Inyo County, CA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Animal keeping in the unincorporated county is governed by the zoning code, Inyo County Code section 18.78.310 (Maintenance of Animals), enforced by the Planning Department. In the one-family (R-1), two-family (R-2) and multiple residential (R-3) zones, keeping animals is permitted as an accessory use to a dwelling. On lots of less than one-half acre, small livestock or small farm animals such as pigs, goats, sheep, pigeons, poultry and rabbits may be bred, raised or maintained for domestic, educational purposes, or youth agriculture programs; no large livestock or large farm animals (horses, mules, donkeys, cattle) may be bred, raised, maintained or slaughtered, and no animals of any kind may be kept for commercial purposes. On lots of one-half acre or more in those residential zones, and in all other zones regardless of lot size, animal maintenance is permitted as an accessory use so long as it complies with all other state and county requirements. Shelter structures including cages, pens and corrals must not exceed 15 feet in height and may not be located closer than five feet to any property line, within 10 feet of a vegetated stream, or within 30 feet of a non-vegetated stream. Animals must not be kept in unsanitary conditions or in a manner that creates a nuisance.