Fontana, CA Environmental Rules: Grading & Drainage (2026)

Any cut, fill, or grading activity in Fontana above permit thresholds requires plan review and a grading permit from Fontana Building and Safety. Under FMC Title 15, grading triggers include excavation or fill exceeding 50 cubic yards, any grading in a designated hillside or slope-stability overlay, any change to a natural drainage course, and projects adjacent to public right-of-way. Grading plans must include a geotechnical report (soils report) for cuts or fills over 3 feet, finished grade elevations tied to adjacent parcels so drainage does not impact neighbors, BMPs for erosion and sediment control during and after grading, and post-construction drainage calculations demonstrating the site does not increase runoff to neighboring parcels. All finished grading must provide positive drainage away from building foundations (minimum 2 percent slope for 5 feet per California Building Code). Fontana enforces the California Building Code Appendix J (Grading) which sets maximum cut and fill slopes, bench requirements on tall slopes, and compaction standards. Drainage rerouting onto a neighbor's property is a nuisance under California Civil Code 3479 and actionable in civil court. Fontana Public Works also enforces the MS4 stormwater requirements that apply to priority development projects over specified size thresholds.