Tiny Homes: Chino vs Fontana
How do tiny homes rules compare between Chino, CA and Fontana, CA?
Chino and Fontana have similar restriction levels.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
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.
View full Chino rules →Fontana, CA
San Bernardino County
Stationary tiny homes in Fontana permit as ADUs under Gov Code 65852.2 up to 1,200 sq ft. Tiny houses on wheels are treated as RVs and cannot be permanent residences outside an RV park.
View full Fontana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Fontana |
|---|---|---|
| ADU max size | 1,200 sq ft detached (Gov. Code §65852.2) | - |
| ADU setbacks | 4 ft side/rear minimum (state preemption) | - |
| JADU max size | 500 sq ft within existing SFD (Gov. Code §65852.22) | - |
| Owner occupancy | JADU yes; ADU no (for permits 1/1/2020–1/1/2025) | - |
| Tiny house on wheels | Treated as RV under HSC §18010 — not a permanent residence | - |
| Approval timeline | 60 days ministerial (state mandate) | 60 days ministerial for compliant ADU tiny home |
| Stationary tiny homes | - | Permitted as ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft under GC 65852.2 |
| HUD-code tiny homes | - | Allowed on permanent foundation with tie-down |
| Tiny homes on wheels | - | Treated as RVs - no permanent residential use outside RV park |
| Plan check required | - | Title 24, CRC, and structural engineering for ADU tiny homes |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
Can I park a tiny house on wheels in my Chino backyard and live in it?
No. A tiny house on wheels is classified as a recreational vehicle under Cal. Health & Safety Code §18010 / ANSI A119.5 and may not be used as a permanent residence on a single-family lot. Chino has not adopted a separate Movable Tiny House (MTH) ordinance.
Can I build a tiny home as an ADU?
Yes, if it is constructed on a permanent foundation, meets the California Residential Code, and complies with Chino's ADU ordinance (CMC Title 20, adopted 3-17-20) and Gov. Code §65852.2 — up to 1,200 sq ft, 4 ft setbacks, 16-18 ft height.
What's the difference between an ADU and a JADU in Chino?
An ADU is up to 1,200 sq ft, can be detached, attached, or converted; a JADU is max 500 sq ft, must be within an existing single-family dwelling, and requires owner occupancy (Gov. Code §65852.22).
Fontana FAQ
Can I put a tiny home in my Fontana backyard?
Yes if it is built to code on a permanent foundation and permitted as an ADU. A tiny house on wheels used as a permanent residence is not allowed.
Is a Park Model RV legal to live in on my Fontana property?
No. California treats park-model RVs as recreational vehicles, and Fontana prohibits using an RV as a full-time residence on private residential property.
What size tiny home can I permit as an ADU?
Detached ADUs up to 1,200 square feet are allowed under state law, with minimum 4-foot side and rear setbacks and CRC structural compliance.
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