Perris, CA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Allowed zones
- RA and A-1 only
- Minimum lot size
- 20,000 sq ft
- Distance from neighbor's home
- 150 ft minimum
- Large animals per 20,000 sq ft
- 2 maximum
Summary
Horses, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, donkeys and similar large animals are allowed in Perris only if the property is zoned RA or A-1: they're barred everywhere else in the city, including standard residential zones.
(c)It is unlawful for any person to have, keep, maintain or have in his or her possession or under his or her control:(1)A rooster on any property not less than 20,000 square feet. No matter how large the property, it is unlawful for any person to keep, maintain or have in his or her possession or under his or her control more than two roosters; or(2)A horse, llama, buffalo, ostrich, sheep, goat, swine, bovine, ox, donkey, elephant, or mule on any property within the city unless the property is zoned RA or A1; or(3)No more than four rabbits. The maximum number of rabbits may be allowed without a city permit; however, the keeping of rabbits shall be subject to the restrictions set forth in section 8.01.100[2]. (Ord. No. 1380, § 2, 5-14-2019)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 13).
Full Breakdown
Perris Municipal Code § 8.01.090(c)(2) makes it unlawful to keep a horse, llama, buffalo, ostrich, sheep, goat, swine, bovine, ox, donkey, elephant or mule anywhere in the city unless the property is zoned RA or A-1. Even on a qualifying lot, § 8.01.090(a)-(b) adds further limits: a minimum 20,000-square-foot lot, animals kept at least 150 feet from a neighboring occupied residence, no more than two large animals per 20,000 square feet (scaling down to one per 20,000 square feet on lots over an acre), and a five-animal cap on small livestock or fowl. Standard single-family zones such as R-7,200 sit outside RA/A-1 and prohibit large animals entirely.
Violations & Fines
Keeping a horse, cow, goat, pig or similar animal outside an RA or A-1 zone, or exceeding the density limits, is a code violation subject to impoundment and fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a horse on my property in Perris?
What's the minimum lot size for keeping livestock in Perris?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Perris
How Perris compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·California rules heatmap·Compare Perris to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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