Chickens & Livestock: Fontana vs Hesperia
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Fontana, CA and Hesperia, CA?
Fontana and Hesperia have similar restriction levels.
Fontana, CA
San Bernardino County
Fontana permits backyard chickens and small fowl in applicable residential and agricultural zones per Zoning Code Table 30-432. All animals must be housed at least 40 feet from any dwelling, and slaughter is prohibited in every zoning district.
View full Fontana rules →Hesperia, CA
San Bernardino County
Hesperia Development Code Title 16, Chapter 16.20, Article XIII (Animal Regulations) — together with the Animal Quantities Matrix referenced in §16.20.690 — allows female chickens and small livestock in residential and agricultural zones on a per-square-foot basis. In R-1 and Low Density Residential (LDR) zones (7,200 sf to one acre) 2 chickens are permitted per 3,500 sf, not to exceed 25 per acre. Roosters, peafowl and other male fowl are limited to 1 per 14,000 sf, with lots over 18,000 sf allowed up to 10% of permitted birds as males. Animal-keeping areas must be maintained to control odor under Title 6.
View full Hesperia rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fontana | Hesperia |
|---|---|---|
| Code | Zoning Table 30-432 | - |
| Setback | 40 ft from any dwelling | - |
| Roosters | Restricted or prohibited most zones | - |
| Slaughter | Prohibited in all zones | - |
| Planning | (909) 350-6718 | - |
| Code section | - | Hesperia Dev. Code §16.20.660–§16.20.710 (Art. XIII Animal Regulations) |
| Chickens R-1/LDR (7,200 sf–1 acre) | - | 2 per 3,500 sf, max 25 per acre |
| Male fowl / roosters | - | 1 per 14,000 sf; lots >18,000 sf may have up to 10% males |
| Setback to dwellings | - | 70 ft (§16.20.050 open animal enclosures) |
| Large livestock | - | Require A1 or A2 agricultural designation (Ch. 16.16) |
| State cruelty law | - | Cal. Penal Code §597 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fontana FAQ
Can I keep hens on a standard subdivision lot?
Usually no, because the 40-foot dwelling setback rarely fits. Larger parcels in R-A zones are where backyard flocks are realistic.
Are roosters allowed?
Almost never in single-family residential zones. Some agricultural zones allow them subject to noise nuisance rules.
Hesperia FAQ
Can I keep backyard chickens in Hesperia?
Yes. In an R-1 or LDR zone (7,200 sf–1 acre) you may keep 2 hens per 3,500 sf of net lot area, up to 25 per acre, per Dev. Code §16.20.690 and the Animal Quantities Matrix referenced there.
Are roosters legal?
Only on larger lots. §16.20.690 limits peafowl and any male fowl to 1 per 14,000 sf; lots over 18,000 sf may keep up to 10% of allowed birds as males.
Do I need a permit for chickens on a 9,000 sf lot?
No separate animal permit is required for the 2 hens authorized by §16.20.690, but enclosures must meet the 70-ft setback in §16.20.050 and the maintenance standards of Title 6.
Where are horses, goats and cattle allowed?
Only on A1 Limited Agricultural or A2 General Agricultural designated parcels per Ch. 16.16; quantities follow the §16.20.690 matrix at up to 150 small animals per acre.
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