Pop. 214,547 · San Bernardino County
Retaining walls in Fontana require a building permit once they retain more than 4 feet of soil measured from the bottom of the footing, or at any height if they support a surcharge. Structural plans, drainage design, and geotechnical review are often required.
Fontana fence rules combine Zoning Code height and setback limits with Building Code structural requirements and design-review standards in specific plan areas. Standard residential fences are 6 feet side and rear, 42 inches front, with permits required for masonry walls over 42 inches.
Fontana does not ban specific fence materials citywide, but design standards, HOA CC and Rs, and specific plan overlays routinely limit front-yard materials to masonry block, stucco, wrought iron, or approved decorative styles. Barbed wire and razor wire are prohibited in residential zones.
Fontana prohibits feeding wild animals under Chapter 18 nuisance rules and Chapter 4 animal provisions. Feeding coyotes, raccoons, and skunks draws them into yards and is treated as a nuisance even without a named wildlife-feeding ordinance.
Large livestock like horses, goats, and sheep are allowed only in parcels zoned Residential Agricultural (R-A) or Agricultural, with strict animal-per-acre and setback requirements. Most standard Fontana residential lots cannot host livestock.
Fontana permits backyard chickens and small fowl in applicable residential and agricultural zones per Zoning Code Table 30-432. All animals must be housed at least 40 feet from any dwelling, and slaughter is prohibited in every zoning district.
Fontana permits beekeeping in zones that allow it under the Zoning and Development Code, with setbacks from property lines and neighboring dwellings. California state law does not preempt local bee rules, so the City can set specific hive placement requirements.
Fontana requires dogs to be on leash whenever off the owner's property. Municipal Code Chapter 4 and companion San Bernardino County animal code enforce the leash rule, and dogs running at large can be impounded by Animal Services.
Fontana does not restrict dogs by breed. California Food and Agricultural Code Section 31683 preempts cities from banning specific breeds, so Fontana uses behavior-based dangerous and vicious dog rules from Chapter 4 instead.
California Code of Regulations Title 14 Section 671 bans a long list of exotic species statewide, including ferrets, hedgehogs, and most non-native wildlife. Fontana enforces these state rules through Chapter 4 and defers to CDFW permits for allowed species.
San Bernardino County Animal Care responds to hoarding complaints under Title 3 cruelty rules and California Penal Code section 597. Excessive animals creating unsanitary or neglectful conditions are seized; owners face misdemeanor charges and animal forfeiture.
San Bernardino County requires microchipping of dogs and cats at the time of licensing or shelter release. The chip must be registered to a current owner with active contact information that Animal Care officers can verify in the field.
San Bernardino County requires dogs and cats adopted or reclaimed from county shelters to be spayed or neutered before release. Owners present a deposit refunded once veterinary verification is submitted, encouraging compliance among redeeming owners.
San Bernardino County household pet limits are set by Title 3 and the Land Use Code. Residential parcels usually allow up to four dogs and four cats over four months old. Larger parcels in agricultural zones may keep additional animals with kennel permits.
San Bernardino County aligns with the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and California Fish and Game Code. Removing active nests of native birds is prohibited, especially during nesting season, and tree work near raptor or songbird nests requires biological survey clearance.
San Bernardino County requires cats over four months old to be vaccinated against rabies and licensed through Animal Care. Outdoor cats are allowed but must wear identification, and trap-neuter-return colonies operate under registered caretaker programs.
San Bernardino County coordinates with California Department of Fish and Wildlife on coyote conflicts. Residents must avoid feeding wildlife, secure trash, and use hazing techniques. Lethal removal is reserved for animals showing imminent threats to people or pets.
San Bernardino County residents may not keep injured wildlife without a California Department of Fish and Wildlife rehabilitator permit. SBC Animal Care refers calls to permitted facilities such as those serving the desert and mountain corridors.
California law and San Bernardino County retail rules require pet stores selling dogs, cats, or rabbits to source only from shelters or rescues. AB 485 enforcement is shared between Animal Care, code compliance, and the California Attorney General.
Northern Fontana foothills are mapped as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone by CAL FIRE. Parcels there need 100 feet defensible space and Chapter 7A building materials for new construction.
Fontana follows state law requiring smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on each floor. CO alarms are required where homes have gas appliances or attached garages.
Small recreational backyard fires in Fontana are legal with clean wood, propane, or manufactured logs. Keep 10 feet from structures, keep water handy, and obey SCAQMD no-burn days.
Fontana foothill parcels must maintain 100 feet of defensible space under PRC 4291. Citywide weed abatement is enforced annually each spring with cost-recovery liens on noncompliant parcels.
Fontana allows residential fire pits under the California Fire Code, but pits must be 10 feet from structures and SCAQMD Rule 445 limits wood burning on winter no-burn days.
All fireworks including Safe and Sane are banned year-round in Fontana. Violations start at a 1,000 dollar administrative fine, and dangerous fireworks are a misdemeanor under state law.
Open burning of leaves, yard waste, and trash is banned in Fontana under SCAQMD Rule 444. Only small recreational campfires, grills, and gas fires are allowed, subject to Rule 445 no-burn days.
San Bernardino County Fire Protection District enforces California Fire Code propane storage limits, with stricter setbacks in the San Bernardino Mountains and high-fire WUI zones around Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead, Crestline, and the Cajon Pass corridor.
California Civil Code 4735 blocks HOAs and Fontana from banning drought-tolerant plants. Residents can convert lawns to natives without a permit; larger commercial projects meet MWELO.
Fontana allows residential rain barrels under Californias AB 1750 without a permit, but indoor plumbing connections and systems over 5,000 gallons need plumbing and building permits.
Artificial turf is allowed in Fontana residential yards under Civil Code 4735, which blocks HOA and city bans on water-efficient landscaping. AB 1572 further encourages conversions.
Fontana parcels must keep dry grass and weeds under control. Overgrowth taller than about 6 inches triggers a Notice to Abate, and failure to clear leads to a city-contracted lien.
Fontana treats overgrown weeds and rubbish as a nuisance. Owners who fail to clear within 30 days of a Notice to Abate face city-contracted removal with costs recorded as a tax lien.
Fontana has no general heritage-tree law, so homeowners may remove trees on private property without a permit. Parkway and city-owned trees need Public Works approval before removal.
Private trees in Fontana are the owners responsibility, but parkway trees belong to the city and need a Public Works permit. Maintain 14 feet over streets and 8 feet over sidewalks.
Fontana Water Company bans irrigation between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. and any runoff onto streets. AB 1572 ends non-functional turf irrigation at commercial and HOA sites by 2027.
SB 1383 requires every California resident and business to separate food scraps and yard waste from trash, with universal collection or on-site composting.
Fontana carports require a building permit with engineered wind and seismic plans. They need 5-foot side/rear setbacks, 20-foot front setback, and cannot be fully enclosed without becoming a garage.
Stationary tiny homes in Fontana permit as ADUs under Gov Code 65852.2 up to 1,200 sq ft. Tiny houses on wheels are treated as RVs and cannot be permanent residences outside an RV park.
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.
Fontana cannot require owner occupancy on standard ADUs permitted after January 1, 2020 because California Government Code §65852.2(a)(6), made permanent by AB 976 (2023), prohibits local owner-occupancy mandates. Junior ADUs (JADUs) still require owner occupancy of either the primary dwelling or the JADU under Gov. Code §65852.22 because they share walls and utilities.
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.
Fontana ADUs may be rented long-term (30 days or more) without separate licensing. Short-term rentals under 30 days are restricted citywide — California Gov. Code §65852.2(a)(7) prohibits STR use of any ADU permitted after January 1, 2020. Fontana additionally regulates STRs through its zoning provisions in FMC Chapter 30, with transient lodging confined to commercial and certain mixed-use zones.
Fontana permits ADUs and JADUs under California Gov Code 65852.2. Ministerial approval within 60 days, no replacement parking for garage conversions, and detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft.
In Fontana, sheds under 120 sq ft, 1 story, and 12 ft tall need no building permit per the CRC. Zoning setbacks still apply, and larger sheds or any utilities trigger a permit.
Fontana allows garage conversions with a building permit. ADU conversions under Gov Code 65852.2 need no replacement parking, while non-ADU conversions may require two off-street spaces.
Fontana follows California law treating small and large family daycare homes as residential uses. State statutes preempt most local restrictions, but fire clearance and home occupation filings still apply.
Fontana residents can run a Cottage Food Operation under AB 1616 after registering with San Bernardino County Environmental Health. AB 1240 allows microenterprise home kitchens serving full meals.
Fontana requires a home occupation permit for any business conducted from a residence. The use must be incidental to residential use with no customer traffic, signage, or exterior evidence of the business.
Fontana allows home-based businesses with a Home Occupation Permit and business license. The use must stay incidental, with no non-resident employees, exterior signage, or significant client traffic.
Home businesses in Fontana cannot display any exterior commercial signage. Window signs, yard signs, banners, and lighted displays are prohibited. Only the standard address number is allowed.
Fontana home occupations must not exceed normal residential traffic. A few client visits per day by appointment is acceptable; group classes, walk-in retail, and street parking overflow are banned.
Fontana charges Transient Occupancy Tax on short-term stays under 30 days. Operators must register, collect TOT from guests, file returns, and pay business license fees.
Fontana does not mandate a specific insurance minimum for STRs in all cases, but operators should carry commercial short-term rental liability coverage in addition to platform host protection.
Fontana may limit the number of nights per year a property can be rented as a short-term rental, especially for non-hosted whole-home rentals. Check current zoning code for specific caps.
STR operators in Fontana must register with the city through business licensing and TOT registration. A dedicated STR permit may also apply depending on the latest ordinance updates.
Fontana applies occupancy limits based on the Uniform Housing Code and local safety requirements. STR operators set maximum guest counts tied to bedrooms and square footage.
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.
STR guests must comply with the Fontana Municipal Code noise ordinance. Quiet hours apply at night and operators are responsible for guest conduct including repeat noise violations.
STR guests in Fontana must park on-site within the driveway or garage where possible. Overflow street parking must comply with posted restrictions and cannot block neighbors.
Unincorporated San Bernardino County does not require an STR operator to occupy the property during guest stays. Most desert and mountain rentals are non-hosted whole-home stays operated by remote owners.
Unincorporated San Bernardino County does not limit short-term rentals to a host's primary residence. Investor-owned vacation homes are explicitly allowed across desert and mountain zones, subject to standard permit conditions.
San Bernardino County places primary regulatory responsibility on the property owner or permitted operator. Booking platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are not deputized as enforcement agents, but must collect transient occupancy tax.
Bookings of thirty-one consecutive days or longer fall outside the SBC short-term rental program and are treated as standard residential tenancies subject to AB 1482 statewide rent and eviction protections.
STR permits in unincorporated San Bernardino County may be suspended or revoked after a pattern of verified violations within a twelve-month window, particularly for noise, occupancy, parking, and trash complaints.
Aircraft noise in Fontana is federally regulated by the FAA, and the City has no local ordinance on overflights. Residents mainly hear approaches and departures tied to San Bernardino International Airport, Ontario International Airport, and the Chino and Rialto general-aviation fields.
Amplified music in Fontana is governed by Chapter 18 nuisance rules and the Zoning Code noise standards. Sound that is plainly audible across property lines between 10 PM and 7 AM is a violation, and venues with outdoor speakers must comply with the hours written into their conditional use permits.
Chronic barking dogs are a noise nuisance under Fontana Municipal Code Chapter 18 and are addressed by Animal Services. Owners who allow persistent barking that disturbs neighbors can be cited, and repeated violations can escalate to dangerous-animal review or administrative fines.
Fontana is a major Inland Empire logistics hub, and industrial noise from warehouses, truck yards, and rail operations is managed through Zoning Code Table 30-469 exterior sound limits plus South Coast AQMD Rules 444 and 445 for engines and truck idling.
Fontana has no local ban on gas-powered leaf blowers, but operation is limited by Chapter 18 nuisance rules and by South Coast AQMD air-quality advisories. California AB 1346 phased out sales of new gas small off-road engines starting in 2024, though using existing equipment remains legal.
Outdoor music events in Fontana require a Special Event Permit and often a separate amplified-sound permit. Standard conditions cap outdoor amplification at 10 PM on weekdays and 11 PM on weekends, with Chapter 18 nuisance rules applying to private backyard concerts.
Fontana uses the Zoning and Development Code (Table 30-469) to cap exterior sound levels by receiving land use. Typical residential limits are 65 dBA during daytime and 55 dBA at night, with industrial zones allowed higher ceilings during the day.
Fontana enforces residential quiet hours under Fontana Municipal Code Chapter 18 (Nuisances) and the Zoning and Development Code noise standards in Table 30-469. Nighttime hours of roughly 10 PM to 7 AM are treated as protected quiet time, and noise that disturbs neighbors triggers Code Enforcement action.
Fontana permits construction activity during standard Inland Empire daytime windows. Typical allowed hours are 7 AM to 8 PM Monday through Friday and 8 AM to 6 PM Saturday, with Sunday and holiday work near residences generally prohibited under Chapter 18 nuisance rules.
Hot tubs and spas in Fontana require electrical permits and must meet California Pool Safety Act standards. Locking safety covers meeting ASTM F 1346 can replace perimeter fencing.
California H&S Code 115922 requires residential pools to have an enclosure at least 60 inches tall with self-closing, self-latching gates. Fontana enforces state barrier standards plus CBC code.
Fontana requires building, plumbing, and electrical permits for all in-ground and above-ground pools and spas over 24 inches deep. Permits ensure code-compliant construction and safety.
Above-ground pools in Fontana follow the same permit and safety rules as in-ground pools when water depth exceeds 18 to 24 inches. Ladders must be removable or lockable.
Fontana residential pools must comply with the California Pool Safety Act which requires at least two drowning prevention safety features such as fence, alarm, cover, or self-closing doors.
Fontana follows CALGreen Title 24 Part 11 for EV charging in new construction. HOA restrictions are preempted by California Civil Code 4745, which protects Level 2 charger installation.
Fontana generally allows overnight residential-street parking. No citywide overnight ban exists; the main limits are the CVC 22651(k) 72-hour rule and posted street-sweeping schedules.
Fontana limits RV, trailer, and boat storage under FMC Title 17. Long-term street storage is prohibited; RVs on private property must be behind the front setback on an improved surface.
Fontana removes abandoned vehicles under CVC 22651(k) on public streets. Inoperable, unregistered, or dismantled vehicles on private property are abated under FMC property-maintenance rules.
Fontana regulates on-street parking under FMC Title 10 and CVC 22500 and 22651. Cars cannot park at colored curbs, block driveways, or exceed the state 72-hour rule under CVC 22651(k).
Fontana allows driveway parking on paved surfaces only. FMC Title 17 prohibits parking on front lawns or landscaping. Driveway aprons need a Public Works encroachment permit.
Fontana restricts commercial vehicles over 10,000 lb GVWR on residential streets under FMC Title 10 and CVC 22507. Semi-trucks and trailers cannot park overnight except for active loading or service.
Fontana residents receive bulky item pickups from Burrtec as part of their service. Schedule by phone; items like furniture, mattresses, and large appliances must be placed curbside on the assigned day.
Burrtec Waste Industries is the exclusive residential franchise hauler in Fontana. Weekly service includes trash, recycling, and organics carts collected on the same day, per route schedule.
Fontana residents must place carts at the curb with wheels facing the house, at least 2 feet apart, and away from vehicles, mailboxes, and fire hydrants. Store bins out of public view between pickups.
Fontana complies with California AB 341, AB 1826, and SB 1383. All residents and businesses must separate recyclables and organic waste using Burrtec-provided blue and green carts.
Fontana HOAs must follow Davis-Stirling architectural review rules (Civil Code 4765) requiring written procedures, fair decisions, appeal rights, and respect for state law exemptions like solar.
Fontana HOAs enforce CC&Rs through written notice, hearings, and fines under Davis-Stirling. Civil Code 5850+ limits fines and requires due process; some CC&R restrictions are preempted by state law.
Fontana HOAs follow Davis-Stirling assessment rules (Civil Code 5600+) limiting annual regular assessment increases to 20 percent and special assessments to 5 percent without member vote.
Fontana HOAs follow the Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act (Civil Code 4000+) including open meetings, proper notice, quorum rules, and annual policy disclosures to members.
Fontana HOA disputes must go through Internal Dispute Resolution (Civil Code 5900+) and Alternative Dispute Resolution before court. Members have rights to meet, mediate, and receive written decisions.
Fontana requires erosion and sediment-control BMPs on graded sites. The California Construction General Permit and FMC grading code require silt fences and stabilized entrances during the Oct-Apr wet season.
Fontana enforces the MS4 stormwater permit from the Santa Ana RWQCB under the federal Clean Water Act. FMC rules prohibit non-stormwater discharges to storm drains and require construction BMPs.
Fontana grading and drainage follow FMC Title 15 and California Building Code Appendix J. Cut or fill over 50 cubic yards or hillside sites require a Building and Safety grading permit.
Fontana participates in the National Flood Insurance Program using FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps. Areas near San Sevaine and Etiwanda Creek channels fall within Zone A and Zone AE.
Properties in San Bernardino Mountain WUI zones must clear 100 feet of defensible space around structures. SBCFPD inspects annually before fire season; failure to comply triggers abatement orders, contractor cleanup at owner cost, and potential criminal citations.
California Air Resources Board limits commercial diesel idling to 5 minutes statewide, enforced aggressively in San Bernardino County warehouse hubs like Fontana, Ontario, and the Inland Empire. SCAQMD adds local enforcement in non-attainment basins.
California AB 1346 bans the sale of new gas-powered leaf blowers, mowers, and similar small off-road engines starting in 2024. San Bernardino County does not impose a separate operational ban but enforces noise rules.
San Bernardino County adopted a Climate Action Plan and updated Renewable Energy and Conservation Element setting greenhouse gas reduction targets aligned with California SB 32. New developments must demonstrate consistency with CAP measures during CEQA review.
California Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards mandate cool-roof reflectance values for new and re-roofed buildings in San Bernardino County climate zones 10, 14, 15, and 16, covering desert and mountain communities prone to extreme heat.
San Bernardino County is entirely inland - Mojave Desert, Inland Empire, and the San Bernardino Mountains - with no coastline and no California Coastal Commission jurisdiction. The relevant program is the Floodplain Safety (FP) Overlay in Title 8, Section 82.14, plus the Floodplain Administrator duties in Section 86.04, requiring a permit before any development in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area or designated desert wash.
California H&S Code 17920.10 defines lead hazards as substandard housing conditions. EPA RRP Rule and CDPH require certified contractors and disclosure for pre-1978 housing renovations.
California Labor Code 7300+ and 8 CCR Title 8 delegate elevator safety to Cal/OSHA Elevator Unit. Fontana buildings with conveyances need annual certification, state permits, and licensed mechanics.
Fontana construction scaffolding follows Cal/OSHA Title 8 Sections 1635-1662 and the California Building Code. Scaffolds over 10 feet need guardrails, toeboards, and fall protection.
Structural pest control in Fontana is licensed by the California Structural Pest Control Board under Bus and Prof Code 8500-8698. Paid operators need state licenses; homeowners may treat their own property.
San Bernardino County enforces California Building Code rules requiring egress doors to unlock with a single motion from the inside. Deadbolts must release with the same handle action, and key-operated locks are restricted to specific Group A, B, M, and E uses.
San Bernardino County adopts the California Residential Code requiring NFPA 13D automatic fire sprinklers in all new one and two-family dwellings. SBCFPD enforces stricter density and water-supply standards in mountain WUI subdivisions and remote desert parcels.
San Bernardino County applies floor area ratios, lot coverage, and height limits in mountain and foothill communities to limit mansionization. Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead, and Crest Forest community plans add stricter design review for oversized structures and bulky additions.
San Bernardino County licensed childcare centers must meet California Building Code Group E or I-4 occupancy rules with fire alarms, sprinklers, exit hardware, and accessible play areas. State Community Care Licensing inspects, while county Building and Safety verifies plan compliance.
San Bernardino County enforces the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen, Title 24 Part 11) on all new construction and major remodels. Mandatory measures include water-efficient fixtures, EV-ready wiring, construction waste diversion, and indoor air quality controls.
Fontana height limits are set in FMC Title 17. R-1 primary structures cap at about 35 ft or 2.5 stories. ADUs must reach at least 16-18 ft under Gov Code 65852.2.
Fontana setbacks are set in FMC Title 17. Typical R-1 setbacks are 20 ft front, 5 ft side, 15 ft rear. ADUs enjoy 4 ft side and rear setbacks under California Gov Code 65852.2.
Fontana FMC Title 17 caps the share of a lot that buildings may occupy. R-1 zones typically allow 40-50 percent coverage. Accessory structures count; state ADU law guarantees an 800 sq ft ADU.
Fontana regulates outdoor lighting under FMC Title 17 to limit glare and spillover. Commercial and industrial lighting must be shielded full-cutoff. There is no full Dark Sky ordinance citywide.
Fontana treats light trespass as a zoning violation under FMC Title 17 and a nuisance under Civil Code 3479. Property-line levels facing residential parcels are capped; neighbors can pursue civil remedies.
California Civil Code 714 (Solar Rights Act) preempts HOA solar bans in Fontana. HOAs cannot increase cost over $1,000 or cut performance over 10 percent, and must decide applications in 45 days.
Fontana issues residential solar permits through SolarAPP+ expedited online tool under AB 2188 and AB 1414. Title 24 Part 6 requires solar on most new homes. State-capped permit fees apply.
Fontana FMC Title 17 controls food-truck locations. Commercial and industrial zones allow trucks on private property with owner permission. Residential zones restrict mobile vending to brief roving stops.
Fontana food trucks need a San Bernardino County Mobile Food Facility permit and a city business license. FMC Title 17 zoning restricts where trucks may operate and for how long.
Fontana limits residential garage sales to a set number per year with a permit. Sales must occur on private property, only during daylight hours, and cannot create traffic or noise nuisances.
Fontana requires trash, recycling, and organics carts to be stored out of view from the public right-of-way except on collection day. Violations trigger code enforcement notices and fines.
Owners of vacant parcels in Fontana must remove weeds, rubbish, and fire hazards each year. The city may declare uncleared lots a public nuisance and abate them at the owner's cost with a lien.
Fontana does not experience accumulating snow, so no snow-removal ordinance applies. Owners must keep sidewalks free of debris, obstructions, and hazards adjacent to their property.
Fontana prohibits blighted conditions including accumulated trash, overgrown vegetation, inoperable vehicles, graffiti, and unmaintained structures. Code enforcement issues citations and may abate nuisances.
Fontana does not operate a general residential rental registration program. Landlords must hold a business license and comply with state habitability and inspection rules. Short-term rentals have separate permitting.
Fontana has no local rent control but is subject to California AB 1482. The state law caps rent increases at 5 percent plus CPI (10 percent max) and requires just cause for long-term tenant evictions.
Fontana follows California AB 1482 (Civil Code 1946.2) just-cause eviction protections. No separate local ordinance adds to state rules. Landlords must state at-fault or no-fault cause in writing.
San Bernardino County rentals follow California Civil Code 1950.5, which limits security deposits to one month's rent for both furnished and unfurnished units and requires return within twenty-one days of move-out.
California Government Code 12955 bars San Bernardino County landlords from refusing to rent solely because the tenant uses a Housing Choice Voucher or other lawful government rental subsidy as part of their income.
Unincorporated San Bernardino County has not adopted a local relocation-assistance ordinance for displaced tenants. Only the relocation payment required by California AB 1482 for qualifying no-fault evictions applies.
California requires landlords to include or attach an AB 1482 disclosure in every covered lease and lease renewal, informing tenants of the rent cap and just-cause protections in plain statutory language.
For covered units in unincorporated San Bernardino County, no-fault evictions are limited to AB 1482's enumerated reasons: owner or family move-in, substantial remodel, government order, or withdrawal from the rental market.
The Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino administers Housing Choice Vouchers across SBC, inspecting units for HUD habitability standards and paying the subsidy portion directly to the landlord.
Commercial drone pilots in Fontana need an FAA Part 107 certificate and LAANC approval for Ontario Airport airspace. The city business license and property owner permission are required to operate.
Recreational drone pilots in Fontana must follow FAA Part 107 hobby rules, pass TRUST, and avoid Ontario Airport airspace. City parks prohibit drone launches without a permit.
Fontana permits holiday decorations and lighting on private property without a permit when temporary. Displays must not obstruct sidewalks, create glare, or violate noise or electrical safety rules.
Fontana permits small temporary garage sale signs on private property during the sale only. Signs on utility poles, streetlights, and medians are prohibited and removed by Public Works.
Political signs are allowed on private property in Fontana with size and setback limits. City code cannot restrict content. Signs in the public right-of-way are prohibited and may be removed.
Fontana allows adults 21 and older to grow up to 6 cannabis plants indoors per residence under Proposition 64. Outdoor cultivation is prohibited and indoor grows must meet city safety rules.
Fontana prohibits commercial cannabis storefront retail and most cannabis businesses within city limits. Deliveries from licensed outside operators are permitted under state law.
California Business and Professions Code 26054 requires licensed cannabis businesses to sit at least 600 feet from schools, daycares, and youth centers; San Bernardino cities often expand these buffers.
Adults 21 and older may grow up to six cannabis plants per private residence in San Bernardino County, but unincorporated areas require indoor cultivation inside a fully enclosed secure structure.
San Bernardino County Development Code Chapter 84.34 bans commercial cannabis cultivation, manufacturing, and sales in all unincorporated zones, treating any such use as a public nuisance.
Fontana residents can opt out of door-to-door solicitation by posting a clearly visible No Soliciting sign. Ignoring a posted sign is a citable offense in addition to any permit violation.
Door-to-door commercial solicitors in Fontana must obtain a solicitor permit and ID badge before knocking on residential doors. Solicitation is limited to daytime hours and ends at dusk.
Fontana city parks are closed from 10:00 p.m. to sunrise daily. Entering a closed park is an infraction. Special permits allow after-hours use for reserved events and athletic fields.
Fontana enforces a juvenile curfew prohibiting minors under 18 from being in public places from 10:00 p.m. to sunrise without a parent or guardian or a recognized exception.
Fontana adopts the 2022 California Fire Code (CFC) under FMC Chapter 14. CFC §308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices (charcoal, wood) and propane tanks larger than 2.5 lbs on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction at apartments and condos with three or more units. Single-family backyard grilling is permitted but subject to SCAQMD Rule 444 burn-day rules.
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Fontana require permits through the Building & Safety Division: a building permit for the structure, a gas-line permit for natural-gas or stationary LP-gas connections, an electrical permit, and a plumbing permit for sinks. Structures must comply with FMC Chapter 30 zoning setbacks for accessory structures. Title 24 energy and CalGreen apply to new construction.
Fontana has no city-specific ordinance regulating residential backyard smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens at single-family homes. Operation is governed by CFC §308 clearance rules (FMC Ch. 14), SCAQMD Rule 444 wood-burning restrictions on No-Burn Days, and FMC noise standards if accompanying equipment is loud. Multi-family balcony use is restricted by CFC §308.1.4.
Fontana has no city ordinance setting installation dates, removal deadlines, or brightness limits for residential holiday lights. Lights are permitted year-round on private property. Amplified outdoor audio must comply with the Fontana Municipal Code noise provisions. HOAs typically govern dates and aesthetics under California Civil Code §4710 (which protects small religious door displays).
Fontana has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Inflatables are permitted on private property subject to right-of-way obstruction rules under FMC Chapter 26 and the noise standards in FMC Chapter 18. Continuous blower noise can trigger nighttime complaints. HOAs commonly impose size and duration limits — California Civil Code §4710 does not extend to yard inflatables.
Fontana has no city ordinance restricting residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays on private property. California Civil Code §4710 limits HOA bans on small religious door displays. Fontana property-maintenance provisions apply only to dilapidated or junk-like accumulations. Political signs receive First Amendment protections under the Fontana sign code.
HVAC units in unincorporated San Bernardino County must meet Title 8 residential property-line limits (55 dBA day, 45 dBA night). Title 24 Part 6 requires exterior units to publish sound ratings.
Bars and nightclubs in unincorporated San Bernardino County need a Conditional Use Permit. Amplified music must meet Title 8 residential limits (45 dBA at night). California Business and Professions Code 25612.5 also applies.
Standby and portable generators in unincorporated San Bernardino County must meet Title 8 limits (45 dBA night residential). PSPS and emergency use is exempt. SCAQMD Rule 1470 permits stationary units over 50 hp.
San Bernardino County Code prohibits obstructing sidewalks with merchandise, vegetation, or hoops. Trees must be trimmed to keep 8-foot vertical clearance over sidewalks.
Under CA Streets and Highways Code 5610, adjacent property owners in unincorporated San Bernardino County are responsible for maintaining and repairing sidewalks fronting their property.
San Bernardino County coordinates encampment sanitation responses through the Office of Homeless Services, providing advance notice, outreach offers, and storage of personal property removed during cleanup operations.
San Bernardino County prohibits obstructing public sidewalks, trails, and rights-of-way with personal property or encampments in unincorporated areas, applying offer-of-shelter principles consistent with Ninth Circuit precedent.
San Bernardino County funds bridge and interim housing through the Continuum of Care, including navigation centers, motel-voucher programs, and project-based interim sites in San Bernardino, Victorville, and the High Desert.
California law and San Bernardino County Solid Waste rules prohibit loose syringes and sharps in household trash; residents must use FDA-cleared sharps containers and approved drop-off sites.
San Bernardino County Public Health inspects restaurants countywide and posts color-coded grade placards (Pass, Conditional Pass, Closed) at the entrance after each routine inspection.
California Civil Code 1954.603 requires landlords to disclose bed bug information and prohibits renting units with known infestations; San Bernardino County enforces habitability complaints.
Property owners across San Bernardino County must keep premises free of rodent harborage, and Public Health may abate severe infestations on private land at the owner cost.
California SB 54 phases out expanded polystyrene foam foodware statewide by 2030; some San Bernardino communities have earlier local bans on takeout containers and packing peanuts.
California SB 1383 organic waste rules push San Bernardino County restaurants toward compostable takeout containers and require commercial generators to subscribe to organics collection service.
California SB 270 bans most single-use plastic carryout bags at grocery and retail stores statewide; San Bernardino County retailers must charge at least ten cents for recycled paper or thicker reusable bags.
California AB 1884 bars full-service restaurants in San Bernardino County and statewide from automatically providing plastic straws; customers must specifically request them at sit-down meals.
California AB 1276 prohibits restaurants and food delivery platforms in San Bernardino County from automatically including plastic utensils, condiments, and napkins; items must be provided only on customer request.
California SB 793, upheld by Proposition 31 in 2022, bans the retail sale of most flavored tobacco products and flavor enhancers across San Bernardino County, including menthol cigarettes and flavored vapes.
California Tobacco 21 law bars sale of cigarettes, vapes, and other tobacco products to anyone under 21 in San Bernardino County, with active duty military exempt to age 18.
California requires statewide licensing of tobacco and vape retailers under the STAKE Act and the Cigarette and Tobacco Products Licensing Act. Business and Professions Code 22970 establishes uniform retailer licensing, while local governments may adopt stricter rules.
Cucamonga Valley Water District, Inland Empire Utilities Agency, and Mojave Water Agency offer turf replacement rebates of 2 to 4 dollars per square foot to convert lawns to drought-tolerant landscaping. State law also blocks HOAs from banning xeriscaping.
Mojave Water Agency, Cucamonga Valley, and other San Bernardino County water districts impose day-of-week irrigation schedules during drought emergencies. State Water Board emergency rules can override locals, banning ornamental turf irrigation entirely.
San Bernardino County water districts require customers to repair visible leaks within 5 to 10 days of notice. Persistent leaks running into gutters or sidewalks during drought are treated as water waste and trigger escalating fines.
San Bernardino County's General Plan is implemented through 14 community plans covering distinct geographies like Bear Valley, Crest Forest, Joshua Tree, Lake Arrowhead, and Lucerne Valley. Each adds local zoning standards on top of the countywide Development Code.
San Bernardino Mountain communities under hillside overlays restrict grading volume, slope disturbance, and building height to protect views and reduce wildfire and landslide risk. Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear, Crestline, and Wrightwood enforce strict hillside standards.
California Density Bonus Law lets developers exceed San Bernardino County zoning density by up to 50 percent in exchange for affordable units. Recent updates under SB 1287 and AB 1287 raise the maximum bonus to 100 percent for highly affordable projects.
Western Joshua trees are protected under California's Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act of 2023. Removing or relocating them in San Bernardino County requires a state permit and mitigation fees, with additional county Native Desert Plant Protection rules.
San Bernardino County requires permits to remove protected native trees, including oaks, sycamores, junipers, and pinyon pines on undisturbed parcels. Mountain communities also protect specific conifer species under community-plan tree ordinances.
California provides statewide protections for native oak woodlands and heritage trees through CEQA review, Public Resources Code, and Forest Practice Rules that apply uniformly.
San Bernardino County's Non-Motorized Transportation Plan guides bike-lane and trail expansion across unincorporated areas, with major commuter routes along Pacific Electric Trail, Santa Ana River Trail, and segments connecting OmniTrans bus stops and Metrolink stations.
San Bernardino County designates specific truck routes through Fontana, Ontario, Bloomington, and Mira Loma warehouse corridors to keep heavy freight off residential streets. Operating outside designated routes risks weight-violation citations and impoundment.
Tobacco retailers in unincorporated San Bernardino County need a county tobacco retailer license alongside the state CDTFA license, and California prohibits sales of most flavored tobacco products under SB 793.
Operating an auto repair business from a home in unincorporated San Bernardino County is generally prohibited under Title 8 zoning, though minor repairs on personally owned vehicles remain allowed.
Secondhand dealers and pawnbrokers in unincorporated San Bernardino County must register with the Sheriff and report transactions through the California Department of Justice CAPSS reporting system under state law.
San Bernardino County requires conditional use permits for massage establishments in unincorporated areas, with operators and technicians holding California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) certification under state law.
Tow operators that perform police-initiated tows in unincorporated San Bernardino County must hold a Sheriff rotation tow contract and follow California Vehicle Code rate posting and storage rules.
California state law bans smoking in most outdoor public spaces near children, workplaces, and state parks, and San Bernardino County applies these rules in unincorporated parks and public buildings.
San Bernardino County treats loud and unruly gatherings as a public nuisance, and the Sheriff can bill responsible parties for repeat response calls under the County Code.
California limits criminal loitering to specific contexts, while San Bernardino County enforces trespass rules on county property, parks after closing, and unincorporated commercial centers.
California Proposition 64 and San Bernardino County rules ban smoking, vaping, or eating cannabis in public places, including streets, parks, and county buildings in unincorporated areas.
Unlike Los Angeles or Long Beach, San Bernardino County does not impose hotel worker retention or living-wage rules, leaving lodging employers to follow only state minimum wage and labor protections.
San Bernardino County imposes a 7 percent transient occupancy tax on stays of 30 days or fewer at hotels, motels, RV parks, and short-term rentals in unincorporated areas, including Big Bear and Joshua Tree.
California requires most employers, including warehouse and logistics operators in the Inland Empire portion of San Bernardino County, to provide at least 40 hours of paid sick leave per year under SB 616.
San Bernardino County does not set a local minimum wage, so the California statewide rate of 16.50 dollars per hour applies in 2026 to most employers in unincorporated areas, with annual inflation indexing.
California SB 54, the California Values Act, limits how San Bernardino County Sheriff and other local agencies may cooperate with federal immigration authorities in unincorporated areas and contract cities.
California prohibits state and local governments from requiring private employers to use the federal E-Verify system except where federal law mandates it, under Government Code 7285.1 and 7285.3. The restriction applies uniformly to every California city and county.
The most common code violations in San Bernardino County include unpermitted construction, junk and debris accumulation, overgrown vegetation, inoperable vehicles, illegal cannabis cultivation, unpermitted short-term rentals, and zoning violations in unincorporated areas.
San Bernardino County Code Enforcement handles complaints in unincorporated areas via phone at (909) 884-4056 or online. The division enforces zoning, housing, public nuisance, and vehicle abatement ordinances under the County Development Code.
San Bernardino County Code Enforcement investigates complaints and provides a time frame for correction based on violation type. Health and safety violations are prioritized for faster response, while routine violations may take 5-10 business days for initial investigation.
San Bernardino County does not have specific ordinances banning or restricting bamboo cultivation. However, bamboo that encroaches on neighboring properties or creates a nuisance may be subject to general property maintenance code enforcement.
San Bernardino County follows the California Department of Food and Agriculture's noxious weed list and the California Invasive Plant Council's inventory. Notable invasive species in the region include Saharan mustard, tamarisk (salt cedar), and giant reed (Arundo donax).
California AB 2561 (2022) prohibits cities and HOAs from banning front-yard food gardens. San Bernardino County residents can grow vegetables and fruit in their front yards. The county also encourages drought-tolerant landscaping and has removed restrictions on replacing lawns with gardens.
In San Bernardino County, detached storage sheds of 120 square feet or less, single-story, and without plumbing or electrical do not require a building permit. Larger sheds require permits and must comply with zoning setbacks and building code requirements.
Wood and vinyl fences under 6 feet in San Bernardino County typically do not require a building permit. Masonry walls, retaining walls, and fences over 6 feet require a permit. Front-yard fences are limited to 42 inches in residential zones.
Decks over 30 inches above grade require a building permit in San Bernardino County. Ground-level patios and decks less than 200 square feet that are under 30 inches above grade and not attached to a dwelling generally do not require a permit.
Most renovation work in San Bernardino County requires a building permit if it involves structural changes, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work. Cosmetic work like painting, flooring, and countertops does not require a permit.
Residential security cameras are legal in San Bernardino County without a permit. California's privacy laws prohibit recording in areas where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Audio recording requires all-party consent under California Penal Code §632.
California is an all-party consent state for audio recording. All parties to a confidential conversation must consent to being recorded under Penal Code §632. Video recording in public is legal, but recording in private areas violates Penal Code §647(j).
San Bernardino County allows privacy fences up to 6 feet in side and rear yards and 42 inches in front yards in most residential zones. Fences under 6 feet typically do not require a building permit. Barbed wire is prohibited in residential zones.
California regulates concealed carry weapons licenses statewide under Penal Code 26150 through 26225. Senate Bill 2 (2023) imposes uniform sensitive-place restrictions and applicant standards, preempting local variations on issuance criteria and qualifications.
California preempts most local firearm regulation under Government Code 53071 and Penal Code 25605, reserving licensing, registration, and manufacture authority to the state. However, local governments retain limited authority over discharge, sensitive places, and zoning of gun businesses.
California broadly prohibits open carry of firearms statewide under Penal Code 25850 (loaded firearms in public) and Penal Code 26350 (open carry of unloaded handguns). The prohibition applies uniformly across all California cities and counties without local variation.
California prohibits carrying loaded firearms in vehicles statewide under Penal Code 25400 and 25850. Unloaded handguns transported in private vehicles must be in a locked container or the vehicle's locked trunk; long guns must be unloaded but need not be locked.
The California Land Conservation Act of 1965 (Williamson Act), Government Code 51200-51297.4, allows landowners to enter contracts with counties restricting land to agricultural use for ten-year minimum terms in exchange for reduced property tax assessment based on farming income.
The California Right to Farm Act under Civil Code 3482.5 protects established agricultural operations from nuisance lawsuits brought by neighbors who moved in after farming began. The law applies statewide and limits both private and local government nuisance actions.