Chino Hills, CA Accessory Structures: ADU Impact Fees (2026)
Key Facts
- ADU fee policy
- Charged to maximum extent state law allows
- Fee schedule adopted
- Table 1, effective Jan. 11, 2026
- Single-family traffic fee
- $0.77 per square foot
- Multi-family traffic fee
- $1.44 per square foot
- Fee locked at
- Building permit issuance date
Summary
Chino Hills charges its standard traffic, storm drain, parks, and general facilities impact fees against accessory dwelling units "to the maximum extent allowed by state law" rather than exempting ADUs outright. The city sets the exact fee amounts by council resolution in Chapter 3.40's Table 1, adjusted periodically.
Subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 3.40.120 below, the amount of the fees to be imposed and collected pursuant to this chapter are as of January 11, 2026, and shown in Table 1. Fees will be charged for accessory dwelling units to the maximum extent allowed by state law. Each fee may include an administrative overhead component necessary to cover the associated costs of compliance with the Mitigation Fee Act requirements, including, without limitation, accounting, budgeting, mandated annual and five-year reports, periodic impact fee update studies, and associated legal expenses.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 61).
Full Breakdown
100 states that fees "will be charged for accessory dwelling units to the maximum extent allowed by state law," tying the city's impact fee schedule to whatever ceiling California law sets for ADU development fees rather than creating a separate, more generous local exemption. 080), storm drain facilities fees, and general city facilities fees, all set out in the Table 1 schedule that took effect January 11, 2026 under Ordinance No. 423. 44 per square foot for multifamily construction under the current schedule. 100). 070(A)).
Violations & Fines
Chino Hills' general penalty provision applies to Chapter 3.40 like any other code requirement: failing to pay an assessed impact fee is a code violation punishable under § 1.36.020 as a misdemeanor, by a fine of up to $1,000, up to six months in county jail, or both, since the fee schedule itself provides no separate penalty section. Developers who dispute a fee amount can seek an administrative credit under § 3.40.180 rather than simply refusing payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are accessory dwelling units exempt from Chino Hills impact fees?
How much is the traffic facilities impact fee for new construction?
When is the impact fee amount locked in?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chino Hills
California rules heatmap·Compare Chino Hills to another location·View the California accessory structures overview
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ADU Impact Fees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle adu impact fees.