city · San Bernardino County · California

Fontana, California Building Permits & Zoning

Regulatory data for residential homebuilders and land developers

6.2

Friction Index Moderate Regulatory Environment

Permit Timeline

40 days

5-6 weeks

Total Fees Est.

$36,900

per residential lot

Impact Fees

$32,000

per lot

Permit Fee

$3,300

residential

Plan Review Fee

$1,600

per application

Delay Risk

28%

probability of delay

Zoning & Requirements

Overlay Districts

Permitted By-Right Uses

Permitting Requirements

✓ Building permit application with engineered plans
✓ CEQA — categorical exemption typical; air quality assessment for industrial proximity
✓ South Coast AQMD Rule 403 compliance (fugitive dust)
✓ Title 24 Part 6 energy compliance with HERS rater
✓ CalGreen mandatory checklist
✓ Grading/drainage permit with soils report
✓ WQMP and SWPPP (LID requirements apply)
✓ Fontana Water Company connection permit
✓ IEUA or local sewer connection
✓ Fire department review
✓ SBCTA Measure I traffic impact fee
✓ School impact fees (Fontana USD)
✓ MSHCP fee — San Bernardino County conservation program
✓ CFD/Mello-Roos disclosure

Process Notes

Staffing & Operations

Active residential market in west Inland Empire. City has invested in permit processing improvements. Industrial adjacency is common — air quality documentation sometimes required. SBCTA transportation fees apply.

Recent Changes

Housing Element 6th Cycle certified 2025. SBCTA Measure I regional transportation fees increased Q1 2026. New stormwater LID requirements took effect 2025. City launched enhanced pre-application conference program for residential builders.

Rezone Probability

70%

Contact Information

Permit Office Phone

(909) 350-7600

Official Website

https://www.fontana.org/communitydev

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