ADU Impact Fees: Fontana vs Rialto
How do adu impact fees rules compare between Fontana, CA and Rialto, CA?
Fontana and Rialto have similar restriction levels.
Fontana, CA
San Bernardino County
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.
View full Fontana rules →Rialto, CA
San Bernardino County
ADUs under 750 sq ft are exempt from all impact fees in Rialto by force of state law (Cal. Gov. Code §66314(f)(3)). ADUs 750 sq ft or larger may be charged impact fees only proportionally to the primary dwelling's square footage. School-district fees are separately governed.
View full Rialto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fontana | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| Under 750 sq ft | All impact fees waived | - |
| 750+ sq ft | Proportional to principal dwelling | - |
| State Law | Gov. Code §65852.2(f) | - |
| School Fees | Proportional under SB 13 | - |
| Water/Sewer Tap | Waived when sharing service | - |
| Impact fee exemption | - | ADUs under 750 sq ft — zero impact fees (Cal. Gov. Code §66314(f)(3)(A)) |
| Larger ADUs (750+ sq ft) | - | Proportional fees only, based on ratio to primary dwelling |
| School fees | - | Not preempted; may apply over 500 sq ft (Ed. Code §17620) |
| Building permit fees | - | Cost-of-service charges still apply |
| Enforcement | - | HCD complaint under Gov. Code §66317.7 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fontana FAQ
Are ADU impact fees waived in Fontana?
Yes for ADUs under 750 sq ft — all local impact fees are waived by California Gov. Code §65852.2(f)(3). ADUs 750 sq ft or larger pay proportionally based on the principal dwelling's size, not the full single-family rate.
What ADU costs still apply in Fontana?
Standard building permit fees based on construction valuation, plan-check fees, and utility service fees from the Fontana Water Company or local sewer agency if a new meter is needed. Property taxes will reassess on the added square footage through the San Bernardino County Assessor.
Rialto FAQ
Will I pay impact fees on my 600 sq ft ADU?
No. State law (Cal. Gov. Code §66314(f)(3)(A)) prohibits any impact fees on ADUs under 750 sq ft. Building permit and plan-check fees still apply, but park, traffic, and sewer-capacity impact fees are exempt.
What if Rialto charges me an impact fee on a small ADU?
It's preempted. Request a written fee breakdown and cite Gov. Code §66314(f)(3)(A). Unresolved disputes can be escalated to California HCD's Housing Accountability Unit.
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