Backyard chickens in San Bernardino, California

Yes. The City of San Bernardino regulates chickens under its own municipal code (not the county code) in Chapter 6.05: Fowl. The code defines domestic fowl broadly, and chickens are expressly included: "DOMESTIC FOWL. Any birds of the order Galliformes. This shall include chickens, ducks, geese, turkey, pheasants and similar domesticated birds or fowl." (§ 6.05.010).

The ordinance uses a tiered, distance-based system rather than a simple zoning permit. Fowl are prohibited within 50 feet of any dwelling (§ 6.05.020). Between 50 and 100 feet from a dwelling, only a very small number are allowed, and beyond that a citywide per-lot cap applies: "It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to keep, or cause to be kept, or allowed to roam, more than two domestic fowls between 50 and 100 feet of any building or structure used or intended for human occupancy. The maximum number of domestic fowl on any lot is 24 fowl." (§ 6.05.030).

Roosters (and peacocks) are allowed but tightly restricted: "It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to keep any rooster or peacock within 200 feet of any building or structure used or intended for human occupancy. No more than one peacock or rooster is permitted per lot." (§ 6.05.040). Because most in-town residential lots are far smaller than the distances required, in practice only larger residential parcels can legally accommodate a rooster or the full 24-bird cap.

San Bernardino sits in the Inland Empire at the base of the San Bernardino Mountains, with hot, dry summers frequently exceeding 100°F and mild, wetter winters. Flock owners should prioritize shade, ventilation, and constant fresh water in summer, and watch for heat stress; winters rarely require special cold-weather provisions.

San Bernardino's proximity to foothills and washes means backyard flocks can attract coyotes and hawks, along with more typical urban raccoons, opossums, and snakes. Secure, covered runs and hardware-cloth-lined enclosures are strongly recommended, especially given the code's required setback distances that often place coops farther from the house and closer to fence lines or open space.