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

Livestock keeping in unincorporated San Bernardino County is regulated by the Development Code Chapter 84.04, split between accessory use (Table 84-5) and primary use (Table 84-3). As an accessory use to a single-family dwelling, cattle, buffalo, or similar large animals and horses each require a minimum 20,000 sq ft parcel with at least 60 feet of frontage, are allowed at one animal per 10,000 sq ft, and share a cumulative cap of 9 large domesticated animals per parcel. Sheep and female goats are allowed at 1 per 5,000 sq ft on parcels of at least 7,200 sq ft, with a combined sheep-and-goat cap of 9; a male adult goat requires 20,000 sq ft. Alpacas and llamas follow the same 1-per-5,000 sq ft pattern with a combined cap of 9. Hogs are 'Not allowed' as an accessory use. As a primary use (Table 84-3), in AG/RC/RL/SD zones the minimum parcel is generally 2 acres, with densities such as cattle or horses at 1 per 10,000 sq ft (1 per 6,000 in AG), sheep/female goats at 1 per 4,000 (1 per 3,000 in AG), and hogs at 1 per 20,000 (1 per 12,000 in AG), to a 9-hog maximum. Setbacks under 84.04.090(b) require large animals to be kept 70 feet from adjoining dwellings, 5 feet from side/rear lines, and 100 feet from any domestic water well. Densities or animal types beyond the tables, and operations like dairies (10-acre minimum) or hog ranches (5-acre minimum, Table 84-4), require a Conditional Use Permit. Manure management must comply with County Code Title 3.