Fontana R-3 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

R-3 is a zoning district in Fontana. Every value below was read from the Fontana Municipal Code and links to its section (read October 2026). State laws such as the ADU and SB 9 rules can allow more on a residential lot. General information, not legal advice — read the code text and check with the city before you build.

Development standards in R-3

The general rule for a typical lot in this zone. Zoning tables often attach notes, such as rules for corner lots, lots next to a residential zone, or new subdivisions only. Open “code text” under a value to see the table cell or sentence it was read from.

Maximum building height	55 ft Applies: multi-family/attached § 30-434 · code text Table row “Multi-family/attached”, column “R-3”: 55-foot
Minimum front setback	25 ft Applies: single-family § 30-434 · code text Table row “Front”, column “R-3”: 25-foot
Minimum side setback	5 ft Applies: single-family, interior two story; at least 5 ft each side and 15 ft in total § 30-434 · code text Table row “Side, interior two story”, column “R-3”: 5-foot min./ 15-foot aggregate
Minimum rear setback	20 ft Applies: single-family § 30-434 · code text Table row “Rear”, column “R-3”: 20-foot
Minimum lot size	5 acres The code attaches note r to this value. This page does not show it; read the code before relying on the number. § 30-434 · code text Table row “Minimum lot size (sq. ft.) (r)”, column “R-3”: 5 acres
Maximum lot coverage	50% § 30-434 · code text Table row “Maximum lot coverage (as a percent of adjusted gross acreage of total site)”, column “R-3”: 50%
Maximum density	12.0 to 24.0 units per adjusted gross acre Applies: the code sets a range: at least 12.0, at most 24.0 § 30-434 · code text Table row “Maximum permitted number of dwelling units per adjusted gross acre”, column “R-3”: 12.0—24.0

Uses in R-3

Uses the code's use tables allow in R-3, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.

Single-family home — Allowed — see note
Apartment building — Allowed
Rooming or boarding house — Needs a conditional use permit
Residential care home (7 or more) — Needs a conditional use permit
Private school — Needs a conditional use permit

When a different number applies

The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-3:

Minimum side setback: 15 ft aggregate — single-family, interior two story § 30-434

Not on this page

We did not find a general stories, FAR limit for R-3 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Fontana Municipal Code.

Other Fontana zoning districts

Who this affects

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Fontana's R-3 zone?

55 ft (multi-family/attached) — Fontana Municipal Code § 30-434.

What is the minimum front setback in Fontana's R-3 zone?

25 ft (single-family) — Fontana Municipal Code § 30-434.

What is the minimum side setback in Fontana's R-3 zone?

5 ft (single-family, interior two story; at least 5 ft each side and 15 ft in total) — Fontana Municipal Code § 30-434.

What is the minimum rear setback in Fontana's R-3 zone?

20 ft (single-family) — Fontana Municipal Code § 30-434.

What is the minimum lot size in Fontana's R-3 zone?

5 acres — Fontana Municipal Code § 30-434. The code attaches notes or conditions to this value; read the section before relying on it.

General information, not legal advice.