Grading & Drainage: Chino vs Ontario
How do grading & drainage rules compare between Chino, CA and Ontario, CA?
Chino has fewer restrictions than Ontario.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
Grading work in Chino requires a grading permit under California Building Code Appendix J (adopted by reference in Chino Municipal Code Title 15), with drainage plans showing positive flow away from structures, no concentrated runoff onto neighboring properties, and tie-in to the city's master-planned storm drain system. Major drainage facilities are governed by the City of Chino Drainage Master Plan (1993, updated 1998, 2003, 2022) covering 11.25 sq mi in Subarea 1 and 8.5 sq mi in Subarea 2 (The Preserve).
View full Chino rules →Ontario, CA
San Bernardino County
Ontario requires a grading permit under OMC Title 6 for any earthwork over 50 cubic yards or cuts and fills deeper than 3 feet, with geotechnical review for projects over 500 cubic yards.
View full Ontario rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | CBC Appendix J adopted under CMC Title 15 | - |
| Permit threshold | 50+ cubic yards or 5,000+ sq ft disturbed (typical) | - |
| Slope ratio | Cuts/fills no steeper than 2:1 without engineering | - |
| Drainage Master Plan | Subarea 1 (11.25 sq mi) + Subarea 2 / The Preserve (8.5 sq mi) | - |
| Outlet receivers | San Antonio Channel, Cypress Channel, Chino Creek → Prado Basin | - |
| Civil rule | Cal. Civ. Code §831 (reasonable use of surface waters) | - |
| Permit trigger | - | 50 cu yd or 3 ft deep |
| Geotech | - | Over 500 cu yd |
| Dust rule | - | SCAQMD Rule 403 |
| Retaining wall | - | Permit over 4 ft |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
Do I need a grading permit for a small backyard project?
If you're moving more than ~50 cubic yards of earth, disturbing more than 5,000 sq ft, or creating cuts/fills over a few feet in depth, yes. Smaller landscape regrading typically does not — but if drainage changes affect a neighbor, you can still face civil liability.
Can I drain my yard onto my neighbor's property?
No. Chino requires drainage plans to direct runoff to an approved outlet (street, storm drain, on-site detention). California Civil Code §831 and case law require 'reasonable use' of surface waters — you cannot concentrate or redirect runoff onto adjacent parcels.
Does Chino charge a drainage fee?
Yes. New development in master-planned areas pays drainage fees under the Drainage Master Plan financing program, which funds expansion of the city storm-drain system. Fees are calculated at building/grading permit issuance — contact Engineering at (909) 334-3253.
Who maintains the channel behind my house?
Master-planned channels like San Antonio Channel, Cypress Channel, and Chino Creek are typically San Bernardino County Flood Control District facilities. Smaller in-tract storm drains are city-maintained. Private drainage easements are the property owner's responsibility.
Ontario FAQ
Do I need a permit to add a foot of fill to my yard?
Only if the total volume exceeds 50 cubic yards or you create a slope steeper than 3:1 near a property line.
What is SCAQMD Rule 403?
It is the South Coast Air Quality Management District rule requiring dust control on graded sites via watering, covers, or soil binders.
Compare other topics
See how Chino and Ontario 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