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

Riverside County's Code Enforcement Department applies Ordinance No. 348 (the Land Use Ordinance) to the keeping of crowing fowl in unincorporated areas. "Crowing fowl" are defined as chickens, peafowl, and guinea fowl. Crowing fowl may not be kept on any lot smaller than 7,200 square feet. The number allowed depends on zoning and lot size. On residential zones (R-1, R-1A, R-2, R-2A, R-3) of 7,200 sq. ft. to 39,999 sq. ft., a maximum of 4 hens and 0 roosters are allowed; on 1 acre or more, up to 12 hens and 0 roosters. On rural and limited agricultural zones (R-R, R-R-O, R-A, R-T-R) of 20,000–39,999 sq. ft., 12 hens and 0 roosters; on A-1, W-2, R-D parcels of 1 acre or more, up to 50 hens and 10 roosters. On A-D and A-2 of 20,000–39,999 sq. ft., 50 hens and 10 roosters; on 1 acre or more, up to 100 hens and 20 roosters. In every zone where fowl are permitted, they must be kept in an enclosed area in the backyard, no less than 20 feet from any property line and no less than 50 feet from any residence. A property owner wishing to exceed the permitted numbers by up to 50% may apply for a Crowing Fowl Permit, which is subject to notification of neighbors within 600 feet and a public hearing if requested.