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πŸ” Animal Ordinances/Livestock

Livestock: Chino vs Ontario

How do livestock rules compare between Chino, CA and Ontario, CA?

Chino has fewer restrictions than Ontario.

Chino, CA

San Bernardino County

Few Restrictions

Livestock (cattle, horses, sheep, goats, swine, llamas) are permitted in Agricultural (AG) and Rural Living (RL) zones of unincorporated San Bernardino County. Animal unit counts scale with lot size; setbacks for corrals and barns run 40-100 feet. California Right to Farm Act (Civil Code 3482.5) protects existing operations from nuisance suits.

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Ontario, CA

San Bernardino County

Heavy Restrictions

Ontario restricts livestock to agricultural and equine zones in the Development Code. Most livestock activity is in Ontario Ranch (New Model Colony). Standard residential zones prohibit cattle, goats, sheep, and horses.

View full Ontario rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactChinoOntario
Allowed ZonesAG, RC, RLAg and equine overlay only
Density1 AU / 0.5 acre typical-
SwineAG zones onlyConditional-use only
ProtectionCivil Code 3482.5 RTF-
Legacy Area-Ontario Ranch New Model Colony
Residential-Cattle horses goats sheep prohibited
Slaughter-Residential slaughter prohibited

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Chino FAQ

Can I keep horses on a 1-acre parcel in unincorporated San Bernardino County?

In most AG and RL zones, yes. Typical density is 1 animal unit per half-acre, so a 1-acre lot can generally support 2 horses with compliant corrals and setbacks. Check specific parcel zoning with Land Use Services.

Does the Right to Farm Act protect me from neighbor complaints?

California Civil Code 3482.5 protects agricultural operations established at least 3 years before a complainant moved in from nuisance suits about normal farm sights, sounds, and smells. It does not protect new operations or operations violating other laws like zoning or water quality.

Ontario FAQ

Can I keep a horse in my Ontario backyard?

Only on parcels in the equine overlay or agricultural zones, primarily legacy parcels in Ontario Ranch. Standard residential lots do not permit horses.

Is a potbelly pig considered livestock?

Potbelly pigs are regulated separately and are often treated as pets in limited numbers, but check with Ontario Planning before acquiring one because restrictions are stricter than dogs and cats.

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