Chickens & Livestock: Fontana vs Rialto
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Fontana, CA and Rialto, CA?
Fontana and Rialto 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 →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 | Fontana | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| Code | Zoning Table 30-432 | RMC Title 6 (Animals) + Title 18 zoning |
| Setback | 40 ft from any dwelling | - |
| Roosters | Restricted or prohibited most zones | Restricted in R-1 residential |
| Slaughter | Prohibited in all zones | - |
| Planning | (909) 350-6718 | - |
| Large livestock | - | A-1 / R-A zones only |
| Enforcement | - | Community Compliance 909-820-8070 |
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.
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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