How Victorville Handles Animal Ordinances: A Practical Guide
Victorville maintains 115 local ordinances across all categories, and 7 of those deal specifically with animal ordinances. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Victorville falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Dog Leash Laws
Victorville requires dogs to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet whenever off the owner property under VMC Title 7. Dogs running at large are subject to impound and owner citation.
Key details: Leash Length: 6 feet maximum. Where: All public and non-owner property. At Large: Subject to impound. Heat Rule: Cruelty if no shade or water. Animal Control: (760) 955-5089.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Wildlife Feeding
Intentional feeding of wildlife is discouraged in Victorville through VMC nuisance and public health provisions. California state law separately prohibits feeding big-game mammals and predators such as coyotes.
Key details: City: Nuisance under VMC Title 8. State Ban: CCR Title 14 Section 251.3. Prohibited: Feeding big game mammals. Discouraged: Feeding coyotes or mountain lions. Species: Coyote bobcat kit fox raven.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Livestock
Livestock in Victorville is limited to Rural Living, Estate, and agricultural-overlay zones. Goats, sheep, and horses are allowed at stocking rates by lot size; swine are prohibited in residential zones.
Key details: Allowed Zones: RL Estate and AG overlay. Large Animal: 20000 sf per head. Setback: 40 to 50 ft from dwellings. Swine: Prohibited in residential. Commercial Feedlot: Not allowed.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Chickens & Livestock
Victorville allows backyard chickens and some livestock based on zoning and lot size under VMC Title 7 and the zoning code. Rural and Estate zones allow horses and larger animals; standard residential limits hens.
Key details: Hens: Typically 4 to 6 no roosters. Coop Setback: 10 feet from line. Dwelling Setback: 40 feet. Horses: Rural zones only. Swine: Prohibited in residential.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Breed Restrictions
Victorville does not ban dog breeds. California Food and Agricultural Code Section 31683 preempts breed-specific legislation, but the city can apply breed-neutral dangerous dog rules under VMC Title 7.
Key details: Breed Ban: None prohibited. State Law: F and A Code 31683. City Approach: Breed neutral dangerous dog. Requirements: Secure enclosure and muzzle. Private Rules: Landlords may restrict.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Victorville is more permissive than most cities when it comes to breed restrictions. That said, there are still limits.
Exotic Pets
Exotic pets are tightly regulated in Victorville by California Fish and Game Code and CDFW restricted-species rules. Native Joshua tree habitat wildlife, desert tortoise, and most primates and large cats are prohibited.
Key details: State Rule: CCR Title 14 Section 671. Banned: Primates big cats and wolves. Desert Tortoise: Fully protected state species. Joshua Tree: Protected under AB 122. Legal Exotics: Most common reptiles.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Victorville actively enforces its exotic pets requirements.
Beekeeping
Backyard beekeeping is allowed in Victorville in most residential zones with hive setbacks and registration under California law. State bee registration through the county agricultural commissioner is required.
Key details: Allowed: Residential hobby keeping. Hive Setback: 15 to 20 feet. Flyway Barrier: 6 feet solid or hedge. County Registration: Required under state law. Africanized Risk: Requeening recommended.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The Bottom Line
Victorville'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 Victorville is broadly strict or permissive.
All of the above reflects Victorville's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.