Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Chino Hills?

Short-term rentals are NOT broadly allowed in Chino Hills, California.

The City of Chino Hills takes a restrictive approach to short-term rentals. According to the official Chino Hills Municipal Code, short-term rentals (rentals for fewer than 30 days) are prohibited in most areas of the city. However, there are very limited exceptions in specific commercial zones where such rentals may be permitted under certain conditions.

Key Points:

• Primary Rule: Short-term rentals (under 30 days) are prohibited in residential zones
• Limited Exceptions: May be allowed in specific commercial zones (C-F, C-G, C-R)
• Alternative Option: Long-term rentals (30+ days) are permitted in residential areas
• Enforcement: Active code enforcement with fines for violations

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Chino Hills

Important: Given the restrictive nature of Chino Hills regulations, attempting to start a traditional short-term rental business in residential areas is not viable. However, if you believe your property may qualify for an exception, follow these steps:

1. Verify Zoning Compliance

Before proceeding, confirm your property is located in an eligible commercial zone:

• Freeway Commercial (C-F)
• General Commercial (C-G)
• Commercial Recreation (C-R)

Action Required: Consult the City's Zoning Map or contact the City directly.

2. Alternative Strategy: Long-Term Rentals

Given the restrictions, consider focusing on long-term rental opportunities (30+ days), which are explicitly permitted in residential zones and provide a more stable, compliant income stream.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

If Your Property Qualifies for Commercial Zone Exception:

Business License Requirements:

• Business license from the City of Chino Hills
• Compliance with all municipal business regulations

Tax Obligations:

• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) collection and remittance
• Registration with appropriate tax authorities

Documentation Needed:

• Property ownership verification
• Detailed property information
• Owner contact information
• 24-hour response contact requirements

For Long-Term Rentals (Recommended Alternative):

While no specific short-term rental permits are needed for 30+ day rentals, ensure:

• Standard landlord licensing if applicable
• Compliance with state landlord-tenant laws
• Proper lease documentation

Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

City of Chino Hills (Municipal Level)

Short-Term Rental Rules:

• Prohibited: Rentals under 30 days in residential zones
• Permitted: Rentals 30 days or more in residential zones
• Limited Exception: Under 30 days only in specific commercial zones (C-F, C-G, C-R)
• Business License: Required for any rental operation
• Tax Compliance: Transient Occupancy Tax requirements apply

Code Enforcement:

• Active monitoring of rental advertisements on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO
• Fines and penalties for violations
• Code Enforcement Division handles complaints and enforcement

San Bernardino County (County Level)

Note: County-level regulations may apply to properties in unincorporated areas. Chino Hills operates under its own municipal regulations, so city rules supersede county regulations within city limits.

State of California (State Level)

General Tenancy Laws:

• 30-Day Rule: A residential tenancy may be created after 30 consecutive days of occupancy in California
• Tenant Rights: Guests staying 30+ days generally gain tenant protections
• Eviction Process: Full legal eviction procedures required for 30+ day tenants
• Written Agreements: Strongly recommended even for shorter stays

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contact: City of Chino Hills Code Enforcement

Phone: (909) 364-2757
Email: codeenforcement@chinohills.org

General City Contact: City Hall Address: 14000 City Center Drive Chino Hills, CA 91709

Phone: (909) 364-2600
Hours:

• Monday to Thursday: 7:30 am to 5:30 pm
• Friday: 7:30 am to 4:30 pm

Online Resources:

• City Website: www.chinohills.org
• Code Enforcement Portal: Available through city website
• Municipal Code Access: Available through city document center

Source Pages and Documentation Links

Primary Official Sources:

1. Chino Hills Municipal Code FAQ - Short-Term Rentals - Official city statement on STR prohibition

2. Airbnb Help Center - Chino Hills Regulations - References official city documents and contact information

3. Chino Hills Zoning Map - Official zoning designations

4. Chino Hills Municipal Code - Complete municipal code

5. City Staff Report on Short-Term Rentals - Referenced in Airbnb help documentation

6. Chino Hills Municipal Code - Rental Provisions - Specific rental regulations

Additional Reference:

• Chino Hills Code Enforcement - Enforcement procedures and contact information

Important Considerations for Investors

Market Reality: Chino Hills represents one of the most restrictive short-term rental markets in Southern California, making traditional STR investments challenging or impossible in most residential areas.

Legal Risk: Operating unauthorized short-term rentals in prohibited zones carries significant enforcement risk, including fines, legal action, and potential property use violations.

Alternative Investment Strategies:

1. Long-term rentals in residential zones (30+ days)
2. Commercial property investment in eligible zones (C-F, C-G, C-R)
3. Adjacent markets with more favorable STR regulations

Due Diligence Requirements:

• Always verify zoning before any STR investment
• Consult with local real estate attorneys familiar with Chino Hills regulations
• Engage directly with Code Enforcement for clarification on specific properties

This guide reflects the current regulatory environment as of the latest available information. Regulations may change, and investors should always verify current requirements with the City of Chino Hills directly before making investment decisions.