Registration Rules: Chino vs Ontario
How do registration rules rules compare between Chino, CA and Ontario, CA?
Chino and Ontario have similar restriction levels.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
Chino has no STR registration, TOT certificate, or business license program because short-term rentals are banned outright by Title 20 zoning (CMC §20.24.020 defines STRs as <31-day residential rentals; no zoning district permits the use). Hosts cannot 'register and comply' — the only compliance path is not to operate. By contrast, neighboring jurisdictions (e.g., unincorporated San Bernardino County, City of Big Bear Lake) require registration; Chino does not. Hosts who previously held a city business license tied to vacation-rental activity have had those classifications closed.
View full Chino rules →Ontario, CA
San Bernardino County
Ontario STR registration requires a Planning-issued permit, Finance TOT certificate, and business license. Annual renewal, a 24-hour contact, and safety inspection items are standard conditions.
View full Ontario rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| STR registration program? | None — STR use is prohibited | - |
| TOT for residential STR? | Not collected — use is not legal | - |
| Code basis | CMC §20.24.020 + Title 20 Zoning prohibition | - |
| Hotel/motel TOT | Still applies to licensed lodging establishments (separate Title 5 framework) | - |
| Required registrations | - | Permit, TOT, business license |
| Portal | - | City Citizen Portal |
| Renewal | - | Annual |
| Local contact | - | 24-hour availability |
| Safety items | - | Smoke/CO/extinguisher |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
Do I need to register if I only rent to family or for a wedding weekend?
A residential rental of fewer than 31 days is an STR by CMC §20.24.020 regardless of guest relationship. Bona-fide guests staying without compensation are not 'renting' and are not regulated.
Does paying TOT make it legal?
No. Tax remittance does not override the Zoning Code. The use itself is prohibited.
Ontario FAQ
Can I list my Ontario home on Airbnb without a permit?
No. Any stay under 30 days requires a Short-Term Rental Permit and TOT certificate. Unregistered listings face fines and takedown.
How often do I renew my Ontario STR permit?
STR permits are typically issued for one year and must be renewed annually through the Citizen Portal before expiration to avoid a lapse.
Compare other topics
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