ADU Rules: Chino vs San Bernardino
How do adu rules rules compare between Chino, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
San Bernardino 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 →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
San Bernardino permits ADUs on single-family and multi-family lots under CA Gov Code 65852.2. Detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft and JADUs up to 500 sq ft are ministerially approved.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | - |
| Planning Division | 909-334-3253 / planning@cityofchino.org | - |
| Legal authority | - | CA Gov Code 65852.2 statewide ADU mandate |
| Standard ADU | - | Up to 1,200 sq ft detached, 850 to 1,000 sq ft for attached |
| JADU | - | Up to 500 sq ft inside existing home with owner occupancy |
| Approval | - | Ministerial, 60-day review, no discretionary hearing |
| Parking | - | No parking required within 1/2 mile of transit |
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.
San Bernardino FAQ
Does San Bernardino approve ADUs over the counter?
Yes. State law requires ministerial approval within 60 days of a complete application, with no discretionary hearings or subjective design review.
Do I have to live on the property to rent my ADU?
Owner occupancy is required for Junior ADUs. Standard ADUs permitted after 2020 are not subject to owner-occupancy rules until state law changes.
Can I rent my ADU on Airbnb?
State law generally requires ADU rentals be 30 days or longer, so short-term rental use is typically prohibited.
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