San Bernardino, CA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Fowl setback
- 50 feet from occupied buildings
- Max fowl per lot
- 24 birds
- Rooster/peacock setback
- 200 feet; 1 per lot
- Large livestock
- Banned under 1 acre (§ 6.03.020)
- Hogs
- Prohibited citywide (§ 6.03.030)
Summary
Chickens and other domestic fowl must stay at least 50 feet from any occupied building, with a hard cap of 24 birds per lot. Roosters and peacocks need 200 feet of clearance and are limited to one per lot, and fowl can't roam loose.
§ 6.05.020 DOMESTIC FOWL NOT PERMITTED WITHIN FIFTY FEET OF HUMAN DWELLING. It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to keep, or cause to be kept, or allow to roam any domestic fowl within 50 feet of any building or structure used or intended for human occupancy. ... § 6.05.040 ROOSTERS AND PEACOCKS NOT PERMITTED WITHIN 200 FEET OF HUMAN DWELLING. It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to keep any rooster or peacock within 200 feet of any building or structure used or intended for human occupancy. No more than one peacock or rooster is permitted per lot.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-2: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. MC-1666, passed 8-5-2026).
Full Breakdown
010 as birds of the order Galliformes including chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys and pheasants, within 50 feet of any building or structure used or intended for human occupancy. 030 caps the flock at two fowl, and the maximum on any lot citywide is 24 fowl regardless of distance. 040: none may be kept within 200 feet of an occupied building, and no more than one rooster or peacock is allowed per lot. 060 separately bans letting any domestic bird or fowl roam onto public streets, sidewalks, school grounds, parks or private property without the owner's consent.
025). 030. 010, dating to Ordinance 821 of 1921, cite the city's dense buildup as the reason livestock and fowl keeping is restricted as injurious to health and offensive to the senses.
Violations & Fines
Keeping fowl closer than the required setback, exceeding the 24-bird or one-rooster limit, or letting birds roam onto public or neighboring property is unlawful under Chapter 6.05; keeping prohibited livestock like hogs or oversized herds under Chapter 6.03 is likewise a citable Title 6 violation enforced by Animal Control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep chickens in San Bernardino?
How far must a rooster be from my neighbor's house?
Can I keep a goat or sheep on a small city lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Bernardino
How San Bernardino compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Chickens & Livestock in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle chickens & livestock.