Short-Term Rental Investment Guide: Fontana, California

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Fontana, CA?

Short-term rentals ARE ALLOWED in Fontana, CA, but they are regulated at the San Bernardino County level since Fontana is an incorporated city within the county. The San Bernardino County Short-Term Rental Program governs STR operations in both unincorporated county areas and member cities like Fontana that participate in the county program. Properties located in Fontana that wish to operate as short-term rentals (defined as rentals for 30 days or less) must obtain a permit through the San Bernardino County Code Enforcement Department.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Fontana, CA

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

• Your property must be located within San Bernardino County jurisdiction (including Fontana)
• Short-term rentals are defined as rentals for 30 days or less
• The program currently accepts applications for dwellings in the mountain and desert areas of San Bernardino County

Step 2: Register and Apply

1. Create an Account: Register and log in to the EZ Online Permitting (EZOP) system at ezop.sbcounty.gov/citizenaccess/
2. Submit Application: Create and submit your STR application through the portal
3. Application Review: Staff reviews for applicability and completeness (average time: 1 week)
4. Payment: Upon completion, staff assigns fees and sends email notification for payment
5. Notification: Surrounding property owner notification is prepared when required
6. Inspection: Exterior inspection is scheduled and completed
7. Processing: After successful inspection and notification period, permit is issued

Step 3: Post-Permit Requirements

• Download and display permit and Good Neighbor brochure in visible location within the STR unit
• Provide 24-hour contact information for complaint resolution
• Maintain compliance with operational standards

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Permits and Licenses

• Short-Term Rental Permit (mandatory for all STR operations)
• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Registration and certification

Required Documentation

• Owner Acknowledgement and Safety Requirements (PDF attachment)
• Plot Plan showing property layout
• Property ownership verification (recorded grant deed)
• 24-hour contact information for owner or property manager
• Transient Occupancy Certification (TOT) form

Application Forms

• New STR Permit Application
• Renewal Application (when applicable)
• Property Manager Change Request
• Appeal Forms (for denials, suspensions, or revocations)

Guidelines and Standards

• Short-Term Rental Ordinance: § 84.28 (primary governing ordinance)
• Noise Ordinance: § 83.01.080
• Chapter 2: Violations and Enforcement
• New Short-Term Rental Program Operational Standards Guide (2024)
• Guide for Short-Term Rental Owners and Operators
• Good Neighbor Brochure

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

San Bernardino County Level (Applies to Fontana, CA)

Operational Requirements

• Occupancy Limits: Must comply with posted occupancy restrictions
• 24-Hour Contact: Owner/manager must provide round-the-clock contact number
• Noise Standards: Quiet hours between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.
• Trash Management: Proper disposal required; exterior trash must be secured
• Parking Compliance: Must adhere to posted parking restrictions

Prohibited Uses

• Commercial activities (filming, corporate retreats, conferences, wedding receptions)
• Any use that violates noise, parking, or nuisance standards

Permit Renewal Process

• Owner/operator may continue operating during renewal if no outstanding violations exist
• Renewal applications must be submitted no more than 60 days before expiration
• Changes to occupancy, parking, or management require notification fees

Enforcement and Penalties

• Violations can result in citations up to $1,000
• 24/7 complaint hotline available for reporting violations
• Outdoor noise monitoring program in effect for certain areas

Fees Structure (Effective July 1, 2025)

• New Application: $1,144 (Application: $600, Permit: $285, Notification: $259)
• Renewal with physical changes: $885 (Application: $600, Permit: $285)
• Renewal with management/occupancy changes: $859 (Application: $600, Notification: $259)
• Renewal with both changes: $1,144
• Renewal with no changes: $550
• Noise monitoring device credit: $150 one-time credit available

Processing Timeline

• Application Review: 1 week average
• New Application Notification Periods:
  • Project Notice: 20 calendar days for surrounding property owner comments
  • Permit Issuance Notice: 30-day appeal period before permit issuance
• Inspection: Exterior inspection required; corrections must be addressed within 30 days if minor

State-Level Regulations (California)

As Fontana is in California, STR operators must also comply with relevant state regulations:

• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): Required registration and remittance
• Business License/Tax Certificate: Required for conducting business within the city
• California Building and Safety Codes: Compliance with all applicable building, fire, and safety standards
• Consumer Protection Laws: Adherence to state laws regarding tenant rights and business practices

Contact Information for Local Authority

San Bernardino County Code Enforcement (Primary Authority for STRs)

• Address: 268 W. Hospitality Lane, Suite 300, San Bernardino, CA 92415
• Email: shorttermrental@lus.sbcounty.gov
• Phone: For application assistance and status inquiries
• 24/7 Complaint Hotline: 1-833-SBC-STR1 (1-833-722-7871)
• Online Complaint Filing: sbcounty-str-complaints.deckard.com/

Additional Contacts

• EZ Online Permitting (EZOP): ezop.sbcounty.gov/citizenaccess/
• TOT Questions: Contact San Bernardino County Treasurer-Tax Collector
• Building/Safety Issues: Fontana Building & Safety Division at (909) 350-7640

Source Links

San Bernardino County STR Program

• Main STR Portal
• Getting Started Guide
• Permitted STR Properties Map
• EZ Online Permitting System
• STR Ordinance § 84.28

Forms and Documents

• STR Application Tutorial Videos
• Owner Acknowledgement Form
• Good Neighbor Brochure
• Operational Standards Guide

Enforcement and Support

• STR Enforcement Process
• Noise Monitoring Program
• Appeal Forms

City of Fontana Resources

• Fontana Municipal Code - Building & Safety (General building requirements)
• City Planning Department (For zoning and land use questions)

Important Note: This guide is based on current regulations as of the provided content. Regulations and fees are subject to change. Always verify current requirements with the San Bernardino County Code Enforcement Department before initiating any STR operation. The county's STR program is the primary authority governing short-term rentals in Fontana, CA, and investors should prioritize county-level compliance while ensuring they also meet any applicable city requirements.