to Title 14 California Code of Regulations Section 1104.1. The exemption is required for the conversion of approximately 1.57 acres of timberland associated with infrastructure improvements and parking lot expansion activities related to the Project. The conversion requires the removal of existing timberland in the designated area of the property.
As part of the CAL FIRE permit process, the Less Than Three Acre Conversion Exemption form requires certifications from the County Board of Supervisors as the owner of the timberland and timber, confirming that the conversion exemption is applicable, and the County has the economic ability to carry out the conversion.
Approval of this item will authorize the Director of the Department of Project and Facilities Management to complete, execute, submit, and sign all permit applications, certifications, and related documents necessary to obtain the CAL FIRE Less Than Three Acre Conversion Exemption permit and proceed with permitting activities associated with the Project.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Daniel Pasek, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on May 28, 2026; Sheriff (Jose Torres, Sheriff’s Administrative Manager, 387-3465) on May 28, 2026; Project and Facilities Management (Jon Aldana, Interim Chief of Project Management, 387-5000) on May 28, 2026; and County Finance and Administration (Yael Verduzco, Principal Administrative Analyst, 387-5285) on June 2, 2026.