Taxes & Fees: Chino vs Fontana
How do taxes & fees rules compare between Chino, CA and Fontana, CA?
Fontana has fewer restrictions than Chino.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
Chino does not collect Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on short-term rentals because the city banned STRs (rentals of 30 consecutive days or less) citywide in October 2022. There is no STR permit, no business license category for vacation rentals, and no TOT remittance pathway because the use itself is prohibited in every zoning district under Chino Municipal Code Title 20. Operators who advertise or rent property for under 30 days face administrative citations up to $1,000 per day per Code Enforcement.
View full Chino rules →Fontana, CA
San Bernardino County
Fontana charges Transient Occupancy Tax on short-term stays under 30 days. Operators must register, collect TOT from guests, file returns, and pay business license fees.
View full Fontana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Fontana |
|---|---|---|
| STR Tax Status | None — STRs banned citywide | - |
| Code Section | Chino Municipal Code §20.24.020 | - |
| Ban Effective | October 2022 (expanded prior ban) | - |
| Maximum Fine | $1,000 per day per violation | - |
| ADU/JADU Rentals | Must be 30+ days (Gov. Code §65852.2) | - |
| Tax type | - | Transient Occupancy Tax |
| Applies to | - | Stays under 30 days |
| Registration | - | Required with Finance |
| Filing | - | Monthly or quarterly |
| Business license | - | Annual fee required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
Can I pay TOT and run an STR legally in Chino?
No. The ban is absolute. No TOT registration, business license, or permit pathway exists for STRs in any zoning district.
Does Airbnb collect Chino TOT automatically?
No. Chino does not have a TOT collection agreement covering STRs because residential STRs are prohibited.
Can I rent my ADU short-term?
No. Per Gov. Code §65852.2(a)(6), ADUs/JADUs must be rented for terms longer than 30 days statewide.
Fontana FAQ
Does Airbnb collect Fontana TOT for me?
Some platforms collect TOT automatically through agreements with cities; confirm directly with the Finance Department whether you still need to file.
What happens if I don't register my STR?
Unregistered operators face back taxes, penalties, interest, and potential enforcement actions including cease and desist orders.
Compare other topics
See how Chino and Fontana compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool