Fontana · Building on your lot

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Fontana

Fontana limits sheds to 8 feet tall and 120 square feet, set at least 3 feet from side and rear property lines.

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Key points

Sheds: Fontana limits sheds to 8 feet tall and 120 square feet, set at least 3 feet from side and rear property lines.

Each rule below links to the section of the Fontana Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Fontana's code says

Fontana code What Fontana's code adds
Maximum height	Sheds may be no more than 8 feet tall. Applies: Applies to sheds. § 30-461 · code text The shed does not exceed eight feet in height.
Size or lot coverage	Up to 1,000 square feet or 25% of the main home's living area, whichever is greater. Applies: Attached private garages and carports on lots under 1 net acre. § 30-461 · code text On lots of less than one net acre, the total area is not to exceed 1,000 square feet or 25 percent of the living area of the principal residence, whichever is greater. Up to 1,500 square feet or 25% of the main home's living area, whichever is greater. Applies: Attached private garages and carports on lots of 1 net acre or more but under 2 acres. § 30-461 · code text On lots of one net acre or larger but less than two acres, the area shall not exceed 1,500 square feet or 25 percent of the living area of the principal residence, whichever is greater. Up to 2,000 square feet or 25% of the main home's living area, whichever is greater. Applies: Attached private garages and carports on lots of 2 acres or more. § 30-461 · code text On lots of two acres or larger, the area shall not exceed 2,000 square feet or 25 percent of the living area of the principal residence, whichever is greater. Up to 1,000 square feet or 25% of the main home's living area, whichever is greater. Applies: All detached carports, storage buildings, workshops, hobby shops, recreation rooms, ground-mounted solar panels and similar uses combined; lots under 1 net acre. § 30-461 · code text On lots of less than one net acres, the combined area of all such structures shall not exceed 1,000 square feet or 25 percent of the living area of the principal residence, however, whichever is greater. Up to 1,500 square feet or 25% of the main home's living area, whichever is greater. Applies: All detached carports, storage buildings, workshops, hobby shops, recreation rooms, ground-mounted solar panels and similar uses combined; lots of 1 to under 2 net acres. § 30-461 · code text On lots of one net acre or larger but less than two net acres, the combined area shall not exceed 1,500 square feet or 25 percent of the living area of the principal residence, whichever is greater. Up to 2,000 square feet or 25% of the main home's living area, whichever is greater. Applies: All detached carports, storage buildings, workshops, hobby shops, recreation rooms, ground-mounted solar panels and similar uses combined; lots of 2 net acres or more. § 30-461 · code text On lots of two net acres or larger, the combined area shall not exceed 2,000 square feet or 25 percent of the living area of the principal residence, whichever is greater. Lot coverage may be no more than 50%. Applies: Where the zoning district does not set a lot coverage. Detached garages count toward it. § 30-461 · code text Lot coverages not specifically identified in zoning districts shall have a maximum lot coverage of 50 percent. Sheds may be no more than 120 square feet of floor area. Applies: Applies to sheds. § 30-461 · code text The size of the shed does not exceed 120 square feet in floor area.
Side and rear setback	At least 5 feet from each side property line, and at least 15 feet for both sides combined. Applies: General accessory buildings and structures. § 30-461 · code text Side \| 5-Foot Min. 15-Foot Aggregate At least 10 feet from the rear property line. Applies: General accessory buildings and structures. § 30-461 · code text Rear \| 10-Foot At least 7 feet from the side property line. Applies: Two-story accessory buildings. § 30-461 · code text Side \| 7-Foot At least 25 feet from the rear property line. Applies: Two-story accessory buildings. § 30-461 · code text Rear \| 25-Foot Sheds must be at least 3 feet from the side property line. Applies: Applies to sheds. § 30-461 · code text Side \| 3-Foot Sheds must be at least 3 feet from the rear property line. Applies: Applies to sheds. § 30-461 · code text Rear \| 3-Foot At least 10 feet from side and rear property lines. Applies: Accessory buildings in the R-4 and R-5 zones. § 30-449 · code text Distance between an accessory building and side and rear property lines shall be no less than ten feet.
Distance from the house	Accessory buildings must be at least 6 feet from the main building. Applies: The same 6-foot minimum applies when the two are connected by a breezeway. § 30-461 · code text All accessory buildings shall be located a minimum distance of six feet from the primary structure. If the two structures are connected by a breezeway, the minimum distance shall also be six feet. Accessory buildings must be at least 6 feet from any home. Applies: Accessory buildings in the R-4 and R-5 zones. § 30-449 · code text Distance between an accessory building and any dwelling unit shall be no less than six feet.

Who this affects

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Frequently asked questions

How big can a shed or accessory building be in Fontana?

Fontana limits sheds to 8 feet tall and 120 square feet, set at least 3 feet from side and rear property lines.

General information, not legal advice.

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