Tiny Homes: Chino vs Ontario
How do tiny homes rules compare between Chino, CA and Ontario, CA?
Chino has fewer restrictions than Ontario.
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 →Ontario, CA
San Bernardino County
Foundation-built tiny homes qualify as ADUs under Gov Code 65852.2 in Ontario. Tiny homes on wheels are treated as RVs or park trailers and cannot be used as permanent dwellings on residential lots.
View full Ontario rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | - |
| Foundation tiny home | - | Legal as ADU under Gov 65852.2 |
| THOW (wheels) | - | Treated as RV or park trailer |
| Permanent THOW living | - | Not allowed on residential lot |
| ADU size cap | - | Up to ~1,200 sq ft per state |
| Permit | - | Ontario Building and Safety |
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).
Ontario FAQ
Can I live full time in a tiny home on wheels parked at my Ontario house?
No. A tiny home on wheels is classified as an RV, and using it as a permanent residence on a single-family lot violates the RV occupancy rules and zoning.
Can I build a foundation-based tiny home as an ADU?
Yes. A site-built tiny home on a permanent foundation is a legal ADU under Government Code 65852.2 and must be ministerially approved if it meets state ADU standards.
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