Apple Valley, CA Animal Ordinances: Livestock (2026)

Unlike many built-out cities, Apple Valley embraces livestock keeping, reflecting its High Desert rural and equestrian heritage. The Town Code defines a domestic animal as one historically and commonly tamed for the use of man, expressly including horses, cows, sheep, dogs, pigs, and cats, and defines livestock as domestic farm animals. Horses and livestock keeping are allowed on suitably zoned parcels, and the Town's General Plan and zoning recognize districts acceptable for equine and livestock use, including Very Low Density Residential, Low Density Residential, Residential Agriculture, and Equestrian Residential (R-EQ). The R-EQ district is intended for single-family detached residences that are somewhat rural in character and oriented to horse keeping. The number and distribution of horses and other animals on a property is governed by Table 15.01.125A, which scales allowable counts to zoning district and lot size, and offspring that push a property over its permitted number must be removed within 30 days of weaning. Owners must provide potable water, adequate food, and weatherproof shelter for all domestic animals. The Town also promotes an equestrian lifestyle with adopted multi-use and equestrian trail standards. To keep horses or livestock, verify your parcel's zoning and the permitted animal numbers in Table 15.01.125A, and observe care, fencing, and nuisance requirements. These Town rules apply within the incorporated Town and differ from San Bernardino County's unincorporated animal-keeping standards.