ADU Permits: Chino vs Fontana
How do adu permits rules compare between Chino, CA and Fontana, CA?
Fontana has fewer restrictions than Chino.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
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.
View full Chino rules →Fontana, CA
San Bernardino County
Fontana processes ADU and JADU applications ministerially under Fontana Municipal Code (FMC) Chapter 30 Article XII and California Government Code §65852.2 (as amended by AB 68, AB 881, and SB 13). The Fontana Planning Department and Building & Safety Division review permits with the state-mandated 60-day deadline. Detached ADUs are allowed up to 1,200 sq ft and JADUs up to 500 sq ft.
View full Fontana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Fontana |
|---|---|---|
| Permit portal | aca-prod.accela.com/CHINO (Citizen Access) | - |
| Review type | Ministerial - no public hearing | - |
| State deadline | 60 days from complete application | - |
| Required permits | Planning ADU + Building (Title 15) + utility | - |
| Planning contact | 909-334-3253 / planning@cityofchino.org | - |
| Pre-approved plans | Available - skips plan check delays | - |
| Code Section | - | FMC Ch. 30; Gov. Code §65852.2 |
| Review | - | Ministerial, 60-day cap |
| Detached Max | - | 1,200 sq ft |
| JADU Max | - | 500 sq ft |
| Setback | - | 4 ft side/rear |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
How long does ADU approval take in Chino?
By state law (Gov. Code §65852.2(b)), the city must act within 60 days of a complete application. Pre-approved plans speed this further.
Do I need a public hearing for my ADU?
No. ADU review is ministerial under Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(b)(1) - no discretionary review or hearing is permitted for code-compliant applications.
Where do I submit my ADU application?
Online at aca-prod.accela.com/CHINO/Default.aspx (Citizen Access portal) or with the Planning Division at 13220 Central Ave.
Fontana FAQ
How long does ADU review take in Fontana?
State law caps ministerial review at 60 days from a complete application, per California Government Code §65852.2. The Fontana Planning Department and Building & Safety Division process applications ministerially with only objective standards applied — no hearing, no discretionary findings.
Do I need a public hearing for a Fontana ADU?
No. California Gov. Code §65852.2 and the Fontana ADU regulations require ministerial review only — no Planning Commission hearing, no neighbor notice, no discretionary findings. Only objective standards apply.
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