Shed Rules: Fontana vs Ontario
How do shed rules rules compare between Fontana, CA and Ontario, CA?
Fontana and Ontario have similar restriction levels.
Fontana, CA
San Bernardino County
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.
View full Fontana rules →Ontario, CA
San Bernardino County
Ontario follows CRC Section R105.2, exempting one-story detached sheds under 120 sq ft from a building permit. Sheds must still meet zoning setbacks, height limits, and trade permits for electrical.
View full Ontario rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fontana | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Permit exemption | Under 120 sq ft, 1 story, 12 ft height, no utilities | - |
| Zoning setbacks | Typically 3 to 5 feet side and rear yard | - |
| Coverage limit | Accessory structures often capped near 30 percent rear yard | - |
| Utilities trigger permit | Electrical, plumbing, or HVAC requires building permit | - |
| Front-yard ban | Sheds generally not allowed in front-yard setback | - |
| Permit trigger | - | Over 120 square feet |
| State code | - | CRC R105.2 exemption |
| Setbacks | - | Typically 3-5 ft rear/side |
| Electrical/plumbing | - | Trade permit required |
| Coverage | - | Rear-yard cap, often 30 percent |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fontana FAQ
Do I need a permit for a 10 by 10 shed in Fontana?
A 10 by 10 shed is 100 square feet - under the 120 square foot CRC exemption, so no building permit is needed as long as there is no power or plumbing.
How close to my fence can I put a shed?
Fontana zoning typically requires at least 3 to 5 feet from side and rear property lines, even for permit-exempt sheds.
Can I run an outlet to my shed?
Adding electrical service requires a permit from Fontana Building and Safety and a licensed electrician for any hardwired circuits.
Ontario FAQ
Can I put a 10 by 12 shed in my Ontario backyard without a permit?
A 10 by 12 shed is exactly 120 square feet, which is at the exemption line. Going one foot larger triggers a permit. Keep it at or under 120 square feet and follow setbacks to avoid the permit.
Does a shed with a light fixture need a permit?
Yes. Even a permit-exempt shed requires a separate electrical permit for any wiring beyond a standard cord drop.
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