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

Animal keeping in the City of Riverside is regulated by Title 19 (Zoning), not by Title 8 (Animals), which is enforced by Riverside County Department of Animal Services (RCDAS) under a contract. In the R-1 One-Family Dwelling zone, the noncommercial keeping of not more than five (5) poultry and four (4) rabbits is permitted. Coops, pens, or other enclosures housing the animals must be located at least fifty (50) feet from any residence on an adjoining lot or parcel (excluding the residence on the lot where the animals are kept). 'Crowing fowl' — defined in Title 19 to include roosters, cockerels, peacocks, and similar male fowl — are not permitted in R-1 without a special use permit. Larger livestock (equine, bovine, ovine, porcine) are restricted to the City's agricultural and rural-residential zones (R-A, R-R) and are subject to lot-size minimums of typically one-half acre or more, plus the 50-foot setback. Slaughter of any animal for commercial purposes inside the City is prohibited. The City's Title 19 also requires that all kept animals comply with Title 8 nuisance, sanitation, and noise provisions, meaning excessive coop odor, fly breeding, or noise can trigger an RCDAS or Code Enforcement abatement action even on a compliant lot.