La Mesa, CA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Chicken ratio
- 2 hens per 2,000 sq ft lot
- Chicken cap
- Maximum 20 chickens, no roosters
- Coop setback
- 25 ft from neighboring dwelling
- Livestock lot size
- Horse/goat/sheep need over 0.5 acre
- Livestock zones
- R1R and R1E only
Summary
La Mesa's zoning code lets single-family lots in the R1 and R1A residential zones keep chickens and, on larger parcels, other livestock. Section 24.05.020(D)(3)(e) allows a minimum of two hens, no roosters, per two thousand square feet of lot area, capped at twenty, while subsection (f)(2) permits one horse, goat, or sheep on lots over half an acre in the R1R and R1E zones.
3.In zones R1E, R1R, R1S, R1, and R1A, for the sole use and pleasure of the family occupying the premises, animals may be kept as follows, subject in addition to all applicable limitations and regulations of Title 8: ... e.A minimum of two chickens, excluding roosters, per two thousand square feet of lot area, up to a maximum of twenty. Enclosures shall be covered and comply with all setback requirements and located no less than twenty-five feet from any neighboring dwelling unit. Feed shall be stored in a secured sealed container. For purposes of this section, "enclosure" shall mean any covered structure in which chickens are kept. The area of a lot shall be computed pursuant to Section 24.01.100 of this code.f.In the R1R and R1E zones only, the following additional animals may be kept: ... (2)On lots over one-half acre in size, one horse, goat, or sheep.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 24.05.020(D) sets the accessory animal-keeping standards for La Mesa's residential zones. In the R1E, R1R, R1S, R1 and R1A zones, subsection (e) allows homeowners with a single-family residence to keep a minimum of two chickens, excluding roosters, for every two thousand square feet of lot area, up to a maximum of twenty birds. The chicken enclosure must be fully covered, meet all zoning setback requirements, and sit no less than twenty-five feet from any neighboring dwelling unit, and feed must be stored in a secured, sealed container to prevent attracting pests.
An identical chicken allowance applies to single-family lots in the R2 and R3 zones under subsection (D)(2)(f). Beyond poultry, subsection (f) of the R1-zone rules permits additional livestock only in the R1R and R1E zones: on lots larger than one-half acre, a resident may keep one horse, goat, or sheep, in addition to bees kept under county agriculture department rules. All animal keeping under this section remains subject to Title 8's citywide animal regulations, including the noise, nuisance, manure and running-at-large provisions of Chapter 8.04.
Community Development's planning division administers the zoning limits, while the La Mesa Police Department's animal control officer enforces Title 8 compliance for any animals kept under these zoning allowances.
Violations & Fines
Keeping more chickens than the lot area allows, keeping roosters, keeping horses, goats or sheep on lots under half an acre or outside the R1R/R1E zones, or housing chickens closer than twenty-five feet to a neighboring dwelling violates Section 24.05.020(D)(3). Because Title 24 zoning violations are elevated to misdemeanor status under the citywide general penalty in Section 1.01.080, a chicken or livestock zoning violation can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to one thousand dollars and up to six months in county jail, or charged as a civil land-use violation with penalties accruing daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many chickens can I keep in La Mesa?
Can I keep a horse or goat in La Mesa?
Are roosters allowed in La Mesa?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in La Mesa
How La Mesa compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·California rules heatmap·Compare La Mesa to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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