San Jacinto, CA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Poultry is regulated in two places in § 17.430.050. Table 4-5 (Animal Keeping Standards) sets the number, parcel size and setback, and subsection H sets the coop standards for noncommercial flocks on lots of less than 20,000 square feet.

The noncommercial row allows 4 per lot, on a lot of at least 7,200 sq. ft., with a 10 ft. setback, in the RL zone, with permit P (allowed without a land use permit). Roosters and cockerels are prohibited, and the table says so in both poultry rows. A second poultry row allows 100 per acre on 20,000 sq. ft. with a 50 ft. setback in the RE and RR zones, also with permit P.

The coop must contain the birds securely, using materials such as hardware cloth or poultry wire that prohibit predators yet allow the flow of air. A chicken tractor is allowed. The maximum height is six feet. Coops are confined to rear and interior side yards, at least 10 feet from rear and side property lines and at least 10 feet from any habitable structure, including those on the subject property. Feed and other items go in secured containers to minimize contact with rodents, and the coop stays clean and sanitary. Noise is judged under Chapter 8.40 (Noise Control): poultry shall not produce continuous excessive noise causing unreasonable disturbance to residents of adjacent properties. No poultry is slaughtered on a developed lot used exclusively for residential purposes, eggs are for personal use only and cannot be sold commercially, and a homeowner's association's covenants, conditions or restrictions are not superseded.

Larger livestock fall under the same table. Noncommercial horses, cows, bison and similar sized animals are listed at 4 per acre on 20,000 sq. ft. with a 50 ft. setback in the RE, RR and RL zones. Sheep, goats and similar sized animals are listed at two per 20,000 sq. ft. up to 4 total on 1 acre, with males of any species excluded and hogs or swine of either gender prohibited. A 4-H or Future Farmers of America project under subsection D is allowed without a land use permit if it meets the site, setback and maintenance standards, including one-half acre of site area for horses, cows or other large animals.