Temecula, CA Animal Ordinances: Livestock (2026)

Temecula's eastern wine country and equestrian neighborhoods support a significant horse-keeping community, and livestock zoning reflects the area's rural agricultural heritage. Under Temecula Municipal Code Title 17 and Riverside County zoning (for unincorporated pockets within Temecula's sphere), horse-keeping is generally permitted on Very Low Density Residential (VL), Hillside Residential (HR), and equestrian-overlay parcels with minimum lot sizes — commonly 1 acre for the first horse plus additional acreage per additional horse, or 5-acre minimum in some zones. Cattle, sheep, and goats may be allowed on similar large-lot zoning with appropriate setbacks and stocking rates. Pigs and swine are typically restricted or limited to specific agricultural zones. Corrals and stables must be set back from neighboring dwellings (typically 50-100 feet) and from property lines, and manure storage must be managed to prevent odor and fly nuisances under Property Maintenance Code Chapter 8.12. Standard suburban residential zones (LM, M, H) and master-planned HOA communities (Roripaugh Ranch, Harveston, Redhawk, Vail Ranch) prohibit livestock entirely. Temecula's Equestrian District designation includes a network of bridle trails. Always verify zoning and HOA restrictions before purchasing livestock — keeping prohibited animals can result in citations and removal orders.