ADU Rules: Chino vs Hesperia
How do adu rules rules compare between Chino, CA and Hesperia, CA?
Hesperia has fewer restrictions than Chino.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
Chino regulates Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior ADUs (JADUs) under Chino Municipal Code Chapter 20.11 (Accessory Structures), implementing California Gov. Code §65852.2 and §65852.22. One ADU and one JADU are allowed per single-family lot; JADUs must be entirely within the existing single-family residence footprint or attached garage and capped at 500 sq ft. State law preempts the city on ministerial approval, size minimums, and parking exemptions within 1/2 mile of transit.
View full Chino rules →Hesperia, CA
San Bernardino County
Hesperia permits one ADU plus one JADU per single-family lot under HMC 16.12.360 (Article 16.16 for JADUs), with detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft, JADUs up to 500 sq ft, and 4-foot side/rear setbacks - implementing California Gov. Code 66314 et seq.
View full Hesperia rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Hesperia |
|---|---|---|
| Local code | CMC Chapter 20.11 (Accessory Structures) | - |
| State law | Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2 (ADU) / §65852.22 (JADU) | - |
| Units per lot | 1 ADU + 1 JADU on SFR lots | - |
| JADU max size | 500 sq ft (within existing footprint) | - |
| Detached ADU max | 1,200 sq ft (state cap) | - |
| Approval timeline | 60 days ministerial (state) | - |
| Planning Division | 909-334-3253 / planning@cityofchino.org | - |
| Code Section | - | HMC 16.12.360 (ADU); Article 16.16 (JADU) |
| Max Detached ADU | - | 1,200 sq ft |
| Max Attached ADU | - | 50% of primary, up to 1,000 sq ft |
| Max JADU Size | - | 500 sq ft |
| Side/Rear Setback | - | 4 feet |
| Max Detached Height | - | 16 ft (18/25 ft per state law in qualifying cases) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
Can I have both an ADU and a JADU on my Chino lot?
Yes. Per Chino's ADU page and CMC Ch. 20.11, single-family lots may have one ADU and one JADU concurrently.
Does Chino have pre-approved ADU plans?
Yes - studio through 3-bedroom pre-approved plans are available at ca-chino.civicplus.com/622/ADU-Plans to streamline permitting.
Can the city deny my ADU?
Generally no, if it complies with state minimums. Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2 requires ministerial (non-discretionary) approval within 60 days for compliant applications.
Hesperia FAQ
Can I build an ADU on my single-family lot in Hesperia?
Yes. HMC 16.12.360 permits one ADU plus one JADU on every single-family residential lot, with detached ADUs allowed up to 1,200 sq ft and JADUs up to 500 sq ft.
What setbacks apply to a detached ADU in Hesperia?
Side and rear setbacks are 4 feet under HMC 16.12.360. Front setbacks match the underlying zoning district. Conversion ADUs and JADUs only need sufficient fire-safety separation.
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