Frequently Asked Questions

Residents can get a permit at the Fontana Police Department (Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm) located at 17005 Upland Ave. the Fontana Police Department, or by visiting the Police Department.

Fire sprinklers are used together with a water supply and piping to provide an adequate quantity and pressure of water (an extinguishing agent) to a fire. The fine spray of water is applied earlier than hose streams from responding fire engine companies, which allows occupants more time to escape, protects a building, and reduces fire or water damage to building contents and to surrounding structures.

• Buildings in which it is unsafe or unhealthy for persons to live or work
• Buildings or lots that cannot be economically used because of substandard size, design, lack of parking and the like, given present standards or physical condition
• Incompatible adjacent or nearby uses which prevent the development of project area parcels
• Subdivided lots of irregular form, shape, and size for proper usefulness that are in multiple ownership
• Depreciated or stagnant property values or impaired investments
• Abnormally high business vacancies, abnormally low lease rates, high turnover rates, abandoned buildings, or excessive vacant lots
• A lack of commercial facilities that are normally found in neighborhoods
• Residential overcrowding or an excess of businesses catering exclusively to adults that has led to problems of public safety and welfare

Healthy Fontana is a community-based program created to inform, educate, and change the way people eat, be active, and live. Through its nutrition, physical activity, community partnerships, and smart growth initiatives, it brings numerous events and activities to the community that are designed to encourage and inspire residents to lead a healthier lifestyle. Programming includes an annual “Let’s Move on the Trail!” event, after-school outreach, summer programs, weekly Farmers' Markets and many more.

Acquanetta Warren’s road to creating the Healthy Fontana program began in 2003. Alarmed with the growing rates of diabetes, obesity, and heart disease in Fontana and concerned with her own diet and lifestyle, Acquanetta decided to make a change and get the residents of Fontana involved as well. She was also motivated by First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Initiative challenging communities to develop programs designed to reverse the childhood obesity epidemic within the span of one generation. When Acquanetta joined the City Council in December 2003, she knew she had to take action: “Childhood obesity has been a great concern of mine for many years and is why I started the Healthy Fontana Program,” she says. Since then, Healthy Fontana has enjoyed a 10+ year streak of success, garnering numerous awards such as the 2016 United States Conference of Mayors #1 mid-sized city in the nation for eliminating childhood obesity, the 2008 Cities, Counties, and Schools Merit Award, the 2014 Let’s Move! Cities, Towns, and Counties Initiative Award, and the 2017 Champion of the Community Award for Let’s Move on the Trail event. Acquanetta has also received numerous recognitions for her efforts including 2017’s Health Champion Award for Southern California Elected Officials from the California Center for Public Health, and was even invited by Michelle Obama to Washington D.C. to celebrate the national Let’s Move! Cities, Towns and Counties initiative. Acquanetta enjoys participating in as many Healthy Fontana programs/events as possible and one can often find her at Fontana Walks monthly community walks.

Healthy Fontana is always looking to grow and expand its success throughout the Fontana community. If you are a local company or retailer, we would love to have your support! Some of our sponsors include Lewis Operating Companies and Young Homes, which have committed their full support for all programs whenever possible. No matter your size, Healthy Fontana is proud to partner with local businesses that are eager to spread Healthy Fontana’s ideals of healthy living throughout the community and beyond. If your business is interested in getting involved with Healthy Fontana as a sponsor or program partner, please contact Healthy Fontana at (909) 350-6542.

These stickers are only a warning, you have not been cited. These serve as notification that you are possibly in violation of the 72-hour Ordinance.

A basic traffic collision report takes approximately two to three weeks to be processed.  

Household hazardous waste is any material discarded from homes which may threaten human health or the environment when disposed of improperly when they can no longer be used for their intended purposes. It is illegal to throw hazardous materials in the trash. The City of Fontana provides the opportunity for residents to safely dispose of products containing harmful chemicals. Check containers for key words such as danger, caution, warning, poison, corrosive, flammable, explosive, oxidizer, irritant, harmful, and fatal. Instead, take them to the City of Fontana's Household Hazardous Waste collection facility.

Please contact the Department of Engineering at (909) 350-7610.

Please have your case number available and contact the Department of Engineering at (909) 350-7610.

When work within the public right of way is impacting traffic. Please contact the Department of Engineering at (909) 350-7610 to obtain a permit.

You will need to provide the Assessor's Parcel Number or the property address and contact the Department of Engineering at (909) 350-7610. 

Please see City Standard Plan No. 1001/1002.

Please contact the Department of Engineering at (909) 350-7610 with the Assessor's Parcel Number or property address.

Yes. You can find the permit application on our website or contact Department of Engineering at (909) 350-7610.

Please refer to Department of Engineering website page for instructions on how to request an inspection.

Please contact the Inspection Section at (909) 350-7610 with your permit number.

The City requires a minimum of two working days to process and issue oversize load permits. Over limit load permits will require three working days for review and approval.

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 

CEQA applies to projects undertaken by a public agency, funded by a public agency or requires an issuance of a permit by a public agency. A "project" means the whole of an action that has a potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, and is an activity that may be subject to several discretionary approvals by governmental agencies. 

The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) was adopted in 1970 and incorporated in the Public Resources Code §§21000-21177. The basic purposes of CEQA are to: 1. Inform governmental decision makers and the public about the potential significant environmental effects of proposed activities; 2. Identify ways that environmental damage can be avoided or significantly reduced; 3. Require changes in projects through the use of alternatives or mitigation measures when feasible; 4. Disclose to the public the reasons why a project was approved if significant environmental effects are involved; 5. Encourage early coordination among agencies in reviewing projects; and, 6. Provide better opportunity for public participation.

An environmental impact report (EIR) is a detailed report written by the lead agency describing and analyzing the significant environmental effects of a proposed project, identifying alternatives and discussing ways to reduce or avoid the possible environmental damage. An EIR is prepared when the lead agency finds substantial evidence that the project may have a significant effect on the environment. 

Listed below you will find information regarding the Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU):

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) Information Sheet (PDF)
Desarrollo de una Unidad de Vivienda Accesoria - Español (PDF)

For additional information, please contact the Planning Department at (909) 350-6718 or via email. 

The status of your application can be checked by calling (909) 350-7640, by coming in to the Building & Safety counter, or by accessing the E-TRAKIT system using your PIN number.

Building permit fees depend on the specifics of the project being done. Also, depending on the project, in addition to the fees you pay to the Building & Safety Division, you may be required to pay fees to the Fire Department, Planning Department, Engineering Department.

The Building & Safety Division of the Community Development Department is currently experiencing low staffing levels due to budget constraints; however, "Getting our Customers to Success" remains a priority. While we recommend that you allow yourself additional time when you visit our permit counter, we recognize the value of your time and would like to do everything possible to reduce your wait. Below you will find some tips for reducing the amount of time it will take at the counter and minimizing repeat trips. 1. Download your application and have it completed before you come to see us. The application and other helpful documents can be viewed and downloaded from the Building & Safety web pages. 2. Know who you need to see. Most construction projects require the approval of the Planning Department as well as the Building & Safety Division. Exceptions include minor permits (residential plumbing, mechanical, and electrical work) and interior remodels for residential structures. 3. Know what it is you want to build. (Is it a patio cover, gazebo, block wall, room addition, or? Is the structure new or is it replacing an existing structure? What size is it? How tall is it? Where on the property do you want to build it? What other structures exist on the property, and where are they located on the property?) 4. Ask for help. Sometimes a project is just too big for you to handle on your own. Don't be afraid to seek help from a professional who has done this before. It can save you time, money, and a lot of headache in the long run. 5. Make sure that you do your research. A check list entitled “Before You Start…” will help you identify common concerns. (Checklist attached or web???) 6. If available, bring pictures of your property in with you when you come to the counter. Pictures can help you explain your project and make sure that you receive accurate answers. (Guidelines for photographing your project are attached or web?) 7. Bring the correct number of copies with you: 7 copies of the drawings and 2 copies of all supporting documents. Handouts that explain what documentation is needed to submit for plan check can be viewed and downloaded from the Building & Safety web pages. 8. In addition to the plans and other supporting documentation that you submit to Building & Safety, many projects will require additional separate submittals to Fire, Landscape, and/or Engineering. (A few examples of these separate submittals are landscape plans, automatic-fire sprinkler systems, public improvement plans, etc.) 9. Visit the counter in the morning. Afternoon wait times tend to be longer. 10. If you are going to obtain the permit as an owner/builder you will need to bring in proof of property ownership. A copy of the Deed of Trust is recommended. If you are not a State licensed contractor and you are not the property owner, you will need to bring in an Owner Builder Verification form that has been completed and fully executed. The Owner Builder Verification form can be downloaded from the Building & Safety web pages

The hearing is NOT mandatory.  Property owners who wish to object may attend the hearing.

Contact the inspector whose name and phone number are listed on the notice and inform him/her that the work has been completed.  Make sure the work has been completed before the compliance date stated on the notice.  It is best to follow up with the inspector to ensure the property passed inspection and the case has been closed.  You will not receive a letter from the City stating your case has been closed.

There are several reasons why a bill may be sent. A re-inspection fee may be issued if the abatement is not completed by the compliance date. A warrant fee may be issued if a warrant was obtained AND posted on your property.  An abatement fee would be issued if the City’s contractor had to do the abatement on your property. Any other fees assessed are contractor fees.

Notices are sent to property owner information obtained from the San Bernardino County Assessors office. Address changes must be made with the Assessors office and NOT City of Fontana. Notices are only posted on vacant lots. If you are experiencing issues with getting your mail, you may contact your local post office.

Any weeds observed on any part of the property visible from the street will justify sending a notice. This includes the rear yard, hillsides, side yards, front yard, curb and gutter, side frontage, planters, frontage areas and horse trails.

The City does not send notices notifying property owners of the case being closed. It will be up to the property owner to contact the inspector to obtain confirmation.

Officers are encouraged to use the cameras whenever possible. They will be required to activate them during field contacts, on radio calls and enforcement stops, and anytime they feel the camera may be useful. In addition, the cameras we chose are also utilized as digital audio recorders and still cameras which will aid in recovery of evidence and reduce the equipment issued to officers.

All officers engaged in field operations will deploy a body worn camera.

No. The video captured with the body worn camera is considered an investigative record per Government Code Section 7923.600-7923.625. The department will comply fully with the Public Records Act as it applies to body worn cameras, but considers all footage exempt from disclosure, except as is determined otherwise by department officials or a court of law.

Furthermore, one of the most critical issues for the public interacting with the police is privacy. People often seek police assistance when they are going through a difficult time. Juveniles, victims and arrestees have strong privacy protections, in part to mitigate the negative impact of open information. The Fontana Police Department is committed to protect the safety and privacy of all individuals who interact with the police.

All video will be stored for a period consistent with state law and the requirements of the organization to aid in prosecution and civil litigation.

Officers are encouraged to tell the public when they are being recorded. However, it is not a requirement to do so.

The presence of a body worn camera or any recording device has proven to increase professionalism from both officers and citizens and reduce some incidents of violent public interactions.

Recordings also give staff the ability to conduct administrative reviews and audits of both individual recordings and the overall program, in accordance with our policy. Recordings may also be reviewed by staff to improve service levels, tactics, and training for our employees.

Our policy states that officers outfitted with a camera will turn it on when an interaction with a member of the public is initiated and the camera will remain on during the interaction. There are few exceptions to this, such as situations where there is a privacy concern that would make it inappropriate to record, requiring a shift in priority to the protection of privacy in certain environments.

Fill out the Government Claim form and submit to:

City of Fontana
Attn: City Clerk’s Department
16860 Valencia Ave. Fontana, CA 92335

In general, an individual may not sue a government entity for monetary damages without first filing a written “government claim” within the legally allowed timeframe. The California Tort Claims Act requires this step be taken first to put the public entity on notice and allow them to investigate the claim so that it can properly defend itself or correct the dangerous condition that led to the claim. This law applies if you plan to file a claim/bring a lawsuit against all forms of public entities such as state, county, and local government agencies, or departments as well as to government employees.

The party filing the claim will receive a phone call from Carl Warren & Company within 10 business days from receipt of the claim from the adjuster managing the claim.

The party filing the claim will receive a letter within 45 days to explain whether the claim has been accepted or denied.

If the party has additional questions regarding their claim they should contact our Third Party Administrator, Carl Warren & Company. Please see information below.

The California Tort Claims Act requires that you must file your claim with the government entity within the following time periods, or you may be forever barred from bringing your claim:

• Personal Injury – Six (6) months from time of incident;
• Damage to Personal Property – Six (6) months from time of incident;
• Wrongful Death – Six (6) months from time of incident;
• Breach of Contract – One (1) year from time of incident;
• Damage to Real Property – One (1) year from time of incident;
• Equitable Estoppel – (1) year from time of incident.

• Complete all sections of the form that apply.
• Clearly note Claimants name and mailing address.
• The date, place, and circumstances that gave rise to the claim asserted.
• A general description of the debt, obligation, injury, damage, or loss incurred as best as can be determined at the time of filing, so far as it may be known at the time of presentation of the claim.
• Any supporting documentation (i.e., receipts, invoices, etc.).
• The name(s) of the entity or employee full name.

Contact the TPA, Carl Warren & Company at (657)622-4200 and inquire about the rejection or if additional information is needed to amend the insufficient claim.

If you are unable to connect with a claims examiner at Carl Warren & Company, please contact the Human Resources and Risk Management Department at the City of Fontana directly at (909) 350-7650 or email humanresources@fontanaca.gov

• Go to events.fontana.org/vendors and fill out an interest form for every event you are interested in.

• City wide events that take place outdoors such as the Festival of Winter, Summer Concerts, or 4th of July, may be cancelled due to heavy rain and/or high winds (with the exception of Fontana Days Run, which is a rain or shine event). 

Please fill out our volunteer application here and turn it in to the Community Service Department (16860 Valencia Avenue).

• Please contact us at (909) 349-6946 or via email to discuss sponsorship opportunities.  Thank you for supporting our community.

Please contact Marketing and Economic Development Manager Monique Carter at  mcarter@fontanaca.gov.

You will need to contact a broker who provides commercial and industrial listings in the City of Fontana. Most of this information is available on the Internet. You will need to talk with the broker and get his or her client's contact information, so you can interview clients to determine if you want to hire the broker to represent you in your search for a perfect site for your type of business. The City is unable to recommend a specific broker to you.

You can also find the site yourself through Google Maps or drive around the city looking for a piece of property. If you find a site, please remember to check land use and zoning by contacting the Planning Division at (909) 350-6718.

Before you enter escrow to buy the property, you want to contact the Planning Division to find out the land use and zoning designation for the property. This is first and foremost because you want to be sure that the property is zoned for the type of business that you want to establish. The Planning Division can be reached at (909) 350-6718.

You can find the land use map on the City’s website. For the zoning map, please contact the Planning Division at (909) 350-6718 and a member of the Planning Division staff would be happy to assist you.

Before you submit an application to the City, we suggest that you contact Monique Carter, Marketing & Economic Development Manager at (909) 350-6520. Ms. Carter will help coordinate a meeting with the City’s development team to give you initial feedback on what you need to do for submittal of plans, process, fees, etc. This is so that you are aware of the investment that you’ll have to make before you submit any development application to the City.

The Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (IESBDC) provides small businesses and entrepreneurs in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties with business assistance services. The IESBDC offers informative seminars and workshops, including a workshop on starting a small business. They also offer specialized services and programs for businesses. You can obtain more information on the services provided by IESBDC on their website or by calling (951) 781-2345.

You will need to search for the list of architects and engineers on the Internet. You will need to call the architects and engineers to get his/her client's contact information, so you can interview their clients to determine if you want to hire him/her to prepare your plans. In addition, you will need to check the California Architects Board to find out if an architect is licensed and the license is valid. To find out if an engineer is licensed and the license is still valid, please contact the Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists. The City is unable to recommend a specific architect or engineer to you.