Pop. 175,265 · San Bernardino County
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 garage-to-ADU conversions under Gov Code 65852.2 with no replacement parking required. Non-ADU conversions to living space still need a building permit and must replace covered parking.
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 allows backyard hens in residential zones under the Development Code and OMC Title 6, with coop setbacks. Roosters are typically prohibited, and larger livestock require agricultural or equine zoning.
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 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 ban specific dog breeds. CA Food and Agricultural Code 31683 preempts cities from breed-specific bans, though individual dogs can be declared dangerous and breed-specific spay/neuter rules are allowed.
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.
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.
Ontario pool barriers must meet CA Health and Safety Code 115920 (Pool Safety Act). A 60-inch enclosure, self-closing gate, and 2 of 7 drowning-prevention features are required on new or remodeled pools.
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 requires a permit for any retaining wall over 4 feet (footing to top) or carrying a surcharge such as a slope or driveway. Engineered plans by a licensed California civil or structural engineer are required.
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.
Shared Ontario fences are governed by California Civil Code 841, the Good Neighbor Fence Act. Adjoining owners are presumed to share costs equally after 30 days of written notice to the neighbor.
Ontario limits residential fence heights under the Development Code. Typical maximums are 6 feet rear/side, 3 feet front, and 42 inches in sight-distance triangles at corners. Taller fences need a variance.
Ontario requires a building permit for masonry walls and any fence over 7 feet under the California Building Code. Retaining walls over 4 feet also require permits. Standard 6-foot wood or vinyl fences typically do not.
Ontario restricts amplified music under OMC 5-29.07 and special-event rules. Outdoor amplified sound that disturbs neighbors can be cited anytime, with stricter nighttime enforcement from 10 PM to 7 AM.
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.
Aircraft noise from Ontario International Airport (ONT) is regulated by the FAA, not the city. ONT runs an FAA Part 150 noise compatibility program; federal preemption bars local restrictions on flights.
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 enforces nighttime quiet under OMC Title 5 Chapter 29. Loud or intrusive noise that disturbs the peace between 10 PM and 7 AM is stricter enforced, coordinated by Ontario Police and Code Enforcement.
Ontario limits construction noise under OMC 5-29.09. Allowed hours are 7 AM to 8 PM weekdays and 8 AM to 6 PM Saturday. Sunday and holiday work near residences is restricted absent a waiver.
Ontario treats persistent barking as a nuisance under OMC Title 6 and the noise ordinance. Animal Services investigates, warns owners, and can escalate to administrative citations for continued disturbance.
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 backyard fires are limited to small wood fires in approved pits or gas appliances. Burning of leaves, trash, or debris is banned under SCAQMD Rule 444 and the adopted California Fire Code.
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 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.
All fireworks, including Safe and Sane, are banned in Ontario year round under Ontario Municipal Code and California Health and Safety Code 12500. Fines start at 1,000 dollars per violation.
Ontario allows backyard fire pits under the California Fire Code as adopted. Wood pits must sit 25 feet from structures and be attended. SCAQMD no-burn days override local rules.
Open burning of yard waste, trash, or debris is banned in Ontario under the adopted California Fire Code and SCAQMD Rule 444. Only recreational fires in approved pits and BBQ cooking are allowed.
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.
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.
Cottage Food Operations are legal in Ontario under AB 1616 and AB 1240 MEHKO. Class A and B CFOs register or permit through San Bernardino County Environmental Health, with state annual sales caps.
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.
Ontario allows home-based businesses as home occupations under Development Code Title 9 with a home occupation permit. Work must be inside the home by residents only, with no neighborhood impact.
Ontario generally prohibits exterior signage for home occupations to preserve residential character. Home-based businesses cannot post storefront-style signs, window advertising, or illuminated signs on the dwelling.
Ontario ties STR occupancy to bedroom count and California Building Code per-occupant floor area. A common cap is two guests per bedroom plus two additional, with events and parties typically prohibited.
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 before any stay under 30 days. Applications are filed through the City Citizen Portal and require proof of primary residence plus a full set of property documents.
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.
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.
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.
Ontario requires a building permit, plumbing permit, electrical permit, and plan check before any pool or spa construction under the California Building Standards Code and Ontario Municipal Code.
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.
Ontario pools must comply with the California Swimming Pool Safety Act at H&S Code 115920, which requires an approved barrier or combination of safety features around any residential pool or spa.
Ontario residential pools must meet state drowning-prevention safety features, anti-entrapment drain covers under the Virginia Graeme Baker Act, and California Building Code electrical bonding 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 has no blanket overnight parking ban on residential streets, but vehicles cannot remain more than 72 hours under CVC 22651(k) and posted permit-district signage near ONT airport is enforced from 10 PM to 6 AM.
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 enforces a 72-hour street parking limit under California Vehicle Code 22651(k) and OMC Title 10, and posted street-sweeping days vary by neighborhood with citations typically 55 to 85 dollars.
Ontario limits RVs, trailers, and boats parked on public streets to 72 hours under CVC 22651(k), and private-property RV storage must generally occur in a side or rear yard screened from view under OMC zoning standards.
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 prohibits commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds or 22 feet long from parking on residential streets overnight, and tractor-trailer staging is limited to zoned industrial yards under OMC Chapter 10.
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 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 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 runs an annual weed abatement program under California H and S 14875. Owners get spring notices to clear dry weeds, brush, and rubbish; the city abates and bills the owner if they do not.
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 owners must trim trees so branches clear sidewalks, streets, and signs. Parkway street trees are city-owned and require a Public Works permit to prune, plant, or remove.
Ontario's Water Shortage Contingency Plan limits outdoor watering to assigned days and cool hours. AB 1572 bans potable water on non-functional turf at commercial and HOA sites starting January 2027.
Ontario requires owners to keep lawns, parkways, and vacant lots free of overgrown weeds and tall dry grass under the municipal nuisance code. Code Enforcement acts at roughly six inches or on fire risk.
SB 1383 requires every California resident and business to separate food scraps and yard waste from trash, with universal collection or on-site composting.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.