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.
Animal-keeping is governed by Title 16 Development Code Chapter 16.20 Article XIII (§§16.20.660 et seq.). §16.20.690 (Allowable Animals — Apiary and Residential/Agricultural Designations) sets numeric limits based on net lot area and zoning designation. Small animals/livestock/fowl quantities for lots under one gross acre are listed in the Animal Quantities Matrix: in R-1 and LDR (7,200 sf–1 acre) up to 2 chickens per 3,500 sf, capped at 25 per acre. On lots of one gross acre or larger, up to 150 small animals per acre are allowed. §16.20.050 imposes a 70-foot setback between open animal enclosures and dwellings used for human habitation. Larger livestock (horses, goats, cattle) require A1 Limited Agricultural or A2 General Agricultural land use designation per Chapter 16.16. All animal areas must be 'adequately maintained to reduce odors and other negative effects in accordance with Title 6 of the Municipal Code' (§16.20.660). San Bernardino County Animal Control (contract provider for Hesperia) enforces health and welfare standards alongside state Penal Code §597 cruelty provisions.
Exceeding the numeric limits in §16.20.690 / the Animal Quantities Matrix is a Development Code violation enforceable by Code Enforcement and can result in administrative citations under Title 1 of the Hesperia Municipal Code. Keeping a rooster on a lot smaller than 14,000 sf, or maintaining enclosures within 70 feet of a dwelling (§16.20.050) is a violation. Neglect or cruelty triggers Cal. Penal Code §597 (misdemeanor or felony wobbler) enforcement by Animal Control (760) 947-1700.
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