San Jacinto, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)

Pet stores are regulated in the City of San Jacinto as a land use called animal retail sales, listed in Table 2-2 (Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements) under Retail Sales. The row marks P, a zoning clearance under Chapter 17.655, in the CN, CG, CR, MU, MU-E and DV zones. It marks a dash, meaning not permitted, in every residential zone and in the OP, BP, IL, IH, OSG, OSR and PI zones, and § 17.205.070.C says a table cell with a dash means the listed land use is expressly prohibited in that zone. The last column points to § 17.430.060.

Section 17.430.060.E sets the building standards. Animal retail sales establishments shall be entirely enclosed, soundproofed, and air-conditioned. Boarding of animals not offered for sale, outside runs or cages, outside trash containers, and offensive odors are prohibited. Grooming activities are incidental to the retail use. Article 8 defines animal retail sales as retail sales and boarding of animals offered for sale. The section's opening paragraph adds that the keeping of animals can also be subject to the requirements of § 17.430.050 (Animal Keeping).

The zoning clearance is an administrative step. The Director issues it after determining that the request complies with all Development Code provisions applicable to the proposed use, and under § 17.655.020.C a zoning clearance is obtained before the City issues a new or modified business license. A change of use needs a new clearance, whether or not the new use involves a new lessee, operator, or owner.

Breeding is a separate use. Table 4-5 lists commercial kennels, catteries, animal shelters, and dog and cat breeding facilities at 5 and over, as determined by MUP, in the IL zone with a minor use permit and a 50 ft. setback from the nearest residence. Animal control rules for sellers come from Title 6 of the Riverside County Code, which § 6.04.010 adopts by reference and the City Code does not reprint, so this page covers the zoning text only.