Fullerton's Zoning Ordinance restricts keeping livestock such as horses, goats, sheep, pigs, and cattle to properties with agricultural or equestrian-overlay zoning that meet minimum lot-size requirements. Standard residential zones (R-1, R-2, R-3) do not permit large livestock. Properties in qualifying zones in north Fullerton near the hills may keep animals subject to enclosure setbacks, manure management, and nuisance standards.
The City of Fullerton regulates livestock keeping through its Zoning Ordinance, which establishes where and under what conditions large animals may be maintained. In standard single-family residential (R-1) zones, multi-family residential (R-2, R-3) zones, and commercial or industrial zones, livestock keeping is not permitted. Horses, goats, sheep, pigs, cattle, and similar large animals are restricted to parcels carrying agricultural or equestrian-overlay zoning designations. These qualifying properties are concentrated in portions of north Fullerton near the Fullerton hills, where larger lot sizes accommodate animal husbandry. The number of animals permitted is tied to lot size, with minimum acreage requirements per animal head. All animal enclosures β including stables, barns, corrals, and pens β must meet the zoning district's setback requirements from property lines and neighboring structures. Manure must be managed through regular removal or composting in a manner that prevents odor, fly breeding, and groundwater contamination. Feed must be stored in sealed, rodent-proof containers. Properties must maintain adequate fencing to prevent animal escape. OC Animal Care provides animal control services and responds to complaints about loose livestock. The Fullerton Community Development Department at (714) 738-6884 administers zoning verification for livestock eligibility.
Keeping livestock on a property that lacks the required zoning designation is a code violation. The Code Enforcement Division issues a notice of violation with a compliance deadline requiring removal of animals. Administrative citations begin at $100 for the first offense, escalating to $200 and $500 for subsequent violations within 12 months. Nuisance conditions from improper manure management or inadequate fencing may trigger additional abatement proceedings with cost recovery by the city.
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