Garage Conversions: Chino vs Hesperia
How do garage conversions rules compare between Chino, CA and Hesperia, CA?
Chino and Hesperia have similar restriction levels.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
California Gov. Code §65852.2 (now re-codified by SB 477 at Gov. Code §66310 et seq.) preempts local bans on converting an existing garage into an Accessory Dwelling Unit. Chino adopted a conforming ADU ordinance on March 17, 2020 (Chino Municipal Code Title 20). Garage-to-ADU conversions are permitted ministerially, replacement parking is NOT required when a garage is converted to an ADU, and approval must be issued within 60 days of a complete application.
View full Chino rules →Hesperia, CA
San Bernardino County
Hesperia Municipal Code §16.12.360(E)(9) requires no setback for an existing garage converted to an ADU, and §16.12.360(E)(10) waives off-street parking replacement when the garage is demolished or converted in conjunction with an ADU. This implements California state ADU law (Gov. Code §65852.2), which preempts local barriers to garage-to-ADU conversions.
View full Hesperia rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Hesperia |
|---|---|---|
| State preemption | Gov. Code §65852.2 (now §66310 et seq. per SB 477) — local bans preempted | - |
| Chino ADU ordinance | Adopted March 17, 2020, CMC Title 20 | - |
| Replacement parking | NOT required when garage converts to ADU | - |
| Approval timeline | 60 days ministerial review of complete application | - |
| Owner occupancy | Not required for ADUs permitted 1/1/2020 – 1/1/2025 | - |
| Garage-to-ADU Setback | - | None required (§16.12.360(E)(9)) |
| Parking Replacement | - | Not required when converted to ADU (§16.12.360(E)(10)) |
| Permit Timeline | - | Ministerial, 120 days (§16.12.360(C)(2)) |
| Non-ADU Conversions | - | Permit + replacement parking required |
| State Authority | - | Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
Can Chino deny my request to convert my garage into an ADU?
No, not categorically. State law (Gov. Code §65852.2 / SB 477 re-codification at §66310 et seq.) preempts local bans on garage-to-ADU conversions. Chino's March 17, 2020 ordinance under CMC Title 20 implements this state mandate.
Do I have to add a new driveway or parking space?
No. State law specifically exempts garage-to-ADU conversions from replacement parking requirements (Gov. Code §65852.2(a)(1)(D)(xi)).
How long does the City have to act on my application?
60 days from a complete application. ADU permits in California are ministerial — no discretionary hearing, no CEQA.
Hesperia FAQ
Can I convert my garage to an ADU in Hesperia without losing parking?
Yes. Under Hesperia MC §16.12.360(E)(10) and Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2, the off-street parking spaces lost when an existing garage is converted to an ADU do not need to be replaced anywhere on the property.
Do I need a permit to convert my garage to a bedroom in Hesperia?
Yes. Any conversion of garage space to habitable area requires a building permit, Title 24 Energy Code compliance, and — unless the conversion creates an ADU — replacement of the required covered parking under Hesperia's residential parking standards.
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