Chickens & Livestock: Chino vs Rialto
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Chino, CA and Rialto, CA?
Chino has fewer restrictions than Rialto.
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 →Rialto, CA
San Bernardino County
Backyard fowl and small livestock are governed by Rialto Municipal Code Title 6 (Animals) and the Title 18 zoning chapter. Most R-1 single-family lots in this Inland Empire freight hub allow a small number of hens for personal use, but roosters, swine and large hoofed stock are restricted to A-1/R-A agricultural zones, with setbacks from neighboring dwellings under Ch. 18.06.
View full Rialto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - | RMC Title 6 (Animals) + Title 18 zoning |
| Roosters | - | Restricted in R-1 residential |
| Large livestock | - | A-1 / R-A zones only |
| Enforcement | - | Community Compliance 909-820-8070 |
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.
Rialto FAQ
Can I keep backyard hens in Rialto?
A small flock of hens is generally allowed on R-1 lots if coops are kept clean and set back from neighbors. Roosters are prohibited in residential zones. Confirm zone-specific limits with Rialto Planning and RMC Title 18.
Are goats or horses allowed?
Goats, horses and cattle are permitted only in Rialto's agricultural / rural-residential (A-1 / R-A) zones with minimum lot sizes and setbacks under RMC Title 18, Ch. 18.06.
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