Murrieta, CA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Murrieta Municipal Code Title 16 addresses the keeping of chickens and other livestock based on zoning district and lot size. In standard single-family residential zones (SR and similar), hens are typically permitted in limited numbers (commonly 4 to 6 hens) with roosters generally prohibited due to noise. Coops must meet minimum setbacks from property lines and the primary dwelling (typically 10 to 25 feet from dwellings and 5 to 10 feet from property lines), and must be kept clean to prevent odors, flies, and rodents consistent with California Food and Agricultural Code Sections 29001 and following for poultry health.

Larger livestock including horses, goats, sheep, pigs, and cattle are limited to rural residential (RR), agricultural, or equestrian zones. Murrieta's eastern and southern areas include portions zoned for equestrian use (particularly around the French Valley and Murrieta Hot Springs areas), where animal keeping requires minimum lot size (often 1 acre or more), sufficient setbacks, and proper waste management. Pigs are generally prohibited outside of agricultural zones. All livestock keeping is subject to nuisance provisions regarding noise, odor, flies, and health. HOAs in master-planned communities almost universally prohibit all livestock and most also prohibit chickens even where city rules allow them.