ADU Rules: Chino vs Rialto
How do adu rules rules compare between Chino, CA and Rialto, CA?
Rialto 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 →Rialto, CA
San Bernardino County
Rialto allows ADUs on single-family and multifamily lots under California Government Code §66314 (formerly §65852.2), with local zoning standards in Rialto Municipal Code Title 18 (Zoning). State law preempts most restrictive local provisions: a detached ADU up to 1,200 sq ft and a JADU up to 500 sq ft are allowed by right on a single-family lot, plus the city must permit at least one ADU and one JADU per single-family parcel.
View full Rialto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | - |
| Approval timeline | 60 days ministerial (state) | 60 days ministerial review (Gov. Code §66317) |
| Planning Division | 909-334-3253 / planning@cityofchino.org | - |
| Governing law | - | Cal. Gov. Code §66314 (state ADU statute) + Rialto Municipal Code Title 18 (Zoning) |
| Max ADU size (state floor) | - | 850 sq ft studio/1-BR; 1,000 sq ft 2+ BR; up to 1,200 sq ft allowed |
| Min setback | - | 4 ft side/rear (state preemption) |
| Permit office | - | Rialto Building & Safety, 150 S Palm Ave, (909) 820-2505 |
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.
Rialto FAQ
Can Rialto deny my ADU if I meet state standards?
No. State law requires ministerial (non-discretionary) approval if your ADU meets the objective standards in Gov. Code §66314 — Rialto cannot impose a public hearing or design review on a code-compliant ADU.
Do I need to live on the property to build an ADU?
No owner-occupancy is required for an ADU permitted between Jan 1, 2020 and Jan 1, 2025 under Gov. Code §66314(a)(6). JADUs always require owner-occupancy of either the main house or the JADU under Gov. Code §66333.
Compare other topics
See how Chino and Rialto 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