Shed Rules: Chino vs San Bernardino
How do shed rules rules compare between Chino, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
San Bernardino has fewer restrictions than Chino.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
Chino regulates sheds and detached accessory buildings under Title 20 (Zoning). Small sheds 120 sq ft or less are exempt from building permits under the California Residential Code (CRC Section R105.2 / CBC Appendix M as adopted in Chino Municipal Code Title 15), but zoning setbacks, height limits, and lot-coverage rules in Title 20 still apply. Sheds may not be placed in a required front yard, and equestrian-zone parcels in the Chino Agricultural Preserve have separate barn/stable provisions.
View full Chino rules →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
Sheds up to 120 sq ft in San Bernardino do not require a building permit under the California Residential Code, but must meet zoning setbacks, height limits, and fire clearance rules.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Permit exemption | Sheds 120 sq ft or less, no plumbing/electric (CRC R105.2) | Sheds up to 120 sq ft exempt under CRC R105.2 |
| Zoning setbacks | Title 20 — typically 5 ft side/rear in R-1 for under-14 ft accessory structures | - |
| Habitable use | Prohibited — must be permitted ADU/JADU to be lived in | - |
| Equestrian zones | Barns/stables separately regulated in A-R / Chino Ag Preserve zones | - |
| Code portal | Municode CMC Title 20 (Supp. 37, through Ord. 2025-002) | - |
| Setbacks | - | Typically 5 ft from side and rear property lines |
| Height | - | Generally 12 to 15 ft maximum in residential zones |
| Utilities | - | Any electrical, plumbing, or gas needs a separate permit |
| Fire zones | - | Chapter 7A materials may apply in VHFHSZ |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
Do I need a permit for a small backyard shed in Chino?
Not from Building if the shed is 120 sq ft or less with no electrical or plumbing (CRC R105.2 as adopted in CMC Title 15). You still must follow Title 20 zoning setbacks and may not place it in a required front yard.
Can I add electricity to my shed without a permit?
No. Adding electrical or plumbing service triggers a building/electrical permit under Chino Municipal Code Title 15 regardless of shed size.
Can I live in a shed or convert it into a guest room?
No. Sheds are non-habitable accessory structures. Habitable backyard living space must meet ADU/JADU standards under Gov Code 65852.2 (re-codified by SB 477 at Gov Code 66310 et seq.) and Chino's ADU ordinance.
San Bernardino FAQ
Do I need a permit for a small backyard shed?
Not if it is one story, 120 sq ft or less, and has no electricity, plumbing, or gas; zoning setbacks still apply.
How close to the fence can I put my shed?
Typically no closer than 5 ft from side and rear property lines; check the San Bernardino Development Code for your exact zone.
Is a permit needed for a shed with electricity?
Yes. Electrical connections always require a separate electrical permit and inspection regardless of the 120 sq ft exemption.
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