Ontario, CA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Poultry/fowl density
- 1 per 6,000 SF of lot area (Table 5.03-6)
- Sheep/goats (female)
- 1 per 4,000 SF of lot area
- Property-line setback
- 20 ft (non-pet animals)
- Dwelling setback
- 50 ft (70 ft swine); 30 ft for hobby fowl/rabbits
- Roosters
- Crowing roosters/peacocks/guinea fowl prohibited
Summary
Ontario allows poultry, fowl, and livestock only as residential animal keeping in the AR-2, RE-2, and AG zones (household pets aside), at a density of one poultry/fowl animal per 6,000 square feet of lot area. Crowing roosters, peacocks, and guinea fowl that disturb the neighborhood are unlawful, and unneutered male goats are prohibited.
(ii) It shall be unlawful for any person to keep any animal, other than household pets, within 50 FT (70 FT for swine) of any structure, other than that of the owner, which is used for human habitation ... (iii) It shall be unlawful for any person to keep any hobby, show or game bird, fowl, or rabbit, other than a household pet, within 30 FT of any structure ... (iv) No animal is to be stabled, kept, or maintained in any front or street-side yard area. ... H. Poultry and Fowl -- One animal for each 6,000 SF of lot area. ... (6) Crowing Fowl. It shall be unlawful for any person to keep any crowing rooster, peacock, guinea fowl, or any other fowl that by sound or cry shall unreasonably disturb the peace and quiet of a neighborhood.
Full Breakdown
a(1); it is prohibited in all commercial and industrial zones and limited to household pets in mixed-use zones. 03-6 sets maximum densities by net lot area: Poultry and Fowl at one animal per 6,000 SF; Birds and Rabbits/Chinchillas at one per 1,000 SF; and Sheep, Goats (female only), and similar livestock at one per 4,000 SF. b(1)(c) bar keeping any animal except household pets within 20 feet of a property line, and within 50 feet (70 feet for swine) of a habitable structure other than the owner's; hobby, show, or game birds, fowl, or rabbits must be at least 30 feet from such structures, and no animal may be kept in a front or street-side yard. b(4) prohibits keeping any unneutered male goat.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the per-animal lot-area density, violating the 20/30/50-foot setbacks, keeping animals in a front yard, keeping a crowing rooster or noisy fowl, or keeping an unneutered male goat are Development Code violations enforced by Code Enforcement and the Animal Resource Center, abatable as nuisances under the Ontario Municipal Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep backyard chickens in Ontario?
Are roosters allowed?
How far must a coop or pen be from my neighbor?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ontario
How Ontario compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·California rules heatmap·Compare Ontario to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Chickens & Livestock in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle chickens & livestock.