Chickens & Livestock: Chino vs Victorville
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Chino, CA and Victorville, CA?
Chino has fewer restrictions than Victorville.
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 →Victorville, CA
San Bernardino County
Victorville allows backyard chickens and some livestock based on zoning and lot size under VMC Title 7 and the zoning code. Rural and Estate zones allow horses and larger animals; standard residential limits hens.
View full Victorville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Victorville |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Hens | - | Typically 4 to 6 no roosters |
| Coop Setback | - | 10 feet from line |
| Dwelling Setback | - | 40 feet |
| Horses | - | Rural zones only |
| Swine | - | Prohibited in residential |
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.
Victorville FAQ
Can I keep chickens in Victorville?
Yes in most residential zones with a small flock of hens and no roosters, subject to coop setbacks and lot-size minimums.
Can I have a horse on my lot?
Only in Rural Living, Estate, or equivalent zones that meet the stocking and lot-size rules. Standard R-1 lots do not permit horses.
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