Ontario single-family zones require a 20-foot front setback, 5-foot side yards (15-foot street side), and 20-foot rear setback under OMC Chapter 9 (Zoning), with reductions allowed for ADUs per Government Code 65852.2.
Ontario Municipal Code Chapter 9 (Zoning) sets minimum setbacks for single-family residential zones: typically a 20-foot front yard, 5-foot interior side yards, 15-foot street-side yard on corner lots, and 20-foot rear yard. Architectural features such as eaves, cornices, and chimneys may project up to 2 feet into a required setback. Accessory structures under 120 square feet may be located 3 feet from side and rear property lines. ADUs follow California Government Code 65852.2, which mandates a maximum 4-foot side/rear setback and no front setback above existing code for conversions of existing structures. Ontario zoning staff review setback compliance during building permit intake, and corner visibility triangles must be preserved under OMC Chapter 6. Encroachments and setback variances require a Minor Deviation or Variance application to the Planning Commission. Fence and wall heights within setback areas follow separate rules in OMC Chapter 9 Article II.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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Ontario, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Bernardino County.
See how other cities in San Bernardino County handle setback rules.
See how Ontario's setback rules rules stack up against other locations.
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