Riverside County, CA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Min lot for horses
- 20,000 sq ft
- Horse cap
- 2 per 20,000 sq ft; max 4
- Sheep/goat minimum lot
- 2 acres, 2 animals max
- Street setback
- 100 ft from street, 20 ft side
- Governs
- R-1 zone, unincorporated area only
Summary
Unincorporated Riverside County R-1 lots allow horses only on parcels of 20,000 square feet or more, capped at two per 20,000 square feet and four per lot; sheep or goats require two acres or more.
The noncommercial keeping of horses on lots not less than twenty thousand (20,000) square feet in area and one hundred (100) feet in width, provided they are kept not less than one hundred (100) feet from any street and twenty (20) feet from any property line. A maximum of two horses per twenty thousand (20,000) square feet and, in any event, not more than four horses on a lot will be permitted... If a lot is two acres or more in area, two sheep or goats or combination thereof may be kept in addition thereto.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 84 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Riverside County Code Section 17.24.010 governs the R-1 One-Family Dwelling zone, the county's standard single-family residential district in unincorporated areas. Horses are allowed only on lots of at least 20,000 square feet and 100 feet wide, kept 100 feet from any street and 20 feet from any property line, capped at two horses per 20,000 square feet and never more than four on one lot. Sheep or goats need a lot of two acres or more, limited to two animals, set back 100 feet from streets, 20 feet from property lines and 50 feet from any residence. This applies only in the unincorporated county; Riverside, Moreno Valley, Corona, Temecula and the county's other incorporated cities set their own zoning.
Violations & Fines
Keeping livestock on an undersized R-1 lot or exceeding the animal caps is a zoning violation; Riverside County Code Enforcement can order the animals removed and cite the property owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a horse on my R-1 lot in unincorporated Riverside County?
Can I keep sheep or goats in an R-1 zone?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Riverside County
How Riverside County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·California rules heatmap·Compare Riverside County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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