ADU Permits: Fontana vs Rialto
How do adu permits rules compare between Fontana, CA and Rialto, CA?
Fontana has fewer restrictions than Rialto.
Fontana, CA
San Bernardino County
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.
View full Fontana rules →Rialto, CA
San Bernardino County
ADU permits are issued by the Rialto Building & Safety Division (150 S Palm Ave). State law (Gov. Code §66317) requires the city to act on a complete ADU application within 60 days, ministerially, with no discretionary hearing. Plans must comply with the California Building Standards Code (effective 2025 edition as of Jan. 1, 2026) and RMC Title 15.
View full Rialto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fontana | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | FMC Ch. 30; Gov. Code §65852.2 | - |
| Review | Ministerial, 60-day cap | - |
| Detached Max | 1,200 sq ft | - |
| JADU Max | 500 sq ft | - |
| Setback | 4 ft side/rear | - |
| Permit issuer | - | Rialto Building & Safety Division |
| Address | - | 150 S Palm Avenue, Rialto, CA 92376 |
| Phone | - | (909) 820-2505 |
| Statutory review window | - | 60 days (Cal. Gov. Code §66317(b)) |
| Code edition | - | 2025 California Building Standards (effective Jan. 1, 2026) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fontana FAQ
How long does ADU review take in Fontana?
State law caps ministerial review at 60 days from a complete application, per California Government Code §65852.2. The Fontana Planning Department and Building & Safety Division process applications ministerially with only objective standards applied — no hearing, no discretionary findings.
Do I need a public hearing for a Fontana ADU?
No. California Gov. Code §65852.2 and the Fontana ADU regulations require ministerial review only — no Planning Commission hearing, no neighbor notice, no discretionary findings. Only objective standards apply.
Rialto FAQ
How long does Rialto have to approve my ADU permit?
60 days from a complete application under Gov. Code §66317(b). If the city doesn't act, the permit is deemed approved.
Can I submit ADU plans online?
Yes. Rialto's Online Permit Center (OPC) accepts submittals — link your account through the Building & Safety Division page or apply at the counter (150 S Palm Ave, Mon-Fri 7 AM-6 PM).
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