San Bernardino County, CA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Animal keeping in unincorporated San Bernardino County is governed by the Development Code Chapter 84.04, with accessory-use limits in Table 84-5. For female poultry kept as an accessory use to a single-family dwelling: less than 7,200 sq ft allows 2 per parcel; 7,200-9,999 sq ft allows 3; 10,000-19,999 sq ft allows 4; and 20,000 sq ft or more allows one per 2,000 sq ft, up to a maximum of 9 of each genus per parcel. Male poultry (roosters, drakes, ganders, etc.) require a minimum 1-acre parcel and are capped at 9 per parcel but no more than 2 of any genus. Hogs are 'Not allowed' as an accessory use. Sheep and female goats are not allowed on lots under 7,200 sq ft; from 7,200 sq ft they are allowed at 1 per 5,000 sq ft, with a cumulative sheep-and-goat total of 9 per parcel. Section 84.04.090(b) sets setbacks: animals (other than cats, dogs, canaries, or psittacine birds) must be kept at least 70 feet from any dwelling or assembly structure on adjoining property, at least 5 feet from interior side and rear property lines (or behind a 5-foot enclosure), 15 feet from side-street rights-of-way, and at least 100 feet from any domestic water well. Larger numbers, or animal keeping as a primary use (Table 84-3, e.g. 2-acre minimum in AG/RC/RL/SD zones), require additional standards or a Conditional Use Permit. Keeping also remains subject to County Code Title 3 health and manure-management rules.