Local Rules Near ONT Airport

Ontario applies exterior decibel standards set in zoning and noise rules. Residential limits are about 55 dBA daytime and 50 dBA nighttime at the property line, with higher limits in commercial and industrial zones.

No Ontario-specific ordinance directly regulates aircraft noise; the City's noise chapter exempts activities preempted by state or federal law (OMC 5-29.06(h)), and aircraft noise is governed by FAA federal preemption and California's 65 dB CNEL airport noise standard (21 CCR 5012).

Ontario regulates leaf blowers through its noise ordinance and daytime equipment hours. Gas blowers remain legal to operate, but California AB 1346 bars new gas SORE sales statewide since 2024, phasing them out.

Outdoor music is regulated under OMC Title 5 Chapter 29 and the special-event permit process. Venues and events with amplified sound need a city permit; residential outdoor music cannot disturb neighbors after 10 PM.

Ontario controls industrial and warehouse noise through zoning-based exterior sound limits and the nuisance ordinance. Noise crossing into residential zones faces daytime limits and stricter nighttime limits.

Ontario Municipal Code section 5-29.13 requires a Police Chief permit to operate a loudspeaker or sound amplifier on public property, or at outdoor/indoor events over 100 people that are audible at the property line, and bars sound-amplifying equipment from being used between 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.

Ontario Municipal Code section 5-29.14 prohibits operating any motor vehicle in a condition that creates excessive, impulsive or intrusive noise, including exhaust noise from engines or motorcycles, and requires compliance with the California Vehicle Code.

Ontario does not use a single curfew but enforces lower nighttime exterior noise limits between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. (45 dBA in single-family zones), plus a general loud-and-disturbing-noise prohibition that applies at any hour after a cease-and-desist request.

Ontario Municipal Code section 5-29.09 limits noise-producing construction, remodeling, grading and demolition to 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, unless the activity complies with the dB limits in section 5-29.04 or 5-29.05.

Ontario Municipal Code Title 6 (Animals) treats persistent barking as a public nuisance: a dog that barks in a substantially continuous manner, day or night, to the annoyance of the neighborhood may be declared a nuisance and abated, supported by two sworn declarations from separate households.

Total occupancy at an Ontario STR, including the host and all guests, may not exceed two times the number of bedrooms. A single dwelling is limited to two concurrent groups or booking transactions, and un-hosted stays are capped at 90 days per year.

Ontario STR operators should carry a dedicated short-term rental liability policy. Standard homeowner policies typically exclude STR activity and platform coverage should be treated as a supplement only.

Ontario distinguishes between hosted and non-hosted STRs and may cap annual rental nights for non-hosted whole-home rentals. Operators must track bookings and retain records for city review.

Ontario STR registration requires a Planning-issued permit, Finance TOT certificate, and business license. Annual renewal, a 24-hour contact, and safety inspection items are standard conditions.

STR guests must comply with Ontario Municipal Code Chapter 29 noise rules including 10 PM to 7 AM quiet hours. Operators are responsible for guest conduct and repeat noise violations can cost them the permit.

Ontario requires a Short-Term Rental Permit and a business license before any dwelling under 30 days is rented. Only the host's primary residence qualifies, and non-owner-occupied vacation rentals are prohibited.

Ontario charges a Transient Occupancy Tax on short-term stays under 30 days. Operators must register for a TOT certificate, collect the tax, file returns, and pay an annual STR permit fee.

Ontario STR guests must park on-site in the driveway or garage before using the street. Overflow street parking must obey posted signs, street sweeping, and oversized-vehicle restrictions.

Ontario requires owners to keep lots free of dry weeds, brush, and rubbish under the municipal nuisance code and CA H and S 14875. Uncleared parcels are abated by city contractor at owner cost.

Ontario sits on the valley floor and is not mapped in a CAL FIRE Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Chapter 7A ignition-resistant construction and PRC 4291 defensible space do not apply citywide.

Ontario enforces California H and S 13113.7 requiring smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every floor. 10-year sealed-battery or hardwired units are required on replacement.

Small recreational backyard fires are allowed but tightly regulated under the 2022 California Fire Code, which Ontario adopts. A recreational fire may be no more than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high, must stay at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material, and must be constantly attended with fire-extinguishing equipment ready.

All fireworks - including state-approved 'safe and sane' fireworks sold in some neighboring cities - are illegal to use, possess, store, or sell anywhere in the City of Ontario. Possession and discharge are prohibited unless a permit is issued by the California State Fire Marshal and approved by the Ontario Fire Department, which is granted only to state-licensed pyrotechnicians.

Backyard fire pits, fire rings, chimineas, and barbecues are allowed in Ontario but must follow the 2022 California Fire Code. Barbecue/BBQ pits outside of buildings must be at least 15 feet from a structure, recreational fire pits must keep a 25-foot clearance from structures and combustibles, and the fire must be attended with extinguishing equipment available. Portable outdoor fireplaces and gas fire pits are the lower-smoke alternative.

Open burning to dispose of residential waste, leaves, brush, or trash is prohibited in Ontario. The city is in the South Coast Air Quality Management District, whose Rule 444 (Open Burning) expressly prohibits residential burning, and the Ontario Fire Prevention Bureau enforces the 2022 California Fire Code open-burning rules.

Ontario permits residential Level 2 EV chargers under an expedited electrical permit, and California Green Building Code Part 11 requires new single-family homes to be pre-wired for a 40-amp 240-volt EV circuit.

Ontario removes abandoned vehicles under California Vehicle Code 22523 and OMC Chapter 10, allowing tow after a 72-hour notice on the windshield, with enforcement by Ontario Police Abandoned Vehicle Abatement.

Ontario has no blanket overnight parking ban on ordinary passenger vehicles, but standard cars are still subject to the 72-hour limit (OMC Sec. 4-6.1011) and posted street-sweeping and time-restriction signs. Oversized vehicles and RVs may not be left on the street overnight without a 48-hour oversize-vehicle permit.

On-street parking in Ontario is governed by Title 4, Chapter 6 of the Ontario Municipal Code together with the California Vehicle Code. Drivers must obey all posted signs and curb markings, observe a citywide 72-hour limit, and follow posted street-sweeping no-parking hours.

Since July 1, 2023, Ontario requires a displayed permit to park an oversized vehicle (including most RVs, boats, and trailers) on any public street. Permits are limited to 48 hours, no more than two per calendar month, are not issued consecutively, and the vehicle must be parked in front of the owner's own residence.

Ontario requires driveways to be paved with concrete, asphalt, or approved pavers and curb cuts over 20 feet wide need an encroachment permit from Public Works under OMC Title 6.

Ontario Municipal Code Sec. 4-13.04 prohibits parking or storing commercial vehicles over 10,000 lb GVWR (11,500 lb for pickups), and any motor truck, truck tractor, or trailer regardless of weight, on lots in residential zoning districts. Limited loading/unloading and on-site work exceptions apply for short durations.

Ontario restricts fence materials by zone. Residential front-yard fences require finished materials like wrought iron, wood, or masonry. Chain link is barred in front yards; barbed wire is industrial-only.

Ontario fence requirements include zoning-based heights, setbacks, sight triangles, buffer walls on industrial edges, and CBC structural standards. Pool, retaining, and masonry walls have additional requirements.

Ontario requires any pool, spa, pond, or decorative water body deeper than 1.5 feet to be enclosed by a minimum 5-foot nonclimbable decorative fence or wall with self-closing gates. California's Swimming Pool Safety Act independently requires new or remodeled residential pools to have at least two drowning-prevention features, including a 60-inch enclosure that meets state standards.

Ontario prohibits razor wire on any wall or fence citywide, and bans barbed wire and electrified fences in residential, commercial, and residential mixed-use districts. Residential fences must be ornamental steel/iron, wood, PVC, or decorative masonry; chain link in front and street-side yards is allowed only where it is the predominant existing material.

Where grade differs between properties or a property and the public right-of-way, Ontario allows a wall or fence combined with a retaining wall above the normal height limit, but a retaining wall adjacent to the public right-of-way is capped at 3 feet, with a free wall up to 6 feet and an overall height of 9 feet; deeper cuts must be tiered.

Ontario lets neighbors build a wall or fence on a common interior side or rear property line for division or security. On corner lots and in front yards the area between a fence and the sidewalk or curb must be fully landscaped and maintained, and nothing may be placed in the public right-of-way without an encroachment permit.

In Ontario residential zones, walls and fences within a front yard may not exceed 3 feet, while interior side, rear, street-side, and subdivision-perimeter walls or fences may not exceed 6 feet. Anything in a required front or street-side setback that affects safe sight lines is capped at 3 feet.

Every wall, fence, and gate in Ontario is subject to Planning Director design review regardless of whether a building permit is needed. A building permit is separately required for fences and walls over 3 feet high and for retaining walls over 2 feet, and a right-of-way encroachment permit is required for anything in the public right-of-way.

Ontario discourages wildlife feeding under its nuisance rules and CA F and G Code 251.1. Intentional feeding of coyotes, raccoons, and similar wildlife can be declared a public nuisance and attractants must be removed.

Ontario restricts livestock to agricultural and equine zones in the Development Code. Most livestock activity is in Ontario Ranch (New Model Colony). Standard residential zones prohibit cattle, goats, sheep, and horses.

Ontario permits the keeping of four or fewer household pets by right in every residential and mixed-use zone (and the AG and MHP zones) in conjunction with a dwelling. Beyond that, the maximum keeping density is one household pet for each 6,000 square feet of net lot area.

Ontario allows poultry, fowl, and livestock only as residential animal keeping in the AR-2, RE-2, and AG zones (household pets aside), at a density of one poultry/fowl animal per 6,000 square feet of lot area. Crowing roosters, peacocks, and guinea fowl that disturb the neighborhood are unlawful, and unneutered male goats are prohibited.

Ontario allows beekeeping under the Development Code with hive-count and setback limits. Beekeepers must register annually with the San Bernardino County Agricultural Commissioner under CA F and A Code 29040.

Ontario requires dogs to be leashed off-property under OMC Title 6. Maximum leash length is 6 feet, with owner control required in all public spaces except designated off-leash dog parks.

Ontario does not impose any breed-specific dog ban. California state law (Food and Agricultural Code Section 31683) prohibits any local dog-control program from being breed-specific, except that under Health and Safety Code Section 122331 a city may adopt breed-specific spay/neuter or breeding rules only.

Ontario defers to California state law on exotic pets. CA Fish and Game Code and Title 14 Section 671 ban most wild species including big cats, bears, ferrets, hedgehogs, and sugar gliders without a permit.

California's Rainwater Capture Act (AB 1750) lets Ontario residents collect roof rainwater for outdoor use without a permit for simple barrels. Large cisterns and indoor use require plumbing permits.

Ontario allows artificial turf at homes subject to drainage and zoning rules. Civil Code 4735 (AB 349) blocks HOA bans, and AB 1572 makes synthetic turf a compliant replacement for commercial non-functional turf.

Ontario enforces the state Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO). New residential landscapes over 500 sq ft must meet water-budget, plant, and irrigation rules favoring natives and low-water species.

Ontario Municipal Code Chapter 6-9 (Weeds and Refuse Abatement) declares it unlawful and a public nuisance for any property to allow weeds, rubbish, refuse, or dirt to exist on it (Sec. 6-9.02). The City defines weeds to include brush that becomes a fire menace when dry, and abates non-compliant lots at the owner's expense, with unpaid costs becoming a special assessment on the property tax bill.

Private yard trees in Ontario can usually be removed without a city permit, but parkway street trees are city-owned and need a Public Works permit. Commercial landscape plan trees require plan revision.

Ontario Municipal Code Sec. 7-3.13 makes the abutting property owner responsible for watering, trimming, and maintaining parkway vegetation, including trimming trees to a minimum clearance of eight (8) feet from grade. Planting or removing any parkway tree requires a City permit and must conform to the Master Plan of Parkway Trees; major pruning and tree surgery are handled by the City.

Ontario is in the Voluntary Conservation Stage of its Water Conservation Plan (Ontario Municipal Code Chapter 8A, sections 6-8.20 through 6-8.35). The City's WaterWise program asks residents to avoid watering lawns between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM, prevent irrigation runoff, and stop hose-washing of paved surfaces; mandatory restrictions take effect only if the City Council declares a Stage 1 through Stage 6 shortage.

The City of Ontario's Weed & Refuse Abatement program requires that 'all brush must not exceed 6 inches in height' on vacant lots, enforced to prevent fire hazards. In parkways, Ontario Municipal Code Sec. 7-3.13 caps ground cover or shrubbery at eighteen (18) inches in height and bars dead, dying, or uncultivated vegetation under Sec. 7-3.12.

Ontario requires a home occupation permit for any business run from a residence. The use must stay incidental to living there, with no customer traffic, signage, or exterior evidence of commercial activity.

Ontario follows California law classifying small and large family daycare homes as residential uses. State statutes preempt most local zoning, but fire clearance and basic home-occupation registration still apply.

Ontario permits Cottage Food Operations as a home occupation but requires them to be conducted consistent with California state-law operating requirements and limited to products on the California Department of Public Health Approved Cottage Foods list.

Ontario home occupations cannot generate customer or delivery traffic beyond a normal household. Walk-in services like salons, medical, retail, and auto repair are not allowed as home occupations.

An Ontario home occupation must be clearly incidental and subordinate to the residential use, conducted only by the occupants of the dwelling, confined to one room occupying no more than 10 percent of the dwelling's gross floor area, and may not change the home's outward appearance or generate above-normal traffic. A long list of uses (auto repair, salons, animal businesses, machining, etc.) is prohibited.

Ontario prohibits any change in the outward appearance of the premises and bars advertising that identifies the home occupation by its street address, effectively prohibiting on-site business signage at a home-based business.

Ontario hot tubs and spas require a building permit, electrical permit, bonding to Article 680, and either a locking safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 or full pool-barrier compliance under state law.

A City of Ontario Building Department permit, plan check, and engineered drawings are required to build a residential swimming pool, and site plans must show all property lines, structures, slopes, walls, gates, fences, and barriers controlling access to the pool.

Above-ground pools in Ontario deeper than 18 inches need a building permit, barrier compliance, and electrical bonding. Removable mesh fencing or a self-latching ladder gate typically satisfies code.

The City of Ontario Building Department requires every outdoor swimming pool, spa, or hot tub to be surrounded by a barrier at least 60 inches high with no more than a 2-inch gap at the bottom, self-closing and self-latching gates, and no climbable design features, in line with the California Swimming Pool Safety Act.

Beyond the perimeter fence, Ontario recognizes ASTM-rated safety pool covers and pool alarms as compliant barriers and applies the California Swimming Pool Safety Act, which requires new or remodeled pools to carry at least two of seven drowning-prevention safety features.

Foundation-built tiny homes qualify as ADUs under Gov Code 65852.2 in Ontario. Tiny homes on wheels are treated as RVs or park trailers and cannot be used as permanent dwellings on residential lots.

Ontario allows carports on residential lots subject to zoning setbacks and a building permit for any carport 200 sq ft or larger. Properly sized carports count toward required covered parking.

Ontario allows converting an existing garage or accessory structure into an ADU under Section 5.03.010, waiving replacement parking for the converted or demolished garage, requiring a 3-foot landscape planter where the garage door is removed, and allowing the existing structure's location and setbacks to be retained.

Ontario permits accessory dwelling units ministerially under Section 5.03.010 of the Development Code, limiting detached and attached ADUs to 850 square feet for a studio/one-bedroom and 1,000 square feet for two or more bedrooms, with 4-foot rear and side setbacks, a 16-foot detached height limit, and one parking space per unit.

Ontario Development Code Section 5.03.011 governs detached accessory residential structures such as storage sheds, capping permitted-by-right area at 650 square feet (up to 1,100 for required garage parking) and 16 feet in height, requiring 5-foot rear and 10-foot interior side setbacks, prohibiting kitchens, and barring placement in front yards or shipping containers as storage.

Ontario requires active erosion control on all graded sites year-round under OMC Chapter 5 Article VI, with enhanced Best Management Practices from October 1 through April 30 during the rainy season.

Ontario enforces the Santa Ana Regional MS4 permit requiring erosion control, trash capture, and Low Impact Development for projects over 5,000 square feet, with enforcement through OMC Chapter 5 Article VI.

Ontario requires a grading permit under OMC Title 6 for any earthwork over 50 cubic yards or cuts and fills deeper than 3 feet, with geotechnical review for projects over 500 cubic yards.

Most of Ontario is in FEMA Zone X (minimal hazard), but areas near Cucamonga Creek and the Chino Basin are in Zone AE and require lowest floors 1 foot above Base Flood Elevation under OMC Chapter 28.

Ontario bans commercial cannabis retail, cultivation, manufacturing, and delivery storefronts citywide under OMC Chapter 9, while state law still permits pass-through delivery from licensed outside operators.

Ontario residents 21 and older may grow up to 6 cannabis plants indoors per residence under Proposition 64, but outdoor cultivation is banned by OMC Chapter 9 ordinance.

Ontario issues same-day online solar permits under AB 2188 and the statewide SolarAPP+ automated plan check, and new single-family homes must include solar under the 2019 Title 24 Solar Mandate.

California Civil Code 714 (Solar Rights Act) bars Ontario HOAs from banning rooftop solar, and aesthetic rules cannot add over 1,000 dollars in cost or cut output by more than 10 percent.

Ontario allows political signs on private property under First Amendment protections, with content-neutral limits on size, location, and removal timing under OMC Chapter 9.

Ontario allows seasonal holiday decorations and lights on residential property without a permit, but requires compliance with electrical code, sight distance, and HOA rules.

Ontario allows small garage sale directional signs on private property during the sale, but prohibits attaching them to utility poles, street trees, or traffic signs under OMC Chapter 8 and Vehicle Code 21466.5.

Ontario allows garage sales during daylight hours on single-family property, but limits them to 3 per year per address, 2 consecutive days, and bans selling new merchandise.

Ontario requires owners of vacant lots to clear weeds, trash, and fire hazards annually under OMC Chapter 30 and Fire Code Chapter 49 to reduce wildfire and blight risks.

Ontario prohibits overgrown vegetation, junk vehicles, graffiti, and deteriorated buildings as public nuisances under OMC Chapter 30 and California Health and Safety Code 17920.3.

Ontario prohibits storing trash, recycling, and organics carts in front yards or visible from the public right-of-way between collection days under the Development Code and OMC Chapter 4.

Ontario does not receive snow, but property owners must maintain sidewalks free of debris, obstructions, and trip hazards under California Streets and Highways Code 5610 and OMC Chapter 7.

Ontario regulates outdoor lighting under OMC Chapter 9, requiring shielded fixtures and color temperature limits to reduce glare toward homes and aircraft paths at ONT International Airport.

Ontario treats light shining onto neighboring property as a public nuisance under OMC Chapter 30 and zoning Chapter 9, with a typical 0.5 footcandle limit at any residential property line and Code Enforcement response.

Ontario does not maintain a citywide rental registry, but landlords must obtain a business license for rental activity under OMC Title 4 and comply with state rent cap disclosure rules.

Ontario follows California AB 1482 (Civil Code 1946.2), requiring landlords to provide just cause to terminate tenancy after 12 months of occupancy, with relocation assistance for no-fault evictions.

Ontario has no local rent-control ordinance, but most rentals fall under California AB 1482 capping annual rent increases at 5 percent plus CPI (max 10 percent) and requiring just cause after 12 months.

Ontario residents and businesses must separate recyclables and organics per California AB 341, AB 1826, and SB 1383, using blue recycling and green organics carts provided by Burrtec.

Ontario residents receive weekly curbside collection of trash, recycling, and organics from Burrtec Waste Industries, with carts placed out by 6:00 a.m. and removed within 24 hours.

Ontario trash, recycling, and organics carts must be placed curbside with at least 3 feet clearance, handles toward the house, and stored out of public view on non-collection days.

Ontario residents get up to 4 free bulky item pickups per year from Burrtec, scheduled at least 24 hours in advance by calling (909) 947-3945 or through the MyBurrtec portal.

Recreational drone operators in Ontario must follow FAA 14 CFR Part 107 and Part 44809 rules and stay out of ONT airport Class C airspace without LAANC authorization.

Commercial drone operations in Ontario require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, LAANC authorization in ONT airspace, and a City business license for aerial photography or inspection services.

Under California SB 946, Ontario cannot ban sidewalk vendors citywide but regulates time, place, and manner through OMC Chapter 5, with no vending in parks during events or within 15 feet of curb cuts for ADA access.

Food trucks in Ontario need a San Bernardino County Environmental Health mobile food facility permit, a City business license from (909) 395-2022, and must comply with California Retail Food Code (CalCode) requirements.

Door-to-door commercial solicitors in Ontario must obtain a Peddler, Solicitor, and Itinerant Merchant permit from the City, submit to a background check, and display the permit badge while working.

A posted No Solicitors or No Trespassing sign at an Ontario home is legally enforceable; solicitors who ignore it commit a misdemeanor under California Penal Code 602.5.

Ontario public parks are closed between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., and entry during closed hours is an infraction under OMC Title 14.

Ontario prohibits minors under 18 from being in public places between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. without a parent or qualifying exception under OMC Chapter 6.

Ontario single-family zones require a 20-foot front setback, 5-foot side yards (15-foot street side), and 20-foot rear setback under OMC Chapter 9 (Zoning), with reductions allowed for ADUs per Government Code 65852.2.

Ontario single-family lots are limited to about 40 to 50 percent building coverage under OMC Chapter 9, with additional impervious-surface restrictions tied to the San Bernardino County MS4 stormwater permit.

Ontario caps single-family homes at 35 feet or 2 stories under OMC Chapter 9, and land near ONT International Airport triggers FAA Part 77 height review for anything over 200 feet or within the runway-protection zone.

Ontario does not charge a garage sale permit fee, but limits each address to 3 sales per year of no more than 2 consecutive days under OMC Chapter 5.

Ontario HOAs operate under the California Davis-Stirling Act starting at Civil Code 4000. Boards must hold open meetings, follow written notice rules, and publish minutes to owners.

Ontario HOA disputes must first go through Internal Dispute Resolution under Civil Code 5900 and then Alternative Dispute Resolution under Civil Code 5950 before any civil lawsuit on covenants.

Ontario HOAs running an architectural review committee must follow Civil Code 4765 requirements for written procedures, prompt decisions, appeal rights, and protection of solar installations under Civil Code 714.

Ontario HOAs enforce CC&Rs through notices, hearings, fines, and ultimately court action under Davis-Stirling. Due process requirements at Civil Code 5855 protect owners before fines can be imposed.

Ontario HOA assessments follow Civil Code 5600 through 5740. Regular dues and special assessments are capped, must be disclosed in writing, and must follow strict collection and lien procedures.

Ontario requires scaffolding over 10 feet to meet Cal/OSHA Title 8 standards, and any scaffold in a public right-of-way needs an encroachment permit from the Ontario Public Works Agency at (909) 395-2000.

Elevators, escalators, and conveyances in Ontario buildings are regulated by Cal/OSHA, not the city. Owners must hold a current Permit to Operate and arrange periodic inspections by a Qualified Conveyance Company.

Renovation that disturbs paint in a pre-1978 Ontario home must use an EPA Lead-Safe Certified firm under 40 CFR 745 and comply with California Title 17. Landlords also have lead disclosure duties.

Ontario property owners must abate rodents, cockroaches, bed bugs, and mosquito breeding under OMC Chapter 30 and coordinate with the West Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District.