How Fontana Handles Property Maintenance: A Practical Guide
Fontana maintains 107 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with property maintenance. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Fontana falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Snow & Sidewalk Clearing
Fontana does not experience accumulating snow, so no snow-removal ordinance applies. Owners must keep sidewalks free of debris, obstructions, and hazards adjacent to their property.
Key details: Snow clearing required: No. State authority: Streets and Highways Code 5610. Tree clearance: 8 feet over walk, 14 feet over street. Trip hazard threshold: Typically 3/4 inch.
Property Blight
Fontana declares a public nuisance for any building that is abandoned, partially destroyed, unsafe, or left unfinished after its permits expire or work stops for two or more years. The city allows at least 10 days to cure ordinary violations and at least 30 days for dangerous or substandard buildings. A violation is a misdemeanor.
Key details: Core rule: Abandoned, unsafe or dangerous buildings are a public nuisance (§ 18-2(d)(2)). Unfinished construction: Permits expired or work abandoned for two or more years. Cure period, ordinary nuisance: At least 10 days after notice (§ 18-3). Cure period, dangerous building: At least 30 days after notice (§ 18-3). Abatement order deadline: No less than 45 days after notice for dangerous buildings (§ 18-11).
A violation of section 18-2 is a misdemeanor, and under section 18-20(e) each day a nuisance condition exists counts as a separate offense. For dangerous buildings, section 5-212(a) rewrites Section 203 of the dangerous buildings code so that conviction carries a fine not exceeding $1,000, up to six months in county jail, or both, for each offense. Ignoring an abatement order, removing a posted notice or interfering with city staff is also unlawful under section 18-20. If the owner does not comply, the city abates the nuisance and records costs as a lien (section 18-19). A second or later judgment within two years lets the city attorney seek three times the abatement costs (section 18-24).
The Bottom Line
Fontana's property maintenance rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Fontana is broadly strict or permissive.
These rules come from Fontana's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.