Shed Installation Permits in Fontana

Local Rule

City of Fontana Building and Safety Division; California Building Code Section 105.2 (Fontana-adopted)

Fontana administers building permits under the statewide California Building Code, which exempts a one-story detached accessory structure used as a tool or storage shed from a building permit when the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet and the structure has no electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems; a detached accessory structure over 120 square feet requires a permit. Smaller, exempt sheds must still comply with setback rules. Portions of Fontana near the San Gabriel Mountains foothills fall within State Responsibility Areas or local Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, which can add material requirements even to an otherwise exempt structure.

Source · Verified September 2026

Fontana Building Department

Hours and procedures can change — call ahead to confirm.

How This Compares to San Bernardino County

Fontana's own rule is shown above (No permit under 120 sqft). Here is the separate rule that applies at the county level, for context:

San Bernardino County / local code

California's building code lowers the shed exemption to 120 square feet (a 10x12 shed), below the national 200, with a 12-foot height cap. Anything larger, taller, on a permanent slab, or with electrical or plumbing needs a permit. In San Bernardino County the shed must also meet zoning setbacks (commonly 5 feet from side and rear lines) and, in fire-hazard zones, ignition-resistant requirements.

See the full county page

Nearby Cities with Verified Rules

Other cities near Fontana with a confirmed shed installation rule:

FAQs

Building It Yourself? Here's What You'll Need

Popular tools and materials homeowners use for a shed installation project:

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