Permit Requirements: Fontana vs Ontario
How do permit requirements rules compare between Fontana, CA and Ontario, CA?
Fontana has fewer restrictions than Ontario.
Fontana, CA
San Bernardino County
Fontana regulates short-term rentals through its Municipal Code and generally treats rentals under 30 days as transient occupancy requiring business licensing and Transient Occupancy Tax registration.
View full Fontana rules →Ontario, CA
San Bernardino County
Ontario requires a Short-Term Rental Permit before any stay under 30 days. Applications are filed through the City Citizen Portal and require proof of primary residence plus a full set of property documents.
View full Ontario rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fontana | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Rentals under 30 days | - |
| Business license | Required | - |
| TOT registration | Required | - |
| Safety equipment | Smoke/CO alarms required | - |
| Contact | (909) 350-7600 | (909) 395-2000 |
| Permit required | - | Yes, before any STR listing |
| Primary residence | - | Required for operator |
| Application portal | - | Online Citizen Portal |
| Transferable | - | No |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fontana FAQ
Do I need a permit to rent my Fontana home on Airbnb?
Yes. A business license and TOT registration are required, and zoning compliance must be verified with Planning.
Are STRs allowed everywhere in Fontana?
Permissibility depends on zoning and may be restricted in certain districts. Contact Planning to verify your address.
Ontario FAQ
Can an LLC or corporation hold an Ontario STR permit?
Ontario limits permits to the individual owner, the owner's close family, or an authorized tenant. Entities generally cannot operate STRs at the residence.
Does the STR permit transfer if I sell the home?
No. Permits are tied to the operator and property and are not transferable; a new owner must apply fresh.
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