Fontana, CA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)

Building height in Fontana is regulated by the Development Code (FMC Title 17). Primary residential structures in R-1 zones are generally limited to 35 feet measured from finished grade to the highest point of the roof, often expressed as two-and-a-half stories. R-2 and R-3 multi-family zones allow heights of 35 to 45 feet depending on the overlay. Commercial C-1 and C-2 zones allow 35 to 50 feet in most areas, with taller heights around the downtown transit overlay and along Foothill Boulevard corridor subject to specific plan approval. Industrial zones near the I-10 corridor permit taller warehouse structures (up to 50 to 70 feet). ADUs are controlled by California Government Code Section 65852.2 which mandates a minimum allowable ADU height of 16 feet for detached ADUs on single-family lots, 18 feet if within one-half mile of a major transit stop or for a two-story ADU on a multi-family lot, and 25 feet if attached over a garage in multi-family zones. Certain architectural features such as chimneys, antennas, and mechanical screening can exceed the height limit by a limited amount. Height is measured per FMC definitions from the lowest adjacent grade in most cases.