Animal Ordinances in Hemet, CA (2026)
10 verified animal ordinances for Hemet, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Hemet's own zoning code (HMC Sec. 90-77, amended by Ordinance 1904) allows backyard chickens in many residential zones. On standard residential lots, up to 4 hens and no rooster are allowed; agricultural zones permit 12 hens and 1 rooster per acre. Coops must meet setbacks.
Hemet Backyard Chickens and Poultry
Some RestrictionsHemet Municipal Code Sec. 90-77(h), Ord. No. 1904
(4) Chickens permitted to be kept per this section shall not be permitted to run at large on the lot or off the lot. Chickens shall be kept at all times within a suitable pen, coop, or enclosure with features such as an indoor or outdoor runway, a nesting box for eggs, and an area that provides protection from the weather and from predators... (6) Eggs produced by chickens permitted pursuant to...
Dog Leash Laws
Hemet has no standalone leash chapter of its own. Hemet Municipal Code Sec. 10-1 adopts Riverside County Title 6 (Ordinance No. 630) by reference, so the county's at-large/restraint rules apply citywide and are enforced by Riverside County Animal Services.
Hemet Dog Leash and Running-at-Large Rules
Some RestrictionsHemet Municipal Code Ch. 10, Sec. 10-1 (Adoption by reference)
Title 6 of the Riverside County Code of Ordinances (Riverside County Ordinance Nos. 534 and 630) as codified in the Riverside County Code of Ordinances as Title 6, which establish requirements and procedures for animal control, is adopted by reference in its entirety... The provisions of this section and article III of this chapter shall be enforceable by the Riverside County Department of Anim...
Breed Restrictions
Hemet has no breed-specific ban. Through HMC Sec. 10-1 it adopts Riverside County Ordinance 630, which regulates dangerous and vicious dogs by behavior, not breed. California Food & Agricultural Code Sec. 31683 bars cities from banning specific breeds outright.
Hemet Dog Breed Restrictions and Dangerous Dogs
Few RestrictionsBeekeeping
Hemet has its OWN detailed beekeeping ordinance in Municipal Code Chapter 10, Article III (Secs. 10-101 to 10-113). It limits colonies by lot size, requires Langstroth hives, water, setbacks of 300 ft from roads and 500 ft from dwellings, and six-foot flyway barriers near homes.
Hemet Beekeeping Regulations
Some RestrictionsHemet Municipal Code Sec. 10-108(a) (Colony densities)
It shall be unlawful to keep more than the following number of colonies on any tract within the city, based upon the size of configuration of the tract... One-quarter acre or less tract size - 2 colonies; More than one-quarter acre but less than one-half acre tract size - 4 colonies; More than one-half acre but less than one acre tract size - 6 colonies; One acre or larger tract size - 8 coloni...
Exotic Pets
Hemet has no separate exotic-pet ordinance; through HMC Sec. 10-1 it adopts Riverside County Ordinance 630. The binding restriction is California state law - 14 CCR Sec. 671 - which bars private possession of most wild/exotic species (including ferrets) without a state permit.
Hemet Exotic and Wild Animal Rules
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Hemet's Municipal Code contains no specific ordinance banning the feeding of wildlife such as coyotes. Conduct that attracts predators or creates a nuisance is addressed through general nuisance/public-safety standards (HMC Sec. 90-77) and California nuisance and wildlife law, enforced by CDFW.
Hemet Wildlife Feeding Rules
Few RestrictionsLivestock
Hemet's zoning code (HMC Sec. 90-77) governs livestock by zone and lot size. Sheep and goats are allowed mainly in rural/agricultural zones (RA, A-1, A-2) on at least one acre, up to 4 per acre to a maximum of 15, with a 50-foot setback from residential property lines.
Hemet Livestock Keeping (Goats, Sheep, Horses)
Some RestrictionsHemet Municipal Code Sec. 90-77(g) Animal Matrix, Ord. No. 1904
Sheep and/or goats-all types | RA, A-1, A-2 | 1 acre | 4 per acre to a maximum of 15 | No sheep, goats or any pen, coop, stable or barn shall be kept within 50 feet of a residentially zoned property line. All zones | None | No maximum | With a Temporary Use Permit per Sec. 90-73, goats and/or sheep may be used for cleaning vacant sites of plant materials for no more than four weeks per six-mont...
Animal Hoarding
Hemet has no separate hoarding ordinance; excessive-animal situations are handled through pet limits (HMC Sec. 90-77), the adopted Riverside County code, and California Penal Code Sec. 597 animal-cruelty law. The City's enforced limits are roughly 3 dogs and 4 cats per household.
Hemet Animal Hoarding and Neglect
Heavy RestrictionsPet Limits
Per the City's published guidance under HMC Sec. 90-77, a Hemet household may keep up to 3 dogs and 4 cats over four months old. Quantities of other animals depend on zoning and lot size. The adopted Riverside County code requires a kennel permit at 5+ dogs.
Hemet Pet Limits (Dogs and Cats)
Some RestrictionsCat Rules
Hemet sets a household limit of 4 cats (over four months) under HMC Sec. 90-77 and adopts Riverside County Ordinance 630 via Sec. 10-1. The county requires unaltered cats over four months to be spayed/neutered; cat licensing is optional but requires rabies vaccination.
Hemet Cat Regulations
Some RestrictionsLooking for Riverside County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Hemet city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Riverside County →