Frequently Asked Questions

The status of your application can be viewed through Build Fontana. At www.fontanaca.gov, choose the Build Fontana Portal link on the Planning website. Under the Search area, enter your project number and click “Search.” The status of your planning application will appear. You can also call the Planning Department (909) 350-6718 or email.

The General Plan identifies and describes long range goals and objectives for the City of Fontana. Projects must comply with these goals and objectives in order to be approved. The City of Fontana General Plan is a very important document, as it represents the City’s long-term vision. It guides all land use decisions in our community and is required by state law. From time to time, an applicant will propose a change in land use to the General Plan. These changes are called “General Plan Amendments.” The General Plan was adopted only after extensive study and public hearings by the Planning Commission and the City Council. Any change in the General Plan must also go through the same process of study, review and public hearings. Some areas of the City develop under more focused regulatory guidance. Although consistent with the City’s General Plan, these areas are regulated under adopted “Specific Plans.” There are 27 Specific Plans located in the City of Fontana, of which, most are residential in character. Like the General Plan, specific plans are adopted only after extensive study and public hearings by the Planning Commission and the City Council. Changes proposed to a specific plan are requested through a “Specific Plan Amendment” that also must go through the same process of study, review, and public hearings. Prior to filing for either a General Plan Amendment or Specific Plan Amendment, Fontana Municipal Code (FMC) Sections 30-33 and 30-68 requires a “Pre-Application” review by City staff. Please call the Planning Department at (909) 350-6718 or via email for more information.

You can look up the zoning of your property at www.fontanaca.gov. Choose the “Government” tab and click "Planning". Select "Zoning, General Plan Information & Maps" on the left hand side, then, choose the “Zoning and General Plan Land Use Interactive Map” link on the left of the screen.  Type in your property address and choose either “Zoning” for your zoning, “General Plan” for land use information, or “Specific Plan” to find if your property is in one of the City’s many Specific Plan areas. If your property is in a Specific Plan, please call the Planning Department  at (909) 350-6718 or via email for more specific zoning information.

The Planning Case Fee Schedule can be found at www.fontantaca.gov. At the top of the page, place your cursor over “Government.” Under "Departments" section, click "Planning", select "Applications and Fees" on the left hand side. Scroll down to "Fee Schedule" and select "Planning Case Fees". You may also request the Planning Case Fee Schedule by contacting the Planning Department at (909) 350-6718 or via email. 

If a property owner feels that one or more zoning standards impose an unnecessary physical hardship due to the property’s unique size, shape, topography, location, or other physical condition, the owner may request to be excused from strictly complying with that requirement. This request is called a variance (because the owner desires to “vary” from the rule(s) that usually apply). The City’s Zoning and Development Code (FMC 30-202 and 30-213) defines how a variance can be used. Variances are not granted without serious deliberation. When deciding to grant a variance, decision-makers (either the Director of Planning, for a “Minor Variance,” or the Planning Commission) must make written findings explaining why a variance is, or is not, justified. These explanations must be backed up with facts that also become part of the written record of the decision. Financial hardship, community benefit, or the worthiness of the project is not a consideration. Also, a property owner cannot be granted a variance simply because they do not want to comply with a particular development standard. Additionally, a variance cannot be used to allow a land use that is not otherwise allowed in the zoning district that the property is located. Prior to filing for a Variance, Fontana Municipal Code (FMC) Section 30-204 and 30-215 requires a “Pre-Application” conference with City staff. Please call the Planning Department at (909) 350-6718 or via email for more information.

Much like General Plan and Specific Plan Amendments, the City’s Zoning and Development Code may be amended to reclassify property from any zoning district, provided that any such amendment is consistent with the General Plan. Zone change applications require action by the Planning Commission and the City Council. Prior to filing for a Zone Change Application, Fontana Municipal Code (FMC) Sections 30-41 requires a “Pre-Application” review by City staff. Please call the Planning Department at (909) 350-6718 or via email for more information.

A Pre Application Meeting (PAM) is a preliminary review by City staff before filing of an entitlement application on a property. The Pre Application Meeting is intended to: 1) inform applicants and their representatives of the entitlement process, specifically in terms of processing time and cost; and 2) identify any issues that may arise during the entitlement process before significant time and expense is made by the applicant and City staff. The PAM, if utilized effectively, ensures an efficient entitlement process and significantly increases the chances of a project getting to “Yes.”

Many residential properties are eligible to construct an ADU and/or JADU. Eligibility depends on the property's zoning. Construction of an ADU or JADU is subject to the regulations found in the Zoning and Development Code. Refer to the ADU information sheet for an overview of the regulations. 

https://www.fontana.org/DocumentCenter/View/36099/ADU-Information-Sheet