How Fontana Handles Animal Ordinances: A Practical Guide
Fontana maintains 125 local ordinances across all categories, and 7 of those deal specifically with animal ordinances. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Fontana falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Wildlife Feeding
Fontana prohibits feeding wild animals under Chapter 18 nuisance rules and Chapter 4 animal provisions. Feeding coyotes, raccoons, and skunks draws them into yards and is treated as a nuisance even without a named wildlife-feeding ordinance.
Key details: Code: FMC Chapter 18 and Chapter 4. Targeted Species: Coyotes, raccoons, skunks, bears, deer. Common Attractants: Trash, pet food, fallen fruit. Bird Feeders: Generally allowed. Report: Animal Services (909) 350-7651.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Livestock
Large livestock like horses, goats, and sheep are allowed only in parcels zoned Residential Agricultural (R-A) or Agricultural, with strict animal-per-acre and setback requirements. Most standard Fontana residential lots cannot host livestock.
Key details: Allowed Zones: R-A and AG only. Horses/Cattle: Generally 1 acre minimum. Setback: 70 to 100 ft for large livestock. Standard Lots: No livestock permitted. Slaughter: Prohibited citywide.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Chickens & Livestock
Fontana permits backyard chickens and small fowl in applicable residential and agricultural zones per Zoning Code Table 30-432. All animals must be housed at least 40 feet from any dwelling, and slaughter is prohibited in every zoning district.
Key details: Code: Zoning Table 30-432. Setback: 40 ft from any dwelling. Roosters: Restricted or prohibited most zones. Slaughter: Prohibited in all zones. Planning: (909) 350-6718.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Beekeeping
Fontana permits beekeeping in zones that allow it under the Zoning and Development Code, with setbacks from property lines and neighboring dwellings. California state law does not preempt local bee rules, so the City can set specific hive placement requirements.
Key details: Best Zones: R-A and AG. Setback: Flyway barrier or 150 ft from neighbor homes. County: Register apiary with Ag Commissioner. Water: Must be provided on site. HOA: Most master-planned communities forbid.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Dog Leash Laws
Fontana requires dogs to be on leash whenever off the owner's property. Municipal Code Chapter 4 and companion San Bernardino County animal code enforce the leash rule, and dogs running at large can be impounded by Animal Services.
Key details: Leash: Required off private property. Max Length: 6 feet. Off-Leash: Only in designated dog parks. At-Large: Impound plus reclaim fees. Waste: Cleanup required in public.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Breed Restrictions
Fontana does not restrict dogs by breed. California Food and Agricultural Code Section 31683 preempts cities from banning specific breeds, so Fontana uses behavior-based dangerous and vicious dog rules from Chapter 4 instead.
Key details: Breed Ban: Prohibited by CA F and A Code 31683. Fontana Code: Chapter 4 Animals behavior-based. Dangerous Dog: Declared after hearing on incidents. Typical Conditions: Fence, muzzle, insurance, microchip. Animal Services: (909) 350-7651.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Fontana gives residents more flexibility on breed restrictions.
Exotic Pets
California Code of Regulations Title 14 Section 671 bans a long list of exotic species statewide, including ferrets, hedgehogs, and most non-native wildlife. Fontana enforces these state rules through Chapter 4 and defers to CDFW permits for allowed species.
Key details: State Rule: CCR Title 14 Section 671. Illegal in CA: Ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders. Needs Permit: Most native wildlife and big cats. Local Code: FMC Chapter 4. Animal Services: (909) 350-7651.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The Bottom Line
Fontana's animal ordinances rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Fontana is broadly strict or permissive.
All of the above reflects Fontana's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.