Ontario allows backyard hens in residential zones under the Development Code and OMC Title 6, with coop setbacks. Roosters are typically prohibited, and larger livestock require agricultural or equine zoning.
Under Ontario Municipal Code Title 6 (Animal Regulations) and the Ontario Development Code, residents in single-family zones may keep a limited number of chicken hens as an accessory use. Coops and runs must meet setback requirements from property lines and the main dwelling, typically at least 15 to 25 feet from neighboring homes, and must be kept clean and free of odors, flies, and rodents. Roosters are generally prohibited in standard residential zones because of crowing noise. Larger livestock such as goats, sheep, horses, and cattle are limited to lots zoned for agricultural or equine use, most of which are in the Ontario Ranch (New Model Colony) planning area where larger parcels and legacy rural zones still exist. Slaughter of livestock on residential parcels is prohibited. Sale of eggs or poultry from a residential home is regulated by the California Department of Food and Agriculture and generally requires state small-flock registration for more than a handful of birds.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Ontario, CA
Outdoor music is regulated under OMC Title 5 Chapter 29 and the special-event permit process. Venues and events with amplified sound need a city permit; resi...
Ontario, CA
Aircraft noise from Ontario International Airport (ONT) is regulated by the FAA, not the city. ONT runs an FAA Part 150 noise compatibility program; federal ...
Ontario, CA
Ontario requires a building permit for masonry walls and any fence over 7 feet under the California Building Code. Retaining walls over 4 feet also require p...
Ontario, CA
Ontario fence requirements include zoning-based heights, setbacks, sight triangles, buffer walls on industrial edges, and CBC structural standards. Pool, ret...
Ontario, CA
Ontario limits residential fence heights under the Development Code. Typical maximums are 6 feet rear/side, 3 feet front, and 42 inches in sight-distance tri...
Ontario, CA
Ontario allows backyard fire pits under the California Fire Code as adopted. Wood pits must sit 25 feet from structures and be attended. SCAQMD no-burn days ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Bernardino County.
See how other cities in San Bernardino County handle chickens & livestock.
See how Ontario's chickens & livestock rules stack up against other locations.
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