Zoning Restrictions: Chino vs San Bernardino
How do zoning restrictions rules compare between Chino, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Chino and San Bernardino have similar restriction levels.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
Chino permits home occupations in residential zones via a Home Occupation Permit issued by the Community Development Department under Title 20 (Zoning) of the Chino Municipal Code (CMC). The use must be clearly incidental and secondary to residential use, conducted entirely within the dwelling by residents, with no exterior evidence of the business. Statewide, Cal. Gov't Code section 65852.2(e) protects ADUs from owner-occupancy and use restrictions; SB 9 (Gov't Code 65852.21) does not authorize commercial use in residential lots.
View full Chino rules →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
San Bernardino allows home occupations in most residential zones if the business is secondary to residential use, has no exterior evidence, and does not raise traffic, noise, or parking demand.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Permit | Home Occupation Permit + business license | Home occupation permit or business license required |
| Location | Inside dwelling only; no garage displacing parking | - |
| Employees | Residents only (no non-resident on-site staff) | - |
| Nuisance standard | No noise/odor/traffic beyond typical residential | - |
| Authority | CMC Title 20 (Zoning), Title 5 (Business Licenses) | - |
| Floor area | - | Typically 25 percent of dwelling or 500 sq ft maximum |
| Residential character | - | No exterior evidence of the business allowed |
| Prohibited uses | - | Auto repair, welding, kennels, adult uses banned |
| Enforcement | - | Code Enforcement can cite and revoke permit |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
Can I run an online business from my Chino home without a permit?
No. Any business operated from a residence in Chino, including online/e-commerce with no customer visits, requires a Home Occupation Permit under CMC Title 20 and a City business license under CMC Title 5. The permit confirms the use complies with zoning standards.
Can I use my garage as a workshop for my home business?
Only if the garage is not required to satisfy off-street parking. Chino's zoning code requires covered parking for residences; converting a required garage to business use without replacing the parking violates the home occupation standards and the parking ordinance.
Does state law override Chino's home occupation rules?
For Cottage Food (HSC section 113758) and ADU use (Gov't Code section 65852.2), state law limits how cities can restrict residential use. But general home occupations remain subject to local zoning.
San Bernardino FAQ
Can I run a home-based business in San Bernardino?
Yes in most residential zones with a home occupation permit, as long as the business is incidental to residential use and has no external impact.
Can I see customers at my home office?
Limited client visits are usually allowed, but frequent customer traffic, signage, or on-site employees can disqualify the home occupation.
What businesses are outright banned at home?
Auto repair, welding, cabinet shops, kennels, adult businesses, and retail food preparation beyond cottage food are typically prohibited.
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