Before You Build in Fontana, CA: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Fontana's building code amendment exempts short fences from a building permit: solid fences up to 3.5 feet and open fences up to 4 feet, with at least 90 percent open surface area, don't need one. Sec. 5-62(a) rewrites California Building Code Section 105.2's Exemption 2 to set those two thresholds; anything taller falls back under the standard permit requirement.

Fontana exempts short retaining walls from a building permit: Sec. 5-62(b) rewrites California Building Code Section 105.2's Exemption 4 so any wall not over 3 feet tall, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, skips the permit, unless it supports a surcharge or holds back flammable or combustible liquids.

California Civil Code Section 841, the Good Neighbor Fence Act, controls shared boundary fences in Fontana. Adjoining neighbors share costs equally unless one party can show unequal benefit, and 30 days written notice is required before construction.

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.

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.

Backyard fire pits and barbecue pits in Fontana must have their location and type approved by the Fontana Fire Protection District, and a barbecue pit may only burn wood or other clean solid fuel. Unlike open burning, approved grills and pits are exempt from the city's 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. burning-hours window.

Fontana bans burning weeds, brush, tree trimmings or other yard debris outdoors except in an approved incinerator or under a written open-burning permit from the Fontana Fire Protection District. Permitted burning is confined to 6 a.m.-11 a.m., a competent attendant must stay with the fire, and burning stops the moment wind exceeds ten miles per hour.

Removing a heritage, significant or specimen tree in Fontana requires a removal permit from the community development department before work starts. Sec. 28-64 bars removal without one, and Sec. 28-68 spells out what the application must include, from the reason for removal to arborist reports.

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.