ADU rules in Chino, CA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Chino regulates Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior ADUs (JADUs) under Chino Municipal Code Chapter 20.11 (Accessory Structures), implementing California Gov. Code §65852.2 and §65852.22. One ADU and one JADU are allowed per single-family lot; JADUs must be entirely within the existing single-family residence footprint or attached garage and capped at 500 sq ft. State law preempts the city on ministerial approval, size minimums, and parking exemptions within 1/2 mile of transit.
Per Chino's ADU page (cityofchino.org/622) and CMC Chapter 20.11, an ADU is an attached or detached residential dwelling unit with complete independent habitable living facilities located on a lot with a proposed or existing primary residence. JADUs are limited to 500 sq ft and must be 'contained entirely within the footprint of the existing primary dwelling or attached garage' (no detached JADUs). State law (Gov. Code §65852.2) caps detached ADUs at 800 sq ft minimum allowance / 1,200 sq ft maximum and attached ADUs at 50% of primary dwelling or 1,200 sq ft. Chino offers pre-approved ADU plans (studio through 3-bedroom) at ca-chino.civicplus.com/622/ADU-Plans to streamline review. Applications must be ministerially approved within 60 days under state law.
Building or occupying an ADU/JADU without permits is a CMC zoning violation enforceable as a misdemeanor or infraction under CMC Title 1 general penalty (up to $1,000/day per Gov. Code §36900). Unpermitted structures may be subject to abatement and required removal.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Bernardino County.
See how other cities in San Bernardino County handle adu rules.
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