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.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Fontana?

Fontana hosts earn a median $31,287/year with $220 ADR and 65% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $47,935+ per year.

See the full Fontana market breakdown

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

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

Forms and Documents

Enforcement and Support

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.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Fontana

Fontana, California sits in the western part of San Bernardino County, in the Inland Empire region of Southern California. With a population of approximately 210,000, it is one of the larger municipalities in the county and has grown steadily from its roots as a steel and manufacturing town. The city has a working-class, suburban character with a strong logistics and industrial backbone, and it serves as a practical and affordable base for travelers exploring the Inland Empire. It lies roughly 50 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, easily reached via Interstate 10.

To the east, Joshua Tree National Park offers one of Southern California's most distinctive landscapes, with its namesake trees, granite rock formations, and stark desert beauty. The park's west entrance near Yucca Valley is approximately 90 miles from Fontana, generally a drive of about an hour and 45 minutes. Visitors come for hiking, rock climbing, stargazing, and photography, particularly in the cooler months, and many treat it as a memorable day trip or overnight excursion from the Inland Empire.

To the northeast, the San Bernardino National Forest provides a dramatic shift from the surrounding lowland sprawl, with pine-covered slopes, hiking trails, and seasonal snow. Within the forest, Big Bear Lake is a popular year-round destination about 70 miles from Fontana, drawing visitors for boating, fishing, and snow sports depending on the season. The drive typically takes around an hour and a half, making it a feasible weekend getaway for short-term rental guests.

Closer to home, the Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center sits just west of Fontana in neighboring Jurupa Valley, offering a small but rewarding introduction to the region's natural and cultural history. The center features outdoor trails, a rock and mineral collection, and a meditative peace garden, all set against a striking granite hillside. It is roughly a 15-minute drive from most parts of Fontana and works well for families looking for a relaxed half-day excursion.

Just a few minutes west in Rancho Cucamonga, Victoria Gardens provides an open-air shopping, dining, and entertainment experience that has become a regional gathering place. The center is about a 10-minute drive from Fontana and is well known for its walkable layout, public events, and live music programming. Together, these nearby offerings give Fontana a versatile mix of big-name Southern California outdoor destinations and more intimate local experiences.

Fontana's appeal as a short-term rental market comes from its combination of affordability, central location in the Inland Empire, and proximity to some of Southern California's most iconic landscapes. Guests can spend the morning at Joshua Tree, the afternoon in the San Bernardino Mountains, and the evening at a nearby shopping and dining district, all while staying in a city that is well connected by freeway to Los Angeles, Orange County, and the rest of the region.

Fontana, California

Generally Investor Friendly

STR Regulations for Fontana, California