San Bernardino, CA Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing sections
- SBMC §§ 6.10.010, 6.10.030
- Base cat limit
- 5 cats without a permit
- Smallest tier
- 10 cats on lots up to 10,000 sq ft
- Absolute ceiling
- 20 cats, any lot size
- Disqualifier
- 2+ Title 6 convictions in 18 months
Summary
Beyond the base five-cat limit, San Bernardino lets owners keep more cats only under a tiered fancier permit tied to lot size, capped at 20 cats on any property, and bars anyone with recent cruelty or fighting convictions from holding one.
§ 6.10.010 FINDINGS. The Mayor and City Council find that cat owners who allow their cat(s) to cause a public nuisance shall be responsible for maintaining their cat(s) in such a manner as to prevent their cat(s) from interfering with the comfortable enjoyment of life and property by the surrounding community. ... (3) The number of cats permitted per residence shall be based upon the following criteria: (a) Property up to 10,000 square feet: a maximum of ten cats; (b) Property between 10,001 square feet and 15,000 square feet: a maximum of 15 cats; (c) Property between 15,001 square feet and 20,000 square feet: a maximum of 20 cats; (d) No property shall exceed 20 cats;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-2: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. MC-1666, passed 8-5-2026).
Full Breakdown
10. 030 from the Division of Animal Control. The permit sets graduated caps by property size: up to ten cats on lots up to 10,000 square feet, up to 15 cats on lots between 10,001 and 15,000 square feet, up to 20 cats on lots between 15,001 and 20,000 square feet, and a hard ceiling of 20 cats regardless of how much larger the property is. 060 and any other cat-related sections of Title 6. Permit fees are set by resolution of the Mayor and City Council and apply in addition to any other required permits or licenses.
No permit may issue to a household where a resident has two or more convictions under Title 6, or any conviction for animal cruelty or animal fighting, within the 18 months before applying. 030(5)-(6).
Violations & Fines
Keeping more than five cats without a valid fancier permit, exceeding the size-tiered cap on a permit, or refusing a scheduled animal control inspection violates Chapter 6.10 and can result in permit denial or revocation and enforcement as an infraction under § 6.13.010.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a permit to keep more than five cats in San Bernardino?
Can a criminal record disqualify me from a cat fancier permit?
Will animal control inspect my property if I have a cat permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Bernardino
California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Cat Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle cat rules.