Fontana, CA Cannabis Regulations: Dispensary Zoning (2026)

Chapter 33 implements the state's Medicinal and Adult Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act locally, and Sec. 33-3 makes commercial cannabis activity of any kind unlawful in Fontana unless the chapter specifically authorizes it. Sec. 33-28 is where that authorization narrows by geography: commercial cannabis retail and delivery businesses may be permitted only in the C-1 community commercial and C-2 general commercial zoning districts, in five named form-based code districts (Downtown Gateway, Retail, Route 66 Gateway, Sierra Gateway and Valley Gateway), and within the commercial-designated portions of fifteen named specific plan areas across the city, from Arboretum and Citrus Heights North to Westgate.

A location falling outside those listed districts and specific plan commercial designations cannot host a permitted cannabis business regardless of the underlying use being otherwise commercial in character. Even inside an eligible zone, Sec. 33-21 still requires an operating agreement and, where applicable, a development agreement with the city before a permit issues, and Sec. 33-23 requires all applicable planning, zoning and building permits and inspections to be completed before operations start. Sec. 33-26 separately bars alcohol and tobacco sales, dispensing or consumption at any commercial cannabis business location, layering a use restriction on top of the zoning limitation.