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Chino, CA Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Application to
Development services department
Site/design incentives
Planning commission approves
Other incentives
City council approval required
Implements
Gov. Code §§ 65915-65918

Summary

Chino requires developers seeking a state-law density bonus to file an application with the development services department, with concessions reviewed by the planning commission or city council.

A.Application. A developer seeking a density bonus, incentive, or concession shall file an application with the department. The form and content of the application shall be as specified by the director and shall be subject to a fee established by resolution of the city council. ... C.Hearing process. Applications for a density bonus, incentive, or concession will considered by the planning commission.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 38).

Full Breakdown

Chino Municipal Code Chapter 20.14 implements state density bonus law (Gov. Code §§ 65915-65918) at § 20.14.010. Under § 20.14.030, a developer seeking a density bonus, incentive, or concession files an application with the department, which is processed alongside other required project applications, and pays a fee set by council resolution. Applications go to the planning commission, which can approve incentives involving site development, zoning, or architectural design standard modifications; any other incentive requires city council approval. Chapter 20.14's density bonus, a mandatory state-law floor, can require densities above the residential caps set by the Measure M initiative in Chapter 20.15.

Violations & Fines

Building at a density-bonus unit count without an approved density bonus application, agreement, and any required city council or planning commission incentive approval is not permitted under Chapter 20.14.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who reviews a density bonus application in Chino?
The application goes to the development services department; the planning commission approves site/design incentives, while the city council approves all other incentive types under § 20.14.030(C).
Can Chino's Measure M density caps block a density bonus?
No. State density bonus law under Gov. Code § 65915, implemented by Chapter 20.14, is a mandatory floor that can require densities above the Measure M caps in Chapter 20.15.

Sources & Official References

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