Tiny Homes: Rialto vs San Bernardino
How do tiny homes rules compare between Rialto, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Rialto and San Bernardino have similar restriction levels.
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 →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 | Rialto | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | - |
| 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.
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.
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.
Compare other topics
See how Rialto 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