Fontana, CA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required for
- Curbs, gutters, driveways, sidewalks, sewers, drains in ROW
- Issuing agency
- Public works department, Sec. 25-151
- Application fee
- $20.00 flat, Sec. 25-153(a)
- Bond/deposit trigger
- Required if cost exceeds $300.00, Sec. 25-126
- Time to start work
- 60 days from issuance, Sec. 25-125
- Site cleanup deadline
- 3 days after work completes, Sec. 25-128
- Penalty for no permit
- Misdemeanor, up to $1,000/6 months, Sec. 1-7
Summary
Fontana bars anyone from grading, paving, or building curbs, gutters, driveways, sidewalks, sewers, drains, manholes, or catch basins in any city street, alley, or dedicated right-of-way without a public works permit. Sec. 25-151 makes the work unlawful without one; Sec. 25-152 requires a written application describing the work's location, nature, and purpose before the department will issue it.
No person shall grade, prepare, subgrade, pave or construct sewers, drains, curbs, gutters, driveways, sidewalks, manholes, catchbasins or similar structures or works in any street, alley or way which is dedicated or proposed to be dedicated for public use within the city unless and until a permit for the work has been issued by the public works department in accordance with the provisions of this division.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 64 | Zoning and Development Code: Supplement 17).
Full Breakdown
Any private party wanting to build or alter curbs, gutters, driveways, sidewalks, sewers, drains, manholes or catch basins within a dedicated or proposed-to-be-dedicated street, alley or way must first get a permit from the public works department under Sec. 25-151. Sec. 25-152 requires a written application naming the applicant and stating the location, nature and extent of the intended construction and its purpose. Sec. 00, for each additional one. 00, Sec. 25-126 requires the applicant to post cash, a certified or cashier's check, or a surety bond with the city treasurer sufficient to cover the city's cost of finishing the work if the permittee defaults; the deposit is refunded once the director of public works confirms completion.
Sec. 25-125 gives the permittee 60 days from issuance to start work or the permit becomes void, unless the director grants a written extension before that period runs out. Sec. 25-127 requires the permittee to have all work inspected and to notify the inspector at least 24 hours before the inspection is needed; work done without that notice is not acceptable and is subject to rejection. Sec. 25-128 requires removal of all excess earth, debris, form lumber, waste and unused construction material from the right-of-way within three days of completing the work, and Sec. 25-129 has the director issue a written notice of acceptance once the completed work satisfies city standards.
Violations & Fines
Sec. 25-123 makes it a misdemeanor to violate any provision of Article IV, including maintaining, placing or attempting to place any of the covered structures in a public street without first obtaining the written permit. Sec. 1-7 sets the citywide penalty: up to $1,000.00 in fines, up to six months in jail, or both, with each day a violation continues charged as a separate offense. The penalty is cumulative and does not bar the city from also pursuing any other remedy available under the article.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a driveway approach or sidewalk in front of my Fontana property?
How much does Fontana charge for a right-of-way construction permit?
Is a bond required to get the permit?
What happens if I do the work without getting a Fontana permit first?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fontana
California rules heatmap·Compare Fontana to another location·View the California sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Encroachment Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle encroachment permits.