Tiny Homes: Fontana vs Rialto
How do tiny homes rules compare between Fontana, CA and Rialto, CA?
Fontana and Rialto have similar restriction levels.
Fontana, CA
San Bernardino County
Stationary tiny homes in Fontana permit as ADUs under Gov Code 65852.2 up to 1,200 sq ft. Tiny houses on wheels are treated as RVs and cannot be permanent residences outside an RV park.
View full Fontana rules →Rialto, CA
San Bernardino County
Tiny homes in Rialto are regulated either as ADUs under California Government Code §65852.2 (state ADU law) and Rialto Municipal Code Title 18, or as RVs/manufactured housing under state HCD rules. Permanent tiny homes on foundations qualify as ADUs and benefit from California's ministerial-approval preemption.
View full Rialto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fontana | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| Stationary tiny homes | Permitted as ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft under GC 65852.2 | - |
| HUD-code tiny homes | Allowed on permanent foundation with tie-down | - |
| Tiny homes on wheels | Treated as RVs - no permanent residential use outside RV park | - |
| Plan check required | Title 24, CRC, and structural engineering for ADU tiny homes | - |
| Approval timeline | 60 days ministerial for compliant ADU tiny home | - |
| Permanent tiny home | - | Processed as ADU per Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2 |
| On wheels (THOW) | - | RV under HCD Title 25 / Vehicle Code - not a dwelling unless ADU-certified |
| Building code | - | CRC Appendix Q for tiny houses under 400 sf |
| Local zoning | - | RMC Title 18 (must conform to state ADU law) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fontana FAQ
Can I put a tiny home in my Fontana backyard?
Yes if it is built to code on a permanent foundation and permitted as an ADU. A tiny house on wheels used as a permanent residence is not allowed.
Is a Park Model RV legal to live in on my Fontana property?
No. California treats park-model RVs as recreational vehicles, and Fontana prohibits using an RV as a full-time residence on private residential property.
What size tiny home can I permit as an ADU?
Detached ADUs up to 1,200 square feet are allowed under state law, with minimum 4-foot side and rear setbacks and CRC structural compliance.
Rialto FAQ
Can I live in a tiny home in my Rialto backyard?
Yes if it is permitted as an ADU under Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2 and built to the California Residential Code (CRC Appendix Q applies to tiny houses under 400 sf). Living in an RV or trailer as a permanent residence outside an RV park is prohibited.
Can Rialto require owner-occupancy for an ADU tiny home?
State ADU law currently bars Rialto from imposing owner-occupancy requirements on most newly permitted ADUs; check current Gov. Code §65852.2 amendments for the applicable date range.
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