Chickens & Livestock: Chino vs Fontana
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Chino, CA and Fontana, CA?
Chino has fewer restrictions than Fontana.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
Chino's identity is rooted in the Chino Agricultural Preserve (historically the largest dairy concentration in the U.S.), so livestock and poultry keeping is broadly permitted in agricultural and equestrian-zoned parcels under Title 20 Zoning, while standard residential zones limit fowl/livestock to small accessory numbers with setbacks. The Animal Resource Center of the Inland Empire (ARC) — which began servicing Chino on July 1, 2025 — handles enforcement.
View full Chino rules →Fontana, CA
San Bernardino County
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.
View full Fontana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Fontana |
|---|---|---|
| Zoning controls | Chino Mun. Code Title 20 — Agricultural (A) and Equestrian overlay zones inside the Preserve | - |
| Animal services | Animal Resource Center of the Inland Empire (ARC) — began Chino service July 1, 2025 | - |
| State right-to-farm | Cal. Civ. Code §3482.5 protects pre-existing ag operations | - |
| Sanitation backstop | Title 8 Health & Safety nuisance abatement applies to odor/manure | - |
| 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 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
Can I keep backyard chickens in a Chino R-1 home?
Yes, in limited numbers as an accessory use under Title 20, with coop setbacks from neighbors and no roosters allowed unless your parcel is in an Agricultural or Equestrian zone. Confirm the current head limit and setback with the Chino Community Development Department before building a coop.
Can I keep horses in Chino?
Yes — Chino's Agricultural and Equestrian overlay zones inside the Preserve area permit horse keeping subject to per-acre density and stable setback standards in Title 20. Most standard residential zones do not allow horses.
Who do I call about a livestock complaint?
Animal Resource Center of the Inland Empire (ARC) handles animal welfare; the Chino Code Enforcement Division (909-334-3250) handles zoning and nuisance complaints.
Fontana FAQ
Can I keep hens on a standard subdivision lot?
Usually no, because the 40-foot dwelling setback rarely fits. Larger parcels in R-A zones are where backyard flocks are realistic.
Are roosters allowed?
Almost never in single-family residential zones. Some agricultural zones allow them subject to noise nuisance rules.
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