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Fontana, CA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 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.

View official code

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?
Yes. Sec. 25-151 prohibits grading, paving or constructing curbs, gutters, driveways, sidewalks, sewers, drains, manholes or catch basins in any dedicated street, alley or way until the public works department issues a permit under this division.
How much does Fontana charge for a right-of-way construction permit?
Sec. 25-153(a) sets a $20.00 application fee for each permit, plus per-foot or per-square-foot inspection charges that scale down as the quantity of curb, gutter, sidewalk or paving work increases, set out in the fee table in that section.
Is a bond required to get the permit?
Only if the estimated cost of the work exceeds $300.00. Sec. 25-126 then requires a cash deposit, certified check or surety bond sufficient to cover the city's cost of finishing the work if the applicant fails to complete it, refundable once the work is done.
What happens if I do the work without getting a Fontana permit first?
Sec. 25-123 makes it a misdemeanor to place any of the covered structures in a public street without a written permit, punishable under Sec. 1-7 by up to $1,000.00 in fines, up to six months in jail, or both, with each day treated as a separate offense.

Sources & Official References

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