Chickens & Livestock: Chino vs San Bernardino
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Chino, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Chino has fewer restrictions than San Bernardino.
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 →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
San Bernardino allows chickens in certain residential zones under Development Code Title 19 with setback and sanitation rules. Roosters are generally restricted or prohibited in residential zones.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - | Development Code Title 19 |
| Hens | - | Allowed in qualifying residential zones |
| Roosters | - | Restricted or prohibited in residential |
| Animal Control | - | 909-386-9820 |
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.
San Bernardino FAQ
Can I keep chickens in my backyard?
In many San Bernardino residential zones yes, subject to lot-size, setback, and sanitation rules in Development Code Title 19; roosters are usually not allowed.
Do I need a permit for a goat?
Larger livestock are restricted to agricultural or rural-residential zones and typically need a minimum lot size and may require an administrative permit.
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