Chino, CA Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Chino, CA, also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations, set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Key Facts
- Small structure height cap
- 14 feet, one story
- Large structure height cap
- 2 stories or 20 feet
- Large structure size cap
- 1,200 square feet
- Shipping containers
- Banned as permanent structures
Summary
Chino caps small nonhabitable structures like sheds at 14 feet and bars them from the front yard or front setback, with larger structures capped at 1,200 square feet and two stories.
6.The use of shipping, storage or sea cargo containers as a permanent accessory structure shall be prohibited.7.Small non-habitable accessory structures one hundred twenty square feet or less in area shall not be located in the front yard of a property or within the front setback.8.Minimum setbacks and maximum height for small non-habitable accessory structures less than one hundred twenty square feet in area shall be as provided in Table 20.11-4. Minimum setbacks, maximum height, and maximum size for large non-habitable accessory structures greater than one hundred twenty square feet in area shall be as provided in Table 20.11-5. Minimum setbacks, maximum coverage, and maximum height for patio covers and enclosures shall be as provided in Table 20.11.6.9.The maximum size of the structure shall be one thousand two hundred square feet, except that the planning commission may approve a larger structure with a special conditional use permit. TABLE 20.11-4 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR SMALL NONHABITABLE ACCESSORY STRUCTURES LESS THAN ONE HUNDRED TWENTY SQUARE FEET IN AREA
Single-Family Zoning Districts (RD 1, RD 2, RD 4.5, and RD 8) Multi-family Zoning Districts (RD 12, RD 14 and RD 20) Setbacks, Minimum [1] Front Same as main building Same as main building Rear As Required by the Building Code Interior side As Required by the Building Code Street side As Required by the Building Code Height, Maximum 14 feet (one story only)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 38).
Full Breakdown
Chino Municipal Code § 20.11.040 governs nonhabitable accessory structures: sheds, detached garages, patio enclosures, and animal-keeping structures. Structures 120 square feet or smaller can't sit in the front yard or front setback and, per Table 20.11-4, are capped at 14 feet, one story. Larger nonhabitable structures follow Table 20.11-5: setbacks of 5-10 feet depending on location and story count, a maximum height of two stories or 20 feet, and a 1,200-square-foot size cap in single-family zones, which the planning commission can exceed with a special conditional use permit. Shipping and cargo containers are banned as permanent structures.
Violations & Fines
Placing a shed in the front yard or front setback, exceeding the applicable height or size limits, or installing a shipping container as a permanent structure violates § 20.11.040 and can draw code enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can a shed be in Chino?
Can I put a shipping container in my Chino backyard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chino
How Chino compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·California rules heatmap·Compare Chino to another location·View the California accessory structures overview
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Shed & Carport Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle shed & carport rules.