Can I keep chickens in Fontana, CA?
Yes, with conditions — Fontana allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 5 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 20 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Fontana Zoning and Development Code § 30-432(2)(a),(c) and Table No. 30-432, verified September 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 5 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 20 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 15,000 sq ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | All animals must be corralled, penned or caged at least 40 ft from any dwelling on the property (including contiguous parcels under one ownership) and 20 ft from any property line. Slaughtering is prohibited in all zoning districts. Roosters are allowed only in the R-E district on lots of at least one-half acre (two per half acre). |
| Code section | Fontana Zoning and Development Code § 30-432(2)(a),(c) and Table No. 30-432 |
Fontana allows chickens, pigeons, ducks and similar small fowl in all residential districts, but only on lots of at least 15,000 sq ft, at 5 birds per 15,000 sq ft of site area. Birds must be penned or caged at least 20 ft from any property line and 40 ft from any dwelling on the property. Roosters are limited to the R-E district on half-acre lots, slaughter is prohibited everywhere, and no permit is required.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Fontana?
Yes, with conditions — Fontana allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Fontana Zoning and Development Code § 30-432(2)(a),(c) and Table No. 30-432).
How many chickens can I keep in Fontana?
Up to 5 hens. 5 chickens (or other small fowl) per 15,000 sq ft of site area; lots under 15,000 sq ft may not keep chickens. Roosters only in R-E on lots of one-half acre or more.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Fontana?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Fontana.
Are roosters allowed in Fontana?
No — roosters are prohibited in Fontana.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Fontana?
20 feet minimum. All animals must be corralled, penned or caged at least 40 ft from any dwelling on the property (including contiguous parcels under one ownership) and 20 ft from any property line. Slaughtering is prohibited in all zoning districts. Roosters are allowed only in the R-E district on lots of at least one-half acre (two per half acre).
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Fontana?
Yes — 15,000 sq ft.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Fontana?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Fontana's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Fontana?
Fontana Zoning and Development Code § 30-432(2)(a),(c) and Table No. 30-432. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Fontana Zoning and Development Code § 30-432(2)(a),(c) and Table No. 30-432 — read the official code
“Chicken keeping permitted with minimum 10,000 square foot lot requirement” source
“Table No. 30-432 Number of Animals Permitted for Noncommercial Use in Residential Zoning Districts ... 8) Chicken, pigeon, duck, or similar small fowl or animal: District Permitted All; Minimum Site Area Required 15,000 sf; Maximum No. of Each Animal 5 per 15,000 sf.” source
“4) Horse, donkey, mule, pony, llama, sheep, goat, geese, rooster, peacock, or similar crowing/squawking bird: District Permitted R-E; Minimum Site Area Required 1/2 acre; two per 1/2 acre.” source
“2. All animals shall be corralled, penned or caged at least 40 feet from any dwelling on the property (including contiguous parcels under one ownership used as one property) containing the corral, pen or cage and 20 feet from any property line.” source
Last verified September 20, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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