Building in the City of Chino
Chino, located in southwestern San Bernardino County, is a vibrant, fully incorporated city with a well-developed land-use and planning framework that guides its growth and development. The City of Chino operates under a comprehensive General Plan that outlines land-use policies aimed at promoting sustainable development, enhancing public health and safety, and ensuring a high quality of life for residents. Chino is known for its mix of residential, commercial, and agricultural areas, with a strong focus on maintaining its suburban and semi-rural character while accommodating modern growth.
The city's zoning regulations divide Chino into various districts—residential, commercial, industrial, and open space—each governed by specific development standards that promote balanced growth. The city’s infrastructure is well-established, with maintained roads, utilities, and public services, making Chino an attractive place for both residents and businesses. Development is encouraged in areas with access to transportation corridors such as State Route 60 and State Route 71, while sensitive areas, including parks, equestrian trails, and open spaces, are preserved for community enjoyment.
Housing development in Chino is guided by the city’s Housing Element, which seeks to provide a range of affordable and market-rate housing options while ensuring safe, high-quality living environments. The city works to maintain a balance between residential growth and the preservation of open spaces, parks, and recreational areas, which contribute to Chino’s appeal. Priorities include promoting sustainable development, improving housing affordability, and ensuring resilience to natural hazards such as earthquakes and flooding.
Chino’s future vision emphasizes continued growth that enhances the community’s infrastructure while maintaining its suburban and semi-rural charm. The city promotes responsible development that aligns with its long-term goals of environmental stewardship, efficient land use, and a balanced, sustainable community. Through thoughtful planning, strategic investments in public services, and a commitment to maintaining the city’s family-friendly and community-oriented atmosphere, Chino continues to be a thriving city that meets the needs of its diverse population while preserving its distinctive character.
Construction Process in the City of Chino
1. Initial Project Planning
Begin by defining your project’s vision, scope, and feasibility, whether it’s residential, commercial, industrial, or another type of development. Review your property’s zoning designation, the City of Chino’s General Plan, and the specific development standards that apply to your site. Assess site-specific conditions such as access (roads and utilities), topography, environmental constraints (flood risk, proximity to sensitive areas, or agricultural land considerations), and infrastructure availability. All construction, alterations, repairs, and demolition of structures require the appropriate City of Chino permits.
2. Pre-Application Consultation & Development Review
Before submitting formal applications, schedule a pre-application consultation with the Chino Planning Division and Building & Safety Division to discuss your project concept. This helps verify zoning compliance, permitted land uses, and potential requirements for entitlements such as Conditional Use Permits (CUPs), Variances, or Design Review. Larger or more complex projects may require environmental review under CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) if they could impact sensitive areas or agricultural lands.
3. Submit Your Permit and Application Package
After refining your plans based on pre-application feedback, submit a complete permit application package through Chino’s online or in-person permitting system. Applications typically include:
- Completed application forms
- Site plan, floor plan, and building elevations (if applicable)
- Construction valuation and permit fees
- Required supporting documents or engineering reports (e.g., soil studies, drainage plans, structural evaluations)
Permits are required for new structures, additions, remodels, grading, or any other construction activity. Including all relevant documentation upfront helps avoid delays.
4. Plan-Check, Design & Code Review
The Building & Safety Division conducts a plan check to ensure your project complies with the California Building Code and the City of Chino’s adopted codes for electrical, plumbing, mechanical systems, and energy efficiency. The Planning Division reviews zoning compliance and land-use regulations.
For sites with special considerations—such as flood zones, grading, or traffic impacts—the City may require additional studies or reports. Chino has design standards, particularly for commercial and multi-family residential projects, and meeting these guidelines is essential.
5. Permit Issuance & Infrastructure Coordination
Once the plan check is complete and all applicable fees are paid, the City of Chino issues your building permit. Before construction begins, coordinate with utility providers (water, sewer, electricity, gas) to confirm availability and connection requirements. You may also need to address stormwater management, traffic flow, or road access to meet the City’s safety and design standards.
6. Construction & Inspections
Construction may commence once all permits are obtained. Work must be performed by licensed contractors and adhere to approved plans, building codes, and regulations. The City conducts inspections at key stages, including foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and final inspections.Special attention is given to fire safety, environmental protection, proper drainage, and compliance with Chino’s municipal codes. Any deviations from approved plans must be reviewed and approved before proceeding.
7. Final Inspection & Certificate of Occupancy
After construction, request a final inspection from the Building & Safety Division. If the project passes all inspections and complies with approved plans, the City issues a Certificate of Occupancy for new buildings or a Final Clearance for remodels and smaller projects. This authorizes the building to be legally occupied or used for its intended purpose.
8. Project Close-Out
Project close-out includes paying any outstanding fees, submitting as-built drawings, completing landscaping or site improvements, and finalizing any public utility easements or permits. Once the City confirms all conditions of approval are met, the construction file is officially closed.
9. Ongoing Compliance & Future Modifications
Property owners in Chino must ensure ongoing compliance with the City’s building, zoning, and maintenance regulations. Any future modifications—such as additions, accessory structures, or changes in land use—must be reviewed and approved by the Planning and Building & Safety Divisions to ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and community standards.
The Planning Division of Chino plays a crucial role in guiding the city’s growth and development in a way that supports long-term sustainability and enhances the quality of life for residents. The division is responsible for managing land use, zoning, and design standards to ensure that new construction, redevelopment, and community improvements align with the goals outlined in the City’s General Plan. By enforcing Chino’s zoning ordinances and design guidelines, the Planning Division helps ensure that development projects enhance the character and livability of Chino while maintaining a balance between residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational spaces.
Planners within the division assist applicants by reviewing site plans, ensuring zoning compliance, and addressing environmental requirements. They also coordinate with various city departments, such as Public Works and Building & Safety, to ensure that all projects are functional, safe, and aligned with the city’s vision for growth. The division serves as a key resource for developers, property owners, and community stakeholders, guiding them through the approval process and helping them meet city standards.
Through this collaborative approach, the Planning Division ensures that new developments contribute positively to Chino’s continued success while preserving its suburban and semi-rural character, enhancing its overall appeal, and supporting a well-planned, thriving community.
The Building & Safety Division of Chino plays a vital role in ensuring that construction, remodeling, and renovation projects within the city are safe, code-compliant, and meet all applicable standards. The division enforces the California Building Code, as well as Chino’s local building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and energy codes, to protect public health, safety, and welfare. By doing so, the division helps maintain the quality, safety, and long-term resilience of Chino’s built environment.
Staff within the Building & Safety Division review building permit applications, conduct plan checks, and perform inspections at key stages of construction, including foundations, framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical systems, and final completion. They also coordinate with other city departments, such as Planning and Public Works, to ensure that projects comply with zoning, land-use requirements, and infrastructure standards.
The division acts as a critical resource for developers, contractors, and property owners, providing guidance on code requirements, permitting procedures, and best practices to ensure projects are completed safely and efficiently. By enforcing building standards and overseeing construction quality, the Building & Safety Division helps protect the community, supports responsible development, and contributes to Chino’s long-term growth and livability.
The Public Works Department of Chino plays a critical role in maintaining and enhancing the city’s infrastructure, ensuring the community remains safe, functional, and sustainable. The department is responsible for the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of public facilities, including streets, sidewalks, stormwater systems, water and sewer networks, traffic signals, and parks. By managing these essential services, Public Works helps support the city’s overall quality of life and long-term growth.
Staff within the department work closely with the Planning and Building & Safety Divisions to ensure that new developments and redevelopment projects meet city standards for infrastructure, drainage, traffic, and utility services. The department also oversees public improvements, inspects construction projects for compliance with design and safety standards, and coordinates maintenance and repair programs to preserve existing infrastructure.
The Public Works Department serves as a resource for residents, businesses, and developers, providing guidance on street improvements, utility connections, stormwater management, and environmental compliance. By ensuring that Chino’s public infrastructure is reliable, safe, and sustainable, the department supports the city’s growth, protects public health, and enhances the community’s overall livability.
Chino, in southwestern San Bernardino County, is a growing, fully incorporated city known for its modern infrastructure, smart growth, and community-focused development. The city features well-maintained roads, efficient utilities, parks, and public services, supporting a high quality of life for residents.
Chino has strategically balanced residential, commercial, and industrial growth, with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and technological integration. Its economy benefits from manufacturing, logistics, and a thriving small business community, supported by excellent freeway access.
Through advanced infrastructure, smart planning, and sustainable practices, Chino continues to evolve as a forward-looking city, blending modern amenities with suburban charm while promoting long-term growth and livability.
Building & Safety / Permits — City of Chino
Phone: (909) 334-3280
Address: Chino City Hall, 13220 Central Avenue, Chino, CA 91710
Website/Application Portal: Chino Building & Safety Permitting — for permit applications, plan checks, and building guidelines.
Planning & Land Use Coordination — City of Chino Planning Division
Phone: (909) 334-3280
Address: Chino City Hall, 13220 Central Avenue, Chino, CA 91710
Website: Chino Planning Division — for zoning, development guidelines, and land-use policies.
Public Works / Infrastructure / Roads & Maintenance — City of Chino Public Works Department
Phone: (909) 334-3228
Address: Chino City Hall, 13220 Central Avenue, Chino, CA 91710
Website/Info: Chino Public Works Services — for road maintenance, utility issues, stormwater management, and public infrastructure projects.
