Fontana vs San Bernardino
How do dispensary zoning rules compare between Fontana, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Fontana and San Bernardino have similar restriction levels.
Fontana, CA
San Bernardino County
Fontana prohibits commercial cannabis storefront retail and most cannabis businesses within city limits. Deliveries from licensed outside operators are permitted under state law.
View full Fontana rules →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
San Bernardino allows licensed cannabis retail under Measure O (2018) in designated zones, at least 600 feet from schools, daycares, and youth centers. Operators need both a city permit and a state DCC license.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fontana | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Storefront retail | Prohibited | - |
| Commercial cultivation | Prohibited | - |
| State-licensed delivery | Allowed | - |
| Illegal operations | Actively enforced | - |
| Local authority | - | Measure O (2018) and Development Code 5.10 |
| State license | - | Required from Department of Cannabis Control |
| Sensitive use buffer | - | 600 feet from schools, daycares, youth centers |
| Unlicensed operation | - | Up to 30,000 dollars per day in penalties |
| Retail tax | - | Set by Measure O plus state excise and sales taxes |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fontana FAQ
Can I buy cannabis in Fontana?
Not at a storefront, because the city bans retail dispensaries. You can order delivery from a state-licensed retailer in another city.
Can the city ban deliveries from outside?
No. Under state law, cities may not prevent state-licensed delivery into their jurisdiction, even if they prohibit local storefronts.
San Bernardino FAQ
How do I apply to open a dispensary in San Bernardino?
Applications are accepted through the Commercial Cannabis Business Permit process in the City Clerk and Community Economic Development offices, paired with a state DCC license. Prepare a security plan, site plan, and community benefit proposal.
Can I buy cannabis at any retail store in San Bernardino?
No. Only dispensaries with both a city Commercial Cannabis Business Permit and a state DCC license may sell. Check the DCC license search and the city published list before buying.
Are cannabis lounges or onsite consumption allowed?
Onsite consumption lounges are permitted statewide under AB 1175 subject to local approval. San Bernardino reviews such uses through the Development Code and Measure O permit process; at publication no consumption lounges were open citywide.
Compare other topics
See how Fontana and San Bernardino compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool