Tiny Homes: Chino vs Hesperia
How do tiny homes rules compare between Chino, CA and Hesperia, CA?
Chino and Hesperia 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 →Hesperia, CA
San Bernardino County
Hesperia treats permanently sited tiny homes as Accessory Dwelling Units under §16.12.360, allowing detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft (minimum 150 sq ft) on lots with an existing single-family residence. Detached ADUs are capped at 16 ft in height with 4-foot side/rear setbacks. Manufactured homes under 10 years old qualify. RVs explicitly do not qualify as ADUs under §16.12.360(E)(2).
View full Hesperia rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Hesperia |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | - |
| Max Detached ADU Size | - | 1,200 sq ft livable (§16.12.360(E)(2)) |
| Min ADU Size | - | 150 sq ft (no RVs qualify) |
| Max Height (Detached) | - | 16 ft (18 ft near transit); attached 25 ft |
| Setbacks | - | 4 ft side / 4 ft rear (§16.12.360(E)(4)) |
| Min Rental Term | - | 30 consecutive days (§16.12.360(D)(7)) |
| State Authority | - | Cal. Gov. Code §§65852.2, 65852.22 |
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).
Hesperia FAQ
Can I live in a tiny home on wheels in Hesperia?
No. Recreational vehicles do not qualify as accessory dwelling units under Hesperia MC §16.12.360(E)(2). To legally live in a tiny home in Hesperia, it must be permanently sited, on a foundation, and permitted as an ADU or a manufactured home under California Health & Safety Code §18007.
How tall can a detached tiny home (ADU) be in Hesperia?
16 feet for a standard detached ADU under §16.12.360(E)(8), or up to 18 feet if located within one-half mile walking distance of a major transit stop, plus up to 2 additional feet to match the roof pitch of the primary home.
Can I Airbnb my Hesperia ADU?
No. Hesperia MC §16.12.360(D)(7) prohibits ADU rentals for terms shorter than 30 consecutive days, so vacation rental and short-term rental use of an ADU is not allowed regardless of platform.
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