Indio, CA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum lot for large livestock
- 20,000 square feet
- Shelter setback from dwelling
- 75 feet minimum
- Pasture required per animal
- 10,000 square feet
- Horse corral minimum
- 300 sf, first horse
- Governing code
- Indio UDC § 4.04.02(C)(2)
Summary
Indio allows cattle, horses, goats, and other large livestock on qualifying residential lots, but shelters must sit 75 feet from any dwelling and each animal needs 10,000 square feet of pasture.
Shelters for large livestock must be located: i. No less than 75 feet from any dwelling unit. ii. No less than 50 feet from any property line. At least 10,000 square feet of pasture must be made available for each large livestock animal.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4796010; v13 updated 2026-02-04; through 02-04-2026).
Full Breakdown
UDC Table 4.04.02-1 bars large livestock, cattle, swine, llamas, alpacas, goats, sheep, and similar animals, plus horses, mules, and donkeys, from residential lots under 20,000 square feet in the City of Indio, Riverside County, California, then allows a small number scaling up with lot size to a cap of 5 head (or 4 per acre for equines) on the largest parcels. Section 4.04.02(C)(2) requires large-livestock shelters to sit at least 75 feet from any dwelling unit and 50 feet from any property line, with a minimum of 10,000 square feet of pasture per animal. Horse corrals need at least 300 square feet for the first horse plus 200 for each additional horse, five-foot fencing, and a weatherproof stable.
Violations & Fines
Keeping large livestock on a lot under 20,000 square feet, or siting a shelter closer than 75 feet from a dwelling or with less than 10,000 square feet of pasture per animal, violates UDC § 4.04.02.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a horse on my property in Indio?
How big does a horse corral have to be?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Indio
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