Fontana's Landscaping Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles landscaping rules a little differently. In Fontana, California, there are 7 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Removing a heritage, significant or specimen tree in Fontana requires a removal permit from the community development department before work starts. Sec. 28-64 bars removal without one, and Sec. 28-68 spells out what the application must include, from the reason for removal to arborist reports.

Key details: Permit required before removal: Sec. 28-64, community development department. Application fee: Set by city council resolution. Permit validity: 180 days after 10-day appeal period. Appeal deadline: 10 calendar days to city manager. Replacement option: Up to four 72-inch box trees or cash to tree account.

Removing a protected tree without a permit is a misdemeanor under Sec. 28-74, punishable under Sec. 1-7 by a fine up to $1,000.00, up to six months in jail, or both, with each tree illegally removed charged as a separate offense.

Weed Ordinances

Fontana treats overgrown weeds and rubbish as a nuisance. Owners who fail to clear within 30 days of a Notice to Abate face city-contracted removal with costs recorded as a tax lien.

Key details: Program start: Late April each year, continuing through summer. Compliance deadline: Typically 30 days after Notice to Abate. Contractor work: Discing, mowing, or removal on noncompliant parcels. Cost recovery: Special assessment lien on property tax bill. Vacant lots: Inspected more aggressively than occupied homes.

Artificial Turf

Artificial turf is allowed in Fontana residential yards under Civil Code 4735, which blocks HOA and city bans on water-efficient landscaping. AB 1572 further encourages conversions.

Key details: City permit: Not required for standard residential installations. HOA override: Civil Code 4735 blocks outright bans but allows standards. Quality standards: Meet ASTM F1551/F1936, UV-stable, permeable backing. AB 1572: Non-functional turf irrigation ban at non-residential by 2027. Rebates: SoCal WaterSmart may cover artificial turf conversions.

Fontana is more permissive than most cities when it comes to artificial turf. That said, there are still limits.

Native Plants

California Civil Code 4735 blocks HOAs and Fontana from banning drought-tolerant plants. Residents can convert lawns to natives without a permit; larger commercial projects meet MWELO.

Key details: HOA protection: Civil Code 4735 voids HOA bans on drought-tolerant plants. City protection: Gov Code 53087.7 blocks bans on water-efficient yards. MWELO threshold: Applies to permitted residential landscapes over 2,500 sq ft. Smart irrigation: Required controller and hydrozoning on MWELO projects. Rebates: SoCal WaterSmart turf replacement rebates available.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Fontana gives residents more flexibility on native plants.

Rainwater Harvesting

Fontana allows residential rain barrels under Californias AB 1750 without a permit, but indoor plumbing connections and systems over 5,000 gallons need plumbing and building permits.

Key details: State authority: AB 1750 Rainwater Capture Act allows rooftop collection. Small rain barrels: No permit for standard 50-100 gallon residential barrels. Indoor plumbing: Plumbing permit required for connection to toilets or laundry. Large cisterns: Building permit triggered above 5,000 gallons. Mosquito control: Screened inlet required to prevent vector breeding.

Tree Trimming

Private trees in Fontana are the owners responsibility, but parkway trees belong to the city and need a Public Works permit. Maintain 14 feet over streets and 8 feet over sidewalks.

Key details: Street tree ownership: Parkway trees are city-owned; residents cannot prune them. Street clearance: 14 feet over streets, 8 feet over sidewalks. Private tree rules: Owner can trim or remove without a city permit. Neighbor encroachment: May trim to property line under Civil Code 833. Contractor requirement: C-61/D-49 or C-27 license required for paid tree work.

Water Restrictions

Fontana Water Company bans irrigation between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. and any runoff onto streets. AB 1572 ends non-functional turf irrigation at commercial and HOA sites by 2027.

Key details: No-water window: No irrigation between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.. Runoff ban: Statewide - no water running onto sidewalks or streets. Hose nozzle: Shutoff nozzle required on all hand-held hoses. AB 1572: Non-functional turf irrigation ban for HOA/commercial by 2027. Penalties: Warning, 50 dollars, 100 dollars, then flow restrictor.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Fontana gives residents more room on landscaping rules. 2 of the 7 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

Keep in mind that Fontana can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.