Accessory Structures in Fontana, CA (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Fontana, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Fontana permits ADUs and JADUs under California Gov Code 65852.2. Ministerial approval within 60 days, no replacement parking for garage conversions, and detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft.
Fontana ADU Rules
Few RestrictionsADU Permits
Fontana processes ADU and JADU applications ministerially under Fontana Municipal Code (FMC) Chapter 30 Article XII and California Government Code §65852.2 (as amended by AB 68, AB 881, and SB 13). The Fontana Planning Department and Building & Safety Division review permits with the state-mandated 60-day deadline. Detached ADUs are allowed up to 1,200 sq ft and JADUs up to 500 sq ft.
Fontana ADU Permit and Ministerial Review
Few RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Fontana exempts ADUs under 750 square feet from all impact fees per California Government Code §65852.2(f)(3). ADUs 750 sq ft or larger pay impact fees proportionate to the principal dwelling's square footage. School district fees are governed by SB 13 (2019). Standard building permit and plan-check fees still apply through the Building & Safety Division fee schedule.
Fontana ADU Impact Fee Exemption (Under 750 sq ft)
Few RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Fontana cannot require owner occupancy on standard ADUs permitted after January 1, 2020 because California Government Code §65852.2(a)(6), made permanent by AB 976 (2023), prohibits local owner-occupancy mandates. Junior ADUs (JADUs) still require owner occupancy of either the primary dwelling or the JADU under Gov. Code §65852.22 because they share walls and utilities.
Fontana ADU Owner-Occupancy Rules (Preempted by State Law)
Few RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Fontana ADUs may be rented long-term (30 days or more) without separate licensing. Short-term rentals under 30 days are restricted citywide — California Gov. Code §65852.2(a)(7) prohibits STR use of any ADU permitted after January 1, 2020. Fontana additionally regulates STRs through its zoning provisions in FMC Chapter 30, with transient lodging confined to commercial and certain mixed-use zones.
Fontana ADU Short-Term Rental Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsShed Rules
In Fontana, sheds under 120 sq ft, 1 story, and 12 ft tall need no building permit per the CRC. Zoning setbacks still apply, and larger sheds or any utilities trigger a permit.
Fontana Shed Rules
Few RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Fontana allows garage conversions with a building permit. ADU conversions under Gov Code 65852.2 need no replacement parking, while non-ADU conversions may require two off-street spaces.
Fontana Garage Conversion Rules
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
Fontana carports require a building permit with engineered wind and seismic plans. They need 5-foot side/rear setbacks, 20-foot front setback, and cannot be fully enclosed without becoming a garage.
Fontana Carport Rules
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Stationary tiny homes in Fontana permit as ADUs under Gov Code 65852.2 up to 1,200 sq ft. Tiny houses on wheels are treated as RVs and cannot be permanent residences outside an RV park.
Fontana Tiny Home Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for San Bernardino County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Fontana city rules.
Accessory Structures in San Bernardino County →