Rancho Cucamonga, CA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Non-crowing poultry, largest lots
- Up to 25 birds on lots ≥20,000 sq ft
- Crowing roosters, VL zone
- Max 2, minimum 1-acre lot
- Crowing poultry, ME1 zone
- Max 6, minimum 10-acre lot
- Manure storage setback
- 50 feet from property line
- Manure removal frequency
- At least once a month
Summary
Non-crowing poultry and rabbits are allowed in all residential zones, from 4 birds on 7,200-9,999 sq ft lots up to 25 on lots of 20,000 sq ft or more, while crowing roosters need a full acre in the VL zone (max 2) or 10 acres in ME1 (max 6) plus noise compliance.
Poultry (non-crowing), rabbits | All residential and form-based zones | -, 4, 5, 25 ... Poultry (crowing) | VL zone only (3) | -, -, -, 2 | ME1 zone only (4) | -, -, -, 6 ... (3) For crowing poultry in the VL zones, a minimum of one acre is required. The maximum number of animals allowed is two, subject to compliance with section 17.66.050 (Noise standards). (4) For crowing poultry and livestock in the ME1 zone, a minimum of ten acres is required. The maximum number of animals allowed is six, subject to compliance with section 17.66.050 (Noise standards).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4999536; v21 updated 2026-07-15).
Full Breakdown
020, sets a sliding scale by lot size for poultry (non-crowing) and rabbits in all residential and form-based zones: none on lots under 7,200 square feet, 4 on lots of 7,200-9,999 square feet, 5 on lots of 10,000-19,999 square feet, and 25 on lots of 20,000 square feet or more. 050 (Table Note 3), or in the ME1 zone on a minimum ten-acre lot, capped at six birds under the same noise condition (Table Note 4). Larger livestock also has zone and lot-size floors: bovine and horses are limited to VL and L zones at one animal per 10,000 square feet (up to 3 cattle or 6 horses on lots of 20,000+ square feet), while sheep, goats and swine need VL, L or ME1 zoning at one animal per 5,000 square feet, up to 6 head.
020(B) require manure removal at least monthly, storage in dedicated enclosures set back 50 feet from any property line, and abatement of any off-property odor or infestation nuisance within seven days of notice; livestock feeding areas and watering troughs must sit at least 20 feet from any habitable dwelling, and shelters must be predator-resistant and easily cleaned. Newly weaned offspring do not count against the maximum head count until they reach four months (cats/dogs), six months (large animals) or twelve months (horses) of age.
Violations & Fines
Keeping animals beyond the numbers or zones set in Table 17.88.020-1, or letting manure, odor or insect conditions become detectable beyond the property line, is a public nuisance and health hazard that the city can require abated within seven days of notice under Section 17.88.020(B)(1)(c); unresolved municipal code violations generally are prosecutable as a misdemeanor carrying up to a $1,000 fine and six months in jail, or as an infraction with fines of $100 to $500, under the citywide penalty provision Section 1.12.010.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many chickens can I keep in Rancho Cucamonga?
Can I keep a rooster on my property?
How often must I remove manure from a backyard coop or pen?
How far must a chicken coop be from my neighbor's house?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rancho Cucamonga
How Rancho Cucamonga compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·California rules heatmap·Compare Rancho Cucamonga to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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