Chickens & Livestock: Chino vs Rancho Cucamonga
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Chino, CA and Rancho Cucamonga, CA?
Chino has fewer restrictions than Rancho Cucamonga.
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 →Rancho Cucamonga, CA
San Bernardino County
Rancho Cucamonga allows chickens and livestock only on larger lots under the Development Code. Standard lots cannot keep roosters, while Etiwanda equestrian parcels allow poultry.
View full Rancho Cucamonga rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Rancho Cucamonga |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Standard Lots | - | Chickens generally restricted |
| Roosters | - | Prohibited citywide |
| Equestrian Overlay | - | Etiwanda/Alta Loma allow horses and poultry |
| Coop Setback | - | Commonly 70 feet from neighboring dwellings |
| HOA | - | Typically prohibit all livestock |
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.
Rancho Cucamonga FAQ
Can I keep backyard chickens in Victoria or Terra Vista?
Generally no. HOA rules in these master-planned communities prohibit livestock, and standard single-family zoning typically restricts chickens on smaller lots.
Where can I keep horses in Rancho Cucamonga?
In the Etiwanda North and Alta Loma equestrian-overlay areas on lots of 20,000 sq ft or larger, subject to the Development Code setback and sanitation requirements.
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