Can I keep chickens in San Bernardino, CA?
Yes, with conditions — San Bernardino allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 24 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 100 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (San Bernardino Municipal Code, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 24 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 100 ft |
| Coop rules | Tiered distance-based: 0 fowl within 50 ft; max 2 at 50-100 ft; up to 24 at 100+ ft. Roosters prohibited. Total max 24 fowl per lot. |
| Code section | San Bernardino Municipal Code |
San Bernardino allows poultry based on distance from dwellings: prohibited within 50 feet; up to 2 birds at 50-100 feet; up to 24 birds at 100+ feet. Maximum 24 fowl per property. Roosters are prohibited.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in San Bernardino?
Yes, with conditions — San Bernardino allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (San Bernardino Municipal Code).
How many chickens can I keep in San Bernardino?
Up to 24 hens. Tiered by lot size: 0 up to 50,000 sq ft; 2 up to 100,000 sq ft; 24 up to 500,000 sq ft. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in San Bernardino?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in San Bernardino.
Are roosters allowed in San Bernardino?
No — roosters are prohibited in San Bernardino.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in San Bernardino?
100 feet minimum. Tiered distance-based: 0 fowl within 50 ft; max 2 at 50-100 ft; up to 24 at 100+ ft. Roosters prohibited. Total max 24 fowl per lot.
What law covers backyard chickens in San Bernardino?
San Bernardino Municipal Code. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
San Bernardino Municipal Code — read the official code
“Fowl keeping allowed only at 50+ feet from dwellings, with maximum counts based on distance: 2 at 50-100 ft, 24 at 100+ ft” source
Last verified June 13, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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