ADU Impact Fees: Chino vs Fontana
How do adu impact fees rules compare between Chino, CA and Fontana, CA?
Chino and Fontana have similar restriction levels.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
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.
View full Chino rules →Fontana, CA
San Bernardino County
Fontana exempts ADUs under 750 square feet from all impact fees per California Government Code §65852.2(f)(3). ADUs 750 sq ft or larger pay impact fees proportionate to the principal dwelling's square footage. School district fees are governed by SB 13 (2019). Standard building permit and plan-check fees still apply through the Building & Safety Division fee schedule.
View full Fontana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Fontana |
|---|---|---|
| Impact fee threshold | <750 sq ft = $0 impact fees (state mandate) | - |
| 750+ sq ft fee formula | Proportional: (ADU sf / primary sf) × fee | - |
| JADU impact fees | Exempt (under 500 sq ft) | - |
| Still payable | Building plan check, inspection, utility hookups | - |
| State statute | Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(f)(3) | - |
| Refund remedy | Gov. Code §66020 protest within 90 days | - |
| Under 750 sq ft | - | All impact fees waived |
| 750+ sq ft | - | Proportional to principal dwelling |
| State Law | - | Gov. Code §65852.2(f) |
| School Fees | - | Proportional under SB 13 |
| Water/Sewer Tap | - | Waived when sharing service |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
Do I pay impact fees on a Chino ADU under 750 sq ft?
No. Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(f)(3)(A) prohibits any impact fees on ADUs under 750 sq ft - this includes traffic, parks, school, and fire fees.
What fees still apply to a small ADU?
Building permit plan-check and inspection fees, water/sewer connection charges, and utility hookups - these are not 'impact fees' under the statute.
How are fees calculated for a larger ADU?
Proportional to size. If your ADU is 900 sq ft and your house is 1,800 sq ft, your impact fee would be roughly 50% of the standard fee schedule (Gov. Code §65852.2(f)(3)(B)).
Fontana FAQ
Are ADU impact fees waived in Fontana?
Yes for ADUs under 750 sq ft — all local impact fees are waived by California Gov. Code §65852.2(f)(3). ADUs 750 sq ft or larger pay proportionally based on the principal dwelling's size, not the full single-family rate.
What ADU costs still apply in Fontana?
Standard building permit fees based on construction valuation, plan-check fees, and utility service fees from the Fontana Water Company or local sewer agency if a new meter is needed. Property taxes will reassess on the added square footage through the San Bernardino County Assessor.
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