Landscaping Rules in Fontana, CA (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Fontana, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Fontana parcels must keep dry grass and weeds under control. Overgrowth taller than about 6 inches triggers a Notice to Abate, and failure to clear leads to a city-contracted lien.
Fontana Grass Height and Weed Abatement
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Private trees in Fontana are the owners responsibility, but parkway trees belong to the city and need a Public Works permit. Maintain 14 feet over streets and 8 feet over sidewalks.
Fontana Tree Trimming Rules
Some RestrictionsCal. Pub. Resources Code Sec. 4291 (Defensible Space - 100-Foot Clearance Requirement)
4291. (a) A person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains a building or structure in the state responsibility area shall at all times do all of the following: (1) (A) Maintain defensible space of 100 feet from each side and from the front and rear of the structure, but not beyond the property line, except as provided in subparagraph (B). The amount of fuel modification necessary sha...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Fontana has no general heritage-tree law, so homeowners may remove trees on private property without a permit. Parkway and city-owned trees need Public Works approval before removal.
Fontana Tree Removal Rules
Few RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Fontana treats overgrown weeds and rubbish as a nuisance. Owners who fail to clear within 30 days of a Notice to Abate face city-contracted removal with costs recorded as a tax lien.
Fontana Weed Abatement Ordinance
Heavy RestrictionsCal. Food & Agric. Code Sec. 5004 (Abatement of Pest, Noxious Weeds, or Diseased Hosts)
5004. “Noxious weed” means any species of plant that is, or is liable to be, troublesome, aggressive, intrusive, detrimental, or destructive to agriculture, silviculture, or important native species, and difficult to control or eradicate, which the director, by regulation, designates to be a noxious weed. In determining whether or not a species shall be designated a noxious weed for the purpose...
Water Restrictions
Fontana Water Company bans irrigation between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. and any runoff onto streets. AB 1572 ends non-functional turf irrigation at commercial and HOA sites by 2027.
Fontana Water Use Restrictions
Some RestrictionsCal. DWR - Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO, Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 23, Div. 2, Ch. 2.7)
Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance Skip to Main Content × Saving your location allows us to provide you with more relevant information. Set Location .cls-1{fill:#fff;stroke-width:0} Share: About Contact Current Conditions Settings × Default High Contrast Reset Increase Font Size Font Decrease Font Size Font Save links on hover --> Menu Contact Search Search this site: Search ...
Rainwater Harvesting
Fontana allows residential rain barrels under Californias AB 1750 without a permit, but indoor plumbing connections and systems over 5,000 gallons need plumbing and building permits.
Fontana Rainwater Harvesting Rules
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Water Code Part 2.4 (Rainwater Capture Act of 2012, AB 1750)
PART 2.4. Rainwater Capture Act of 2012 10570. This part shall be known, and may be cited, as the Rainwater Capture Act of 2012. 10571. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following: (a) As California has grown and developed, the amount of stormwater flowing off buildings, parking lots, roads, and other impervious surfaces into surface water streams, flood channels, and storm sewers h...
Native Plants
California Civil Code 4735 blocks HOAs and Fontana from banning drought-tolerant plants. Residents can convert lawns to natives without a permit; larger commercial projects meet MWELO.
Fontana Native and Drought-Tolerant Plant Rules
Few RestrictionsCalifornia DWR Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) - Low Water-Using and Native Plant Standards
Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. Low water using plants, mulch, and efficient irrigation save water while making habitat for pollinators. About 40% of the water Californians use at home is used outdoors. Large water savings can be gained by efficient landscape design, installation, management, and maintenance. ... New development and retrofitted landscape water efficiency standards ar...
Artificial Turf
Artificial turf is allowed in Fontana residential yards under Civil Code 4735, which blocks HOA and city bans on water-efficient landscaping. AB 1572 further encourages conversions.
Fontana Artificial Turf Rules
Few RestrictionsCal. Civil Code Section 4735(a)
Notwithstanding any other law, a provision of the governing documents or architectural or landscaping guidelines or policies shall be void and unenforceable if it does any of the following: (1) Prohibits, or includes conditions that have the effect of prohibiting, the use of low water-using plants as a group or as a replacement of existing turf. (2) Prohibits, or includes conditions that have t...
Looking for San Bernardino County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Fontana city rules.
Landscaping Rules in San Bernardino County →