Registration Rules: Chino vs San Bernardino
How do registration rules rules compare between Chino, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Chino and San Bernardino have similar restriction levels.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
Chino has no STR registration, TOT certificate, or business license program because short-term rentals are banned outright by Title 20 zoning (CMC §20.24.020 defines STRs as <31-day residential rentals; no zoning district permits the use). Hosts cannot 'register and comply' — the only compliance path is not to operate. By contrast, neighboring jurisdictions (e.g., unincorporated San Bernardino County, City of Big Bear Lake) require registration; Chino does not. Hosts who previously held a city business license tied to vacation-rental activity have had those classifications closed.
View full Chino rules →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
San Bernardino STR registration requires an application, proof of ownership, safety self-certification, 24-hour local contact, insurance, business license, and TOT registration. Processing takes about 30 days.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| STR registration program? | None — STR use is prohibited | - |
| TOT for residential STR? | Not collected — use is not legal | - |
| Code basis | CMC §20.24.020 + Title 20 Zoning prohibition | - |
| Hotel/motel TOT | Still applies to licensed lodging establishments (separate Title 5 framework) | - |
| Core Documents | - | Deed, plan, insurance, license |
| Review Agencies | - | Finance, Planning, Fire |
| Processing Time | - | Around 30 days |
| Permit Number | - | Must appear in listings |
| Renewal | - | Annual |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
Do I need to register if I only rent to family or for a wedding weekend?
A residential rental of fewer than 31 days is an STR by CMC §20.24.020 regardless of guest relationship. Bona-fide guests staying without compensation are not 'renting' and are not regulated.
Does paying TOT make it legal?
No. Tax remittance does not override the Zoning Code. The use itself is prohibited.
San Bernardino FAQ
Do I have to put my STR permit number in my Airbnb listing?
Yes. San Bernardino requires the unique STR permit number to appear in every listing and advertisement. Omitting the number is an administrative violation and can delay permit renewal.
How long does San Bernardino STR registration take?
Typical processing time is around 30 days once the Finance, Planning, and Fire reviews are complete. Missing documents or unresolved code violations can extend the timeline significantly.
Compare other topics
See how Chino and San Bernardino compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool