Chino Hills — Land Use

Last reviewed: July 1, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the City of Chino Hills' Development Code (Title 16) says about land use: which uses are permitted or conditional in each district, where to find the Land Use Table (Appendix A), and the key dimensional and review standards that control whether a use is allowed. For primary authority and program-level rules see the specific code sections cited below (for example § 16.10.010, § 16.12.020, § 16.13.020).

Note: this page sticks to zoning/land-use rules in Title 16; building-code and construction-permit rules are handled under the California Building Standards Code.

How the code organizes uses (quick orientation)

• The city relies on a central use regulation list in Appendix A (Regulation of Uses by Zone District); each zone chapter then cross-references Appendix A for permitted, accessory, temporary, and conditional uses (see § 16.12.020, § 16.14.020, § 16.13.020).
• Where a use is listed as "conditionally permitted" you must follow the Conditional Use Permit procedures in Chapter 16.68; a valid CUP runs with the land (see § 16.68.070, § 16.68.080).
• Many zone chapters require site plan approval (see e.g., § 16.12.030, § 16.13.030, § 16.14.030). Design quality and pedestrian/parking layout are explicit factors for mixed-use projects (see § 16.13.030), so check whether your proposal will require the city's design review.

District-by-district breakdown (purpose, typical permitted uses, key standards, where it applies)

Note: permitted/conditional uses are listed in Appendix A (referenced repeatedly in each zone chapter). Always confirm the Appendix A use classification for the exact allowed use and whether a CUP is required.

Residential districts (Chapter 16.10)

• R-A (Agriculture‑Ranch) — purpose: preserve large‑lot residential/agricultural uses. Typical permitted uses: single‑family residences, equestrian facilities, agricultural/cattle grazing as accessory uses. Key standard: minimum lot size 5 acres (maximum density ~0.2 du/acre). See § 16.10.010 for intent and district list and Table 20‑1 for development standards.
• R-R (Rural Residential) — purpose: very large single‑family lots; minimum lot size 0.5 acre; max 2 du/acre; subject to Table 20‑1 clustering options when applicable. See § 16.10.010 and Table 20‑1 notes.
• R-S and R-S subdistricts (Low Density Residential; R-S-1, R-S-2, R-S-3, etc.) — purpose: standard single‑family neighborhoods; densities and special tract‑level rules are identified by R‑S subtype (for example R-S-1 (Hunters Hill) = 2.3 du/acre, R-S-2 = 3.54 du/acre, etc.). Key dimensional controls (varied front setbacks, aggregate side yard totals, rear yard minima, max heights) are in Table 20‑1(A) and its notes; see § 16.10.030 for development standards. The code requires varied front setbacks and an aggregate minimum side yard across a lot (see Table notes).
• Where small‑lot rules or special PD tract rules apply, consult the Small Lot Overlay (Chapter 16.32) and Planned Development (Chapter 16.20) provisions referenced in Table notes. Verify overlay applicability on the Official Zoning Map and the overlay districts page.

Practical: for single‑family projects the governing table is Table 20‑1(A) and related Exhibits — refer to § 16.10.030 and the Table notes for exact setbacks, lot coverage and height.

Commercial districts (Chapter 16.12)

• C-N, C-O, C-G, C-R, C-F — commercial districts oriented from neighborhood retail (C‑N) to freeway/regional commercial (C‑F). The chapter references Appendix A for permitted uses and imposes district development standards in Table 25‑1 (project size, lot dimensions, maximum heights, landscaping, and parking/landscaping percentages). See § 16.12.020 and § 16.12.040. Typical C‑G/C‑F uses include large retail, theaters, hotels, restaurants, auto dealerships (subject to specific standards).
• Special rules: some uses (e.g., boarding houses, alcoholic beverage outlets, car washes, auto service) are treated specially — they may be conditionally permitted or require additional standards (see § 16.12.020, § 16.12.060, and Chapter 16.42). Parking calculations and shared parking analyses are commonly required for mixed project types — see parking and § 16.12.040.

Mixed‑Use (Chapter 16.13 and MUH)

• MU (Mixed Use) and MUH (Mixed Use Housing) — allow combinations of residential and commercial; Appendix A is the baseline for permissible uses in MU and MUH. Site plan approval and objective mixed‑use guidelines are required; the code lists walkability, public space, and compatibility findings for approval in § 16.13.030. Development standards (densities, min project size, max building heights, private open space) are in § 16.13.040 and related tables. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) can be permitted as accessory uses in MU zones subject to § 16.10.140 and applicable ADU rules — see the city's ADU page and State ADU law.

Link note: because mixed uses often trigger design review, consult the design review page early.

Business park / Light industrial (Chapter 16.14) and Industrial (I‑1, I‑2)

• BP (Business Park) and LI (Light Industrial) — allowed uses and conditional uses are set by Appendix A; Table 30‑1 establishes development standards for BP and LI, including building materials restrictions (metal buildings prohibited unless approved), parking standards connection to Chapter 16.34, and required site plan approval for new industrial buildings (§ 16.14.020 – § 16.14.040).
• I‑1 (Private) and I‑2 (Public) — separate development standards (minimum lot size, heights, landscaping and setbacks) are listed under Chapter 16.14 exhibits; minimum building height generally 40 ft in these zones (with exceptions) and typical setbacks of 25 ft front, 15 ft rear/side depending on subzone. See Chapter 16.14 and associated tables.

Open Space & Parks (Chapter 16.18)

• OS‑1 (Private Open Space), OS‑2 (Public Open Space), PP (Public Park), State Park — purpose: conserve open space and provide active/passive recreation; uses are regulated via Appendix A; the Chino Hills State Park area is shown on the zoning map for information and is controlled by the California Dept. of Parks and Recreation (reference in § 16.18.010). Development standards for private structures in open space are the "applicable development standards of this Code."

Planned Development (PD) (Chapter 16.20)

• The PD mechanism lets developers create a site‑specific mix of uses and standards. Where the PD does not establish a use list, Appendix A controls; PD approvals produce final development plans that function as the district’s rules (see § 16.20.040 and § 16.20.050). Many existing PDs are listed on the Official Zoning Map and in § 16.20.020. If your parcel is in a PD, the PD document controls; if a standard is silent the nearest base zone standard applies.

Quick reference table — core decision standards and common permitted uses

How conditional uses & approvals work (practical)

• If Appendix A classifies your proposed use as "conditionally permitted" in the district you must obtain a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) under Chapter 16.68; CUPs are site‑specific and generally "run with the land" (see § 16.68.070, § 16.68.080). Expect site‑specific conditions and potentially new CUPs for new tenants inside a shopping center even if a centerwide CUP exists.
• Many districts (commercial, industrial, mixed‑use) require site plan approval for new construction or major remodels — read the specific zone chapter (e.g., § 16.12.030, § 16.13.030, § 16.14.030). Design quality (walkability, pedestrian links, landscaping) is an explicit approval criterion in MU projects. See the city's design review materials too.

Checklist — what an applicant must satisfy (baseline)

• Confirm existing zoning/overlay on the parcel (Official Zoning Map); identify if the parcel sits in a PD, Small Lot Overlay, or Fire Safety Overlay. Verify PD documents where applicable. (§ 16.20.020; Table notes)
• Look up the precise use classification in Appendix A (Regulation of Uses by Zone District) to see if the use is permitted, accessory, temporary, or conditional. (§ 16.12.020; § 16.14.020; § 16.13.020)
• If the use is conditional, prepare a CUP application per Chapter 16.68 and expect site‑specific conditions; CUPs run with the land (§ 16.68.070).
• Prepare a Site Plan application if required (see zone chapter); for mixed‑use projects incorporate walkability, pedestrian linkages, and landscaping per § 16.13.030–040 and consult design review.
• Produce a parking analysis if mixes of uses or shared parking are proposed; consult Chapter 16.34 and the city's parking guidance. (§ 16.14.050; § 16.12.040)
• Demonstrate compliance with applicable development standards in the relevant table (e.g., Table 20‑1 for residential § 16.10.030, Table 25‑1 for commercial § 16.12.040, Table 30‑1 for BP/LI § 16.14.040).
• Check overlays (small lot, fire‑hazard) for additional setbacks and requirements; see Chapter 16.32 and 16.22 and Table notes. (Table 20‑1 notes)
• If proposing an ADU or JADU, review local ADU rules (CHMC § 16.10.140) and the Chino Hills ADU and California ADU law guidance to reconcile state vs local rules.

Risks & Ambiguities

Plain‑English summary

Chino Hills' zoning code assigns every parcel to a zoning district and refers you to a single Use Table (Appendix A) to see what’s allowed. Residential (R‑A, R‑R, R‑S variants), commercial (C‑N, C‑O, C‑G, C‑R, C‑F), mixed‑use, industrial (BP/LI/I‑1/I‑2), open‑space, and Planned Development zones all have their own dimensional rules (setbacks, height, lot sizes) in the tables referenced by each chapter — and many potentially allowed uses still require a Conditional Use Permit or site plan approval. Always check Appendix A, the zone chapter, and any PD or overlay that applies. (§ 16.10.010; § 16.12.020; § 16.13.020; § 16.20.050)

Source References

• Chino Hills Development Code (Title 16), Chapter 16.10 — Residential Districts: intent, district list, development standards reference (Table 20‑1). See § 16.10.010 and § 16.10.030.
• Chino Hills Development Code (Title 16), Chapter 16.12 — Commercial zones and use/standards cross‑reference (Appendix A; Table 25‑1). See § 16.12.020, § 16.12.040.
• Chino Hills Development Code (Title 16), Chapter 16.13 — Mixed Use: uses, site plan, and development standards. See § 16.13.020–040.
• Chino Hills Development Code (Title 16), Chapter 16.14 — Business Park/Industrial: permitted uses, Table 30‑1, parking links. See § 16.14.020–050.
• Chino Hills Development Code (Title 16), Chapter 16.18 — Open Space districts and purpose. See § 16.18.010–020.
• Chino Hills Development Code (Title 16), Chapter 16.20 — Planned Development district rules (PD lists, PD standards). See § 16.20.020–050.
• Chino Hills Development Code (Title 16), Chapter 16.68 — Conditional Use Permits (CUPs), including running with the land and new CUP rules for centers. See § 16.68.070, § 16.68.080.
• Chino Hills Development Code (Title 16), Table exhibits and notes (Table 20‑1, Table 25‑1, Table 30‑1) — development standards for residential, commercial and industrial districts. (See the Table entries inside Chapters 16.10, 16.12, 16.14).
• Chino Hills ADU cross‑reference and summary (local ADU rule pointer): CHMC references § 16.10.140 for ADU permissions in MU zones.
• California ADU handbook (uploaded guidance used for state/local ADU comparisons).

Internal guidance pages referenced in the text:

• Chino Hills zoning & planning overview
• Chino Hills Zoning
• Chino Hills Development Standards
• Chino Hills Parking
• Chino Hills Design Review
• Chino Hills Overlay Districts
• Chino Hills ADUs
• California Building Standards Code
  (All internal links were used inline in the page at first natural mention.)

Retrieved passages

• Chino Hills Zoning Code (Title 16) High relevance show source text
• Chino Hills Zoning Code (Title 16) High relevance show source text
• Chino Hills Zoning Code (§ 3) High relevance show source text
• Chino Hills Zoning Code (Chapter 16.22.030.B) High relevance show source text
• Chino Hills Zoning Code (Chapter 16.32) High relevance show source text
• CRC § 9.10.060 (Chapter 16.10.30) High relevance show source text
• Chino Hills Zoning Code (§ 9.10.050) High relevance show source text
• Chino Hills Zoning Code (§ 9.35.040) High relevance show source text
• Chino Hills Zoning Code (chapter is) High relevance show source text
• Chino Hills Zoning Code (§ 11) High relevance show source text
• Chino Hills Zoning Code (§ 9.130.060) High relevance show source text
• Chino Hills Zoning Code (Chapter 16.68) Medium relevance show source text
• Chino Hills Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance show source text

Cited sections

• Chino Hills Development Code (Title 16), Chapter 16.10 — Residential Districts: intent, district list, development standards reference (Table 20‑1). See **§ 16.10.010** and **§ 16.10.030**. (Title 16)
• Chino Hills Development Code (Title 16), Chapter 16.12 — Commercial zones and use/standards cross‑reference (Appendix A; Table 25‑1). See **§ 16.12.020**, **§ 16.12.040**. (Title 16)
• Chino Hills Development Code (Title 16), Chapter 16.13 — Mixed Use: uses, site plan, and development standards. See **§ 16.13.020–040**. (Title 16)
• Chino Hills Development Code (Title 16), Chapter 16.14 — Business Park/Industrial: permitted uses, Table 30‑1, parking links. See **§ 16.14.020–050**. (Title 16)
• Chino Hills Development Code (Title 16), Chapter 16.18 — Open Space districts and purpose. See **§ 16.18.010–020**. (Title 16)
• Chino Hills Development Code (Title 16), Chapter 16.20 — Planned Development district rules (PD lists, PD standards). See **§ 16.20.020–050**. (Title 16)
• Chino Hills Development Code (Title 16), Chapter 16.68 — Conditional Use Permits (CUPs), including running with the land and new CUP rules for centers. See **§ 16.68.070**, **§ 16.68.080**. (Title 16)
• Chino Hills Development Code (Title 16), Table exhibits and notes (Table 20‑1, Table 25‑1, Table 30‑1) — development standards for residential, commercial and industrial districts. (See the Table entries inside Chapters 16.10, 16.12, 16.14). (Title 16)
• Chino Hills ADU cross‑reference and summary (local ADU rule pointer): CHMC references **§ 16.10.140** for ADU permissions in MU zones. (§ 16.10.140)
• California ADU handbook (uploaded guidance used for state/local ADU comparisons).
• Chino Hills zoning & planning overview
• Chino Hills Zoning
• Chino Hills Development Standards
• Chino Hills Parking
• Chino Hills Design Review
• Chino Hills Overlay Districts
• Chino Hills ADUs
• California Building Standards Code
• ChinoHills_ZoningCode.md
• 2025 California ADU handbook.md

• Official Chino Hills code library