Chickens & Livestock: Jurupa Valley vs Murrieta
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Jurupa Valley, CA and Murrieta, CA?
Jurupa Valley has fewer restrictions than Murrieta.
Jurupa Valley, CA
Riverside County
Jurupa Valley is one of the most livestock-friendly cities in the Inland Empire — the city inherited rural ranch parcels and active equestrian communities (Mira Loma, Glen Avon, Rubidoux, Pedley) when it incorporated in 2011. Title 9 Planning and Zoning sets numerical caps for chickens and livestock by lot size, while Title 10 Animals and a contract with Riverside County Department of Animal Services handle field enforcement. Hens are explicitly allowed on residential lots; roosters and other crowing fowl are restricted to large agricultural parcels.
View full Jurupa Valley rules →Murrieta, CA
Riverside County
Murrieta allows backyard chickens in most single-family residential zones with limits on number, no roosters in typical suburban zones, and setback requirements for coops. Larger livestock is limited to rural and equestrian-zoned properties.
View full Murrieta rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Jurupa Valley | Murrieta |
|---|---|---|
| Hen cap (R-1, 7,200-39,999 sq ft) | 4 mature non-crowing hens, no roosters | - |
| Hen cap (lots 40,000 sq ft+) | 12 mature non-crowing hens | - |
| Coop setback | 20 ft from property line, 50 ft from any residence, rear lot only | - |
| Horse keeping | Min 20,000 sq ft lot, 100 ft wide; 2 horses per 20,000 sq ft, max 4 per lot | - |
| Animal services | Riverside County Dept of Animal Services — Western Riverside County/City Shelter, 6851 Van Buren Blvd, Jurupa Valley (951-358-7387) | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Jurupa Valley FAQ
Can I keep backyard chickens in Jurupa Valley?
Yes. On a standard single-family lot between 7,200 and 39,999 sq ft, up to 4 mature non-crowing hens (chickens only) are allowed for the occupants' use, with the coop on the rear portion of the lot at least 20 ft from any property line and 50 ft from any residence. Lots of 40,000+ sq ft can keep up to 12 hens.
Can I keep a rooster in Jurupa Valley?
No — the residential chicken allowance is for non-crowing female fowl only. Roosters and other crowing fowl require an Agricultural-zoned parcel and would still need to comply with Title 11 Ch 11.05 noise regulations.
Can I keep horses on my Jurupa Valley property?
Yes, non-commercially, if the lot is at least 20,000 sq ft (about 0.46 acre) and 100 ft wide. Two horses are allowed per 20,000 sq ft, up to four total per lot, with stables set back 100 ft from any street and 20 ft from property lines. Jurupa Valley has active equestrian neighborhoods in Mira Loma, Glen Avon, and Rubidoux.
Murrieta FAQ
Can I have chickens in Murrieta?
Yes, in most single-family residential zones with limits on number and no roosters. Check your specific zoning and your HOA rules before starting.
Can I keep a horse on my property?
Only if your property is zoned for equestrian or rural use, typically requiring 1+ acre. Horse keeping requires setbacks, waste management, and turnout space.
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