Chickens & Livestock: Hesperia vs San Bernardino
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Hesperia, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Hesperia and San Bernardino 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 →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
San Bernardino allows chickens in certain residential zones under Development Code Title 19 with setback and sanitation rules. Roosters are generally restricted or prohibited in residential zones.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Hesperia | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Code | - | Development Code Title 19 |
| Hens | - | Allowed in qualifying residential zones |
| Roosters | - | Restricted or prohibited in residential |
| Animal Control | - | 909-386-9820 |
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.
San Bernardino FAQ
Can I keep chickens in my backyard?
In many San Bernardino residential zones yes, subject to lot-size, setback, and sanitation rules in Development Code Title 19; roosters are usually not allowed.
Do I need a permit for a goat?
Larger livestock are restricted to agricultural or rural-residential zones and typically need a minimum lot size and may require an administrative permit.
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