Animal Ordinances in Temecula, CA (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for Temecula, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Temecula generally prohibits chickens and livestock on standard residential lots, but allows them on parcels zoned Hillside Residential, Very Low Density Residential, and Wine Country/Equestrian where lot sizes are 1+ acre. Roosters are typically prohibited or restricted due to noise. Coops and corrals must meet setbacks, and Wine Country parcels under Riverside County rules allow horses and other livestock.
Temecula Chickens & Livestock
Heavy RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Temecula requires dogs to be leashed (max 6 feet) in all public places except designated off-leash areas. The city operates dog parks at Redhawk Dog Park and Michael 'Mike' Naggar Community Park where off-leash play is permitted within fenced areas. Owners must clean up after their dogs and carry waste bags under Municipal Code 6.04.
Temecula Dog Leash Laws
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Temecula does not have breed-specific legislation banning any dog breeds. California Food & Agricultural Code §31683 prohibits cities from declaring a dog 'potentially dangerous' or 'vicious' based solely on breed. Dogs deemed dangerous through individual behavior may be subject to restrictions including enclosure, muzzling, and liability insurance.
Temecula Dog Breed Restrictions
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Food & Agricultural Code §31683
31683. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent a city or county from adopting or enforcing its own program for the control of potentially dangerous or vicious dogs that may incorporate all, part, or none of this chapter, or that may punish a violation of this chapter as a misdemeanor or may impose a more restrictive program to control potentially dangerous or vicious dogs. Except ...
Beekeeping
Beekeeping in Temecula is regulated under California Food & Agricultural Code §29001+ and local zoning. Beekeeping is generally permitted on rural-residential and agricultural parcels, with apiary registration required with the Riverside County Agricultural Commissioner. Standard suburban lots and HOA communities typically prohibit hives. Wine Country and Equestrian parcels readily accommodate beekeeping.
Temecula Beekeeping Rules
Heavy RestrictionsExotic Pets
California Fish & Game Code §2118 and Title 14 CCR §671 prohibit possession of most non-domestic mammals, large reptiles, primates, and certain birds without a special permit. Temecula follows state law — wolves, large cats, primates, venomous reptiles, and many native species are banned. Common pets like ferrets are also illegal in California. Rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, and most aquarium fish are permitted.
Temecula Exotic Pets
Heavy RestrictionsCalifornia Department of Fish and Wildlife - Restricted Species Permits (14 CCR Sec. 671)
Restricted Species Permits are required for every person who imports, exports, transports, or possesses any restricted animal listed in Section 671(c), Title 14, of the California Code of Regulations (CCR). Entitlements: Restricted Species Permit Application/Amendment - New: $155.53; Renewal and Amendment: $80.60 - Required for every new permit, permit renewal or amendment of an existing permit...
Wildlife Feeding
California Fish & Game Code §251.1 and Title 14 CCR §251.3 prohibit feeding big game mammals (deer, elk, bears, mountain lions). Temecula's foothills and Wine Country see frequent coyote, deer, and occasional mountain lion activity, and feeding wildlife — including coyotes — is illegal and dangerous. Bird feeders are generally allowed but should be managed to avoid attracting rats and predators.
Temecula Wildlife Feeding
Heavy RestrictionsCalifornia Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) - Human-Wildlife Conflicts / "Keep Me Wild" Program
Human-Wildlife Conflicts Toolkit. Vision: To proactively address human-wildlife conflicts and improve wildlife incident responses; to support safe human-wildlife interactions; and to increase understanding, awareness and appreciation of wildlife in California. Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) can occur when humans encounter or interact with wild animals in an unwanted or unsafe way. In California,...
Livestock
Livestock — horses, cattle, goats, sheep, pigs — are permitted on Temecula's Hillside Residential, Very Low Density, and Wine Country/Equestrian parcels (typically 1-acre minimum, with 5-acre standard for horses). Standard suburban residential lots and HOA-governed communities prohibit livestock. Many east-side and Wine Country parcels under Riverside County jurisdiction allow horse-keeping with corral standards.
Temecula Livestock Rules
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Riverside County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Temecula city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Riverside County →