Chickens & Livestock: Hesperia vs Ontario
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Hesperia, CA and Ontario, CA?
Hesperia and Ontario have similar restriction levels.
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 →Ontario, CA
San Bernardino County
Ontario allows backyard hens in residential zones under the Development Code and OMC Title 6, with coop setbacks. Roosters are typically prohibited, and larger livestock require agricultural or equine zoning.
View full Ontario rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Hesperia | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Hens | - | Allowed in residential with setbacks |
| Roosters | - | Generally prohibited residential |
| Setbacks | - | Typically 15 to 25 feet from homes |
| Larger Livestock | - | Agricultural or equine zones only |
| State Role | - | CDFA small-flock registration |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Ontario FAQ
Can I keep chickens in my Ontario backyard?
Yes, hens are generally allowed in residential zones with coop setbacks and cleanliness standards. Roosters are typically not allowed due to noise.
Can I keep a goat or horse?
Only on lots zoned for agricultural or equine use, primarily in the Ontario Ranch area. Standard residential lots do not permit livestock.
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