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

Riverside retains significant agricultural heritage from its citrus-industry past, and the municipal code accommodates backyard chickens in most single-family residential zones while restricting larger livestock. Under RMC Title 6 (Animals) and Title 19 (Zoning), small numbers of hens (typically up to 5-10 depending on lot size and zone) are permitted on single-family residential parcels, with the coop required to be set back from neighboring dwellings (commonly 40 feet or more). Roosters are generally prohibited in urban residential zones due to crowing noise. Coops and runs must be kept clean, odor-free, and predator-resistant; feed must be stored in rodent-proof containers. Larger livestock — horses, cows, sheep, goats, pigs — are allowed only in agricultural (A) and rural residential zones (RR, RC) on parcels meeting minimum lot-size requirements (often 20,000 sq ft or half an acre for small livestock, larger for horses and cattle). Pigs are particularly restricted given nuisance concerns. Slaughtering is prohibited in residential zones. Agricultural uses that predate annexation may be grandfathered. Riverside County Animal Services (951-358-7387) handles nuisance complaints and enforcement under contract.