Chino Hills, CA Home Business: Zoning Restrictions (2026)

Chino Hills permits home-based businesses in residential dwellings as 'home occupations' regulated by Municipal Code Chapter 16.56. The City's adopted performance standards (Section 16.56.020) require that 'the home occupation use shall not detract from, or impede, the primary use of the property as a residential dwelling or the residential character of the surrounding neighborhood.' The space used - including storage areas and any accessory structures - 'shall not exceed 20 percent of the total dwelling or 400 square feet, whichever is less,' and none of that area may occupy a required garage parking space. There must be 'no exterior operations, storage, or display of materials,' no process or chemical hazardous to public health or safety, and no flammable/hazardous material storage (which is also subject to Chino Valley Fire District review). The activity may not 'produce noxious matter, vibrations, glare, dust, electrical interference, or perceptible noise beyond the property line,' and utility use may not exceed normal residential levels. Certain businesses are flatly prohibited as home occupations, including adult-oriented businesses, ammunition reloading, on-site vehicle/appliance repair, medical/dental/chiropractic and acupuncture clinics, massage practitioners, short-term rentals and boarding houses, on-site carpentry/cabinet making, large ceramic kilns, welding/metalsmithing, tow-truck and ambulance service, and veterinary/boarding uses. A City Business License must be obtained and renewed annually or the permit expires.