Garage Conversions: Chino vs Rialto
How do garage conversions rules compare between Chino, CA and Rialto, CA?
Chino has fewer restrictions than Rialto.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
California Gov. Code §65852.2 (now re-codified by SB 477 at Gov. Code §66310 et seq.) preempts local bans on converting an existing garage into an Accessory Dwelling Unit. Chino adopted a conforming ADU ordinance on March 17, 2020 (Chino Municipal Code Title 20). Garage-to-ADU conversions are permitted ministerially, replacement parking is NOT required when a garage is converted to an ADU, and approval must be issued within 60 days of a complete application.
View full Chino rules →Rialto, CA
San Bernardino County
Converting a garage into living space in Rialto is governed by Rialto Municipal Code Title 18 (Zoning) and Title 15 (Buildings). Most garage conversions are processed as ADUs (accessory dwelling units) under California Government Code §65852.2 (state ADU law), which preempts most local restrictions and requires Rialto to ministerially approve a qualifying garage-to-ADU conversion.
View full Rialto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| State preemption | Gov. Code §65852.2 (now §66310 et seq. per SB 477) — local bans preempted | - |
| Chino ADU ordinance | Adopted March 17, 2020, CMC Title 20 | - |
| Replacement parking | NOT required when garage converts to ADU | - |
| Approval timeline | 60 days ministerial review of complete application | - |
| Owner occupancy | Not required for ADUs permitted 1/1/2020 – 1/1/2025 | - |
| State ADU preemption | - | Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2 — ministerial approval, no parking replacement |
| Local code | - | RMC Title 18 (Zoning) + Title 15 (CBC adoption) |
| Permit required | - | Yes — building permit and ADU/zoning clearance |
| Enforcement | - | Rialto Community Compliance |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
Can Chino deny my request to convert my garage into an ADU?
No, not categorically. State law (Gov. Code §65852.2 / SB 477 re-codification at §66310 et seq.) preempts local bans on garage-to-ADU conversions. Chino's March 17, 2020 ordinance under CMC Title 20 implements this state mandate.
Do I have to add a new driveway or parking space?
No. State law specifically exempts garage-to-ADU conversions from replacement parking requirements (Gov. Code §65852.2(a)(1)(D)(xi)).
How long does the City have to act on my application?
60 days from a complete application. ADU permits in California are ministerial — no discretionary hearing, no CEQA.
Rialto FAQ
Can Rialto deny my garage-to-ADU conversion?
Under Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2, qualifying garage-to-ADU conversions get ministerial (non-discretionary) approval. Rialto can require compliance with building, health, and safety codes but cannot impose discretionary review or require parking replacement.
Do I need to replace the parking I lose?
Not if it's a state-law ADU conversion. State law specifically prohibits requiring replacement parking when an existing garage is converted to an ADU.
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