Ridgecrest's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Ridgecrest, California, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.
Pet Limits
Keeping four or more dogs and/or cats at one property meets Ridgecrest's zoning definition of a kennel, and kennels aren't a permitted or conditional use in the R-1 single-family zone.
Key details: Kennel threshold: 4+ dogs/cats on one lot. R-1 zone: kennels not permitted. RA/PA zones: kennels allowed with CUP. Coverage: Ridgecrest city limits only.
Keeping four or more dogs/cats without qualifying as a permitted agricultural-zone kennel is a zoning violation; the city can require a conditional use permit, a reduced animal count, or cite the property.
Chickens & Livestock
Ridgecrest limits backyard chickens and livestock to its Primary Agriculture (PA) zoning district in Kern County, California, capping animals by lot size and requiring 50- to 100-foot setbacks from dwellings and public areas.
Key details: Chicken limit: 24 chickens per 10,000 sq ft. Zone: PA Primary Agriculture District only. Setback from dwellings: 50 feet minimum. Setback from front lot line: 100 feet minimum. Commercial slaughter: Prohibited on-site.
Keeping chickens or livestock outside the PA district, exceeding the per-10,000-square-foot density caps, or violating the 50-/100-foot setbacks is a zoning code violation enforceable under Ridgecrest City Code § 106-63.
Dog Leash Laws
Ridgecrest requires every dog to be fastened by chain, rope, harness, or leash unless it is confined securely on private property the owner controls. Loose dogs may be impounded by the city's animal control officer.
Key details: Rule: Chain, rope, harness, or leash required. Applies: City of Ridgecrest, Kern County. Violation class: Infraction. Enforcement: Animal control officer.
Violating the leash requirement is an infraction under § 3-2. Dogs found running at large in the city may be seized and impounded by the animal control officer under § 3-3.
Breed Restrictions
Ridgecrest has no breed-specific ban; instead, the health officer can declare an individual dog vicious based on its behavior and order it kept chained or confined at all times under City Code § 3-106.
Key details: Basis: Behavior, not breed. Determination made by: City health officer. Order: Secure chain or confinement. Applies: City of Ridgecrest, Kern County.
Violating a health officer's order regarding a declared vicious dog is unlawful under § 3-107. The underlying vicious-dog handling requirement (secure chaining or confinement) is set by § 3-106.
This is one of the stricter rules in Ridgecrest's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
The Bottom Line
Ridgecrest's animal ordinances rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Ridgecrest is broadly strict or permissive.
This guide is based on Ridgecrest's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.