ADU Rules: Chino vs Rancho Cucamonga
How do adu rules rules compare between Chino, CA and Rancho Cucamonga, CA?
Rancho Cucamonga has fewer restrictions than Chino.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
Chino regulates Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior ADUs (JADUs) under Chino Municipal Code Chapter 20.11 (Accessory Structures), implementing California Gov. Code §65852.2 and §65852.22. One ADU and one JADU are allowed per single-family lot; JADUs must be entirely within the existing single-family residence footprint or attached garage and capped at 500 sq ft. State law preempts the city on ministerial approval, size minimums, and parking exemptions within 1/2 mile of transit.
View full Chino rules →Rancho Cucamonga, CA
San Bernardino County
Rancho Cucamonga must permit ADUs and JADUs on residential parcels under CA Gov Code 65852.2. Up to 1,200 sq ft detached or 50 percent of primary for attached, no owner-occupancy required statewide.
View full Rancho Cucamonga rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Rancho Cucamonga |
|---|---|---|
| Local code | CMC Chapter 20.11 (Accessory Structures) | - |
| State law | Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2 (ADU) / §65852.22 (JADU) | - |
| Units per lot | 1 ADU + 1 JADU on SFR lots | - |
| JADU max size | 500 sq ft (within existing footprint) | - |
| Detached ADU max | 1,200 sq ft (state cap) | 1,200 sq ft, 16 ft height by right |
| Approval timeline | 60 days ministerial (state) | - |
| Planning Division | 909-334-3253 / planning@cityofchino.org | - |
| State authority | - | Gov Code 65852.2, mandatory statewide |
| Attached ADU max | - | 1,000 sq ft or 50 percent of primary |
| JADU | - | Up to 500 sq ft carved from primary dwelling |
| Owner occupancy | - | Not required for state-law ADUs |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
Can I have both an ADU and a JADU on my Chino lot?
Yes. Per Chino's ADU page and CMC Ch. 20.11, single-family lots may have one ADU and one JADU concurrently.
Does Chino have pre-approved ADU plans?
Yes - studio through 3-bedroom pre-approved plans are available at ca-chino.civicplus.com/622/ADU-Plans to streamline permitting.
Can the city deny my ADU?
Generally no, if it complies with state minimums. Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2 requires ministerial (non-discretionary) approval within 60 days for compliant applications.
Rancho Cucamonga FAQ
Do I need to live in the main house to build an ADU in Rancho Cucamonga?
No. State law eliminated owner-occupancy requirements for ADUs permitted under Gov Code 65852.2. JADUs still require owner occupancy of the primary or JADU.
Can I rent my Rancho Cucamonga ADU as a short-term rental?
State law requires ADUs to be rented for 30+ days. Short-term rental of an ADU is generally prohibited under Rancho Cucamongas STR rules and the ADU law.
How long does permitting take?
State law requires ministerial approval within 60 days of a complete application. Preapproved plans can reduce plan-check time significantly.
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