Hesperia, CA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Cattle in R1
- Not permitted
- Hogs in R1
- Not permitted
- Small livestock
- Educational permit or 5+ acres only
- Horses allowed
- 1 per 10,000 sq ft, up to 6
- Small-lot horse
- Needs all-neighbor written consent
Summary
Hesperia bans cattle, hogs and general small livestock on Single-Family Residence (R1) lots, allowing them back only via an educational animal permit or on parcels of five acres or more. Horses are an accessory use on lots over 20,000 sq. ft. at one per 10,000 sq. ft. (maximum six); a lot of 19,000 sq. ft. or larger may keep ONE horse, and that is the case needing written approval from every adjoining owner.
Table 16.20.680(C) — Animal allowances in the Single-Family Residence (R1) designation. Small Livestock: NP; Any size; Educational Animal Permit Only; Not permitted unless authorized by an educational animal project or prior to residential use on five acres or more. Hogs and large pigs: NP; 0. Cattle: NP; 0.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 24 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Under Table 16.20.680(C) of the Development Code, Hesperia's Single-Family Residence (R1) designation marks cattle and hogs 'NP' (Not Permitted) and allows 'small livestock' only through an educational animal permit or on vacant parcels of five gross acres or more, per § 16.20.700(A)(1), where up to one cow or two goats per acre is allowed. Horses are treated differently: R1 lots over 20,000 square feet may keep up to six horses at one per 10,000 square feet, and smaller 19,000-square-foot lots can keep one horse with written approval from every contiguous property owner. Fowl and small animals are allowed on all R1 lot sizes in limited numbers.
Violations & Fines
Keeping unpermitted livestock is a code violation abated as a public nuisance under HMC § 1.12.030: a misdemeanor with fines up to $1,000, or a reduced infraction of $100 to $500 per occurrence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a cow or goat on a regular Hesperia house lot?
Are horses allowed on residential lots in Hesperia?
Can hogs be raised in a Hesperia residential neighborhood?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hesperia
How Hesperia compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·California rules heatmap·Compare Hesperia to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Chickens & Livestock in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle chickens & livestock.