Fontana, CA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Poultry ranch threshold
- More than 50 chickens or birds
- Poultry permit
- Annual permit, public works environmental control
- Sheep density limit
- 4 sheep per acre without a permit
- Sheep permit fee
- $125.00 annually
- Sheep grazing bond
- $500.00 cash bond required
Summary
Keeping more than 50 chickens or other birds on one property in Fontana makes it a regulated 'poultry ranch' that needs an annual permit from the public works department's environmental control section. Grazing more than four sheep per acre likewise requires a separate city permit, fencing, and a $500 cash bond.
Poultry ranch means any property, building, structure, enclosure or premises where more than 50 chickens or other birds are kept, raised or maintained. ... Sec. 13-102. - Permit for poultry ranches—Generally. (a)Permit required. Every owner or operator of a poultry ranch shall apply to the public works department, environmental control section, and obtain an annual permit to engage in the business of operating or managing a poultry ranch. ... Sec. 4-7. - Grazing of sheep. (a)It shall be unlawful to graze, pasture or maintain more than four sheep per acre without first having obtained a permit for such purpose. ... (c)The fee for each such permit shall be $125.00.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 64 | Zoning and Development Code: Supplement 17).
Full Breakdown
Sec. ' Above that threshold, Sec. 13-102(a) requires the owner or operator to 'apply to the public works department, environmental control section, and obtain an annual permit to engage in the business of operating or managing a poultry ranch,' with a separate permit needed for each ranch and permits that are non-transferable. Sec. 13-97 also flags 'extreme proximity,' defined as 500 feet or less between a poultry building and the nearest residential or commercial structure, as a factor the article's fly-control nuisance standards weigh. Permits can be denied, suspended or revoked under Sec.
13-102(b) for an existing fly-breeding hazard, unpaid re-inspection costs or fines, noncompliance with facility standards, or misrepresentation on the application, with a right to appeal to the city council within five days under Sec. 13-102(c). Separately, Sec. 4-7(a) regulates other backyard livestock: 'It shall be unlawful to graze, pasture or maintain more than four sheep per acre without first having obtained a permit for such purpose,' issued by the city manager. The application must show adequate fencing to keep sheep off private property and roadways, notice to police before any street crossing, and the sheepherder's 24-hour contact information.
Sec. 00 and Sec. 00 cash bond held with the finance department for the grazing period, renewable each year before October 1 under Sec. 4-7(d).
Violations & Fines
Operating a poultry ranch (more than 50 birds) without the annual public works permit violates Sec. 13-102 and can draw the fly-control article's misdemeanor and infraction penalties under Sec. 13-100. Grazing more than four sheep per acre without a city-manager-issued permit, adequate fencing or the $500 bond violates Sec. 4-7 and is grounds for denial of future grazing permits under Sec. 4-7(f).
Frequently Asked Questions
How many chickens can I keep in Fontana before I need a permit?
Where does a poultry ranch permit come from?
Can I graze sheep on my Fontana property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fontana
How Fontana compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·California rules heatmap·Compare Fontana to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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