Chickens & Livestock: Hesperia vs Rialto
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Hesperia, CA and Rialto, CA?
Hesperia and Rialto 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 →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 | Hesperia | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | A-1 / R-A zones only |
| State cruelty law | Cal. Penal Code §597 | - |
| Code | - | RMC Title 6 (Animals) + Title 18 zoning |
| Roosters | - | Restricted in R-1 residential |
| Enforcement | - | Community Compliance 909-820-8070 |
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.
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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