Accessory Structures in Chino, CA (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Chino, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
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.
Chino ADU & JADU Standards (CMC Ch. 20.11)
Some RestrictionsADU Permits
ADU permits in Chino are processed ministerially through the Planning Division and Development Services per CMC Chapter 20.11 and Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(b). State law requires the city to act on a complete ADU application within 60 days without discretionary review or public hearings. Apply via the city's Accela Citizen Access portal at aca-prod.accela.com/CHINO.
ADU Permit Process (CMC Ch. 20.11 + State Ministerial Review)
Some RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Per Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(f)(3), Chino CANNOT charge impact fees on ADUs under 750 sq ft. For ADUs 750 sq ft or larger, impact fees must be proportional - charged at a fraction equal to the ADU's square footage divided by the primary dwelling's square footage. Standard building-permit plan-check and inspection fees still apply.
ADU Impact Fees: Exempt Under 750 sq ft (State Preemption)
Few RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
For ADUs permitted from Jan 1, 2020 through Dec 31, 2024, Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(a)(6) prohibited cities including Chino from imposing owner-occupancy requirements. As of Jan 1, 2025, cities may again require owner occupancy on new ADU permits but Chino's CMC Chapter 20.11 follows state defaults. JADUs ALWAYS require owner occupancy of either the primary residence or the JADU under Cal. Gov. Code §65852.22(a)(2).
Owner Occupancy: Not Required for ADUs; Required for JADUs
Some RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
ADUs and JADUs in Chino may NOT be rented for terms shorter than 30 days. This is mandated by Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(a)(6) statewide and reinforced by Chino's citywide short-term rental ban under Title 20 Zoning. STRs are not a permitted use in any Chino residential zone, with enforcement penalties reported at up to $1,000/day.
ADU Rental: 30-Day Minimum, No Short-Term Rentals
Heavy RestrictionsShed Rules
Chino regulates sheds and detached accessory buildings under Title 20 (Zoning). Small sheds 120 sq ft or less are exempt from building permits under the California Residential Code (CRC Section R105.2 / CBC Appendix M as adopted in Chino Municipal Code Title 15), but zoning setbacks, height limits, and lot-coverage rules in Title 20 still apply. Sheds may not be placed in a required front yard, and equestrian-zone parcels in the Chino Agricultural Preserve have separate barn/stable provisions.
Chino Shed Rules — Title 20 Zoning Accessory Buildings
Some RestrictionsGarage Conversions
California Gov. Code §65852.2 (now re-codified by SB 477 at Gov. Code §66310 et seq.) preempts local bans on converting an existing garage into an Accessory Dwelling Unit. Chino adopted a conforming ADU ordinance on March 17, 2020 (Chino Municipal Code Title 20). Garage-to-ADU conversions are permitted ministerially, replacement parking is NOT required when a garage is converted to an ADU, and approval must be issued within 60 days of a complete application.
Chino Garage Conversions — ADU Pathway Under State Law
Few RestrictionsCarport Rules
Carports in Chino are regulated as accessory structures under Chino Municipal Code Title 20 (Zoning) and require a building permit under Title 15 (which adopts the California Building Code and California Residential Code). Detached carports must meet residential-zone setbacks (typically 5 ft side / 5 ft rear in R-1) and height limits, and attached carports must meet the principal-dwelling setbacks. Replacing a garage with a carport does not eliminate required covered parking unless the conversion is to an ADU (then state law exempts replacement parking).
Chino Carport Rules — Title 20 Zoning + Title 15 Building
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Chino allows tiny homes only through three regulated pathways: (1) a permitted Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) up to 1,200 sq ft on a permanent foundation under Gov. Code §65852.2 (now §66310 et seq.) and Chino's 3-17-20 ADU ordinance; (2) a Junior ADU (JADU) up to 500 sq ft within an existing single-family dwelling under Gov. Code §65852.22 (now §66333 et seq.); or (3) a Movable Tiny House registered as a recreational vehicle / park trailer under Cal. Health & Safety Code §18010 and ANSI A119.5 — but only as a temporary RV, not a permanent residence on a single-family lot.
Chino Tiny Homes — ADU/JADU/Movable Tiny House Pathways
Some RestrictionsLooking for San Bernardino County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Chino city rules.
Accessory Structures in San Bernardino County →