Registration Rules: Chino vs Fontana
How do registration rules rules compare between Chino, CA and Fontana, CA?
Fontana has fewer restrictions than Chino.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
Chino has no STR registration, TOT certificate, or business license program because short-term rentals are banned outright by Title 20 zoning (CMC §20.24.020 defines STRs as <31-day residential rentals; no zoning district permits the use). Hosts cannot 'register and comply' — the only compliance path is not to operate. By contrast, neighboring jurisdictions (e.g., unincorporated San Bernardino County, City of Big Bear Lake) require registration; Chino does not. Hosts who previously held a city business license tied to vacation-rental activity have had those classifications closed.
View full Chino rules →Fontana, CA
San Bernardino County
STR operators in Fontana must register with the city through business licensing and TOT registration. A dedicated STR permit may also apply depending on the latest ordinance updates.
View full Fontana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Fontana |
|---|---|---|
| STR registration program? | None — STR use is prohibited | - |
| TOT for residential STR? | Not collected — use is not legal | - |
| Code basis | CMC §20.24.020 + Title 20 Zoning prohibition | - |
| Hotel/motel TOT | Still applies to licensed lodging establishments (separate Title 5 framework) | - |
| Registrations | - | Business license plus TOT |
| Zoning check | - | Required |
| Local contact | - | 24-hour availability |
| Safety inspection | - | May be required |
| Renewal | - | Typically annual |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
Do I need to register if I only rent to family or for a wedding weekend?
A residential rental of fewer than 31 days is an STR by CMC §20.24.020 regardless of guest relationship. Bona-fide guests staying without compensation are not 'renting' and are not regulated.
Does paying TOT make it legal?
No. Tax remittance does not override the Zoning Code. The use itself is prohibited.
Fontana FAQ
What documents do I need to register my Fontana STR?
Expect ownership proof, APN, local contact, insurance proof, safety inspections, and fee payment as standard requirements.
Do I need to re-register each year?
Yes. STR permits and business licenses are typically renewed annually; TOT filings are ongoing monthly or quarterly.
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