Tiny Homes: Chino vs San Bernardino
How do tiny homes rules compare between Chino, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Chino and San Bernardino have similar restriction levels.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
Chino allows tiny homes only through three regulated pathways: (1) a permitted Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) up to 1,200 sq ft on a permanent foundation under Gov. Code §65852.2 (now §66310 et seq.) and Chino's 3-17-20 ADU ordinance; (2) a Junior ADU (JADU) up to 500 sq ft within an existing single-family dwelling under Gov. Code §65852.22 (now §66333 et seq.); or (3) a Movable Tiny House registered as a recreational vehicle / park trailer under Cal. Health & Safety Code §18010 and ANSI A119.5 — but only as a temporary RV, not a permanent residence on a single-family lot.
View full Chino rules →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
Tiny homes on permanent foundations in San Bernardino are regulated as ADUs under CA Gov Code 65852.2. Tiny homes on wheels are treated as RVs and cannot be permanent dwellings outside approved parks.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| ADU max size | 1,200 sq ft detached (Gov. Code §65852.2) | - |
| ADU setbacks | 4 ft side/rear minimum (state preemption) | - |
| JADU max size | 500 sq ft within existing SFD (Gov. Code §65852.22) | - |
| Owner occupancy | JADU yes; ADU no (for permits 1/1/2020–1/1/2025) | - |
| Tiny house on wheels | Treated as RV under HSC §18010 — not a permanent residence | - |
| Approval timeline | 60 days ministerial (state mandate) | - |
| Permanent foundation | - | Permitted as an ADU under Gov Code 65852.2 |
| ADU sizing | - | 850 to 1,200 sq ft with 16 ft height safe-harbor |
| Wheels/RV | - | Tiny home on wheels treated as RV; no permanent residency |
| Approved parks | - | RV parks or licensed mobilehome parks allowed for THOWs |
| Utilities | - | Must connect to approved water, sewer, and power as dwelling |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
Can I park a tiny house on wheels in my Chino backyard and live in it?
No. A tiny house on wheels is classified as a recreational vehicle under Cal. Health & Safety Code §18010 / ANSI A119.5 and may not be used as a permanent residence on a single-family lot. Chino has not adopted a separate Movable Tiny House (MTH) ordinance.
Can I build a tiny home as an ADU?
Yes, if it is constructed on a permanent foundation, meets the California Residential Code, and complies with Chino's ADU ordinance (CMC Title 20, adopted 3-17-20) and Gov. Code §65852.2 — up to 1,200 sq ft, 4 ft setbacks, 16-18 ft height.
What's the difference between an ADU and a JADU in Chino?
An ADU is up to 1,200 sq ft, can be detached, attached, or converted; a JADU is max 500 sq ft, must be within an existing single-family dwelling, and requires owner occupancy (Gov. Code §65852.22).
San Bernardino FAQ
Can I live full-time in a tiny home on wheels on my San Bernardino lot?
Generally no. Zoning and state housing law treat tiny homes on wheels as RVs, which cannot be occupied as permanent residences on single-family lots.
Is a foundation-built tiny home allowed?
Yes, as an ADU under Gov Code 65852.2, provided it meets ADU size, Title 24, smoke or CO alarm, and utility connection rules.
Are there any exceptions for shelter or homelessness?
State-sanctioned pilot projects and approved tiny home villages operate under specific statutes, but individual lots in San Bernardino are not open to THOW occupancy.
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