Chickens & Livestock: Jurupa Valley vs Riverside
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Jurupa Valley, CA and Riverside, CA?
Jurupa Valley has fewer restrictions than Riverside.
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 →Riverside, CA
Riverside County
The City of Riverside allows non-commercial poultry and rabbits in the R-1 (One-Family Residential) zone — up to 5 poultry and 4 rabbits — but coops must be at least 50 feet from any neighboring residence and crowing fowl (roosters) are not permitted without a special permit.
View full Riverside rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Jurupa Valley | Riverside |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | - |
| Max hens (R-1 zone) | - | 5 poultry |
| Max rabbits (R-1 zone) | - | 4 rabbits |
| Coop setback from neighbor's residence | - | 50 feet minimum |
| Roosters allowed in R-1? | - | No — crowing fowl require a special permit |
| Authority | - | Riverside Municipal Code Title 19 (Zoning); enforcement via Title 8 + County RCDAS |
| Larger livestock | - | R-A / R-R zones only, lot-size minimums apply |
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.
Riverside FAQ
Can I keep a rooster in the City of Riverside?
Not in the R-1 (One-Family Residential) zone without a special permit. Title 19 limits residential lots to non-crowing fowl. Roosters, cockerels, and peacocks are defined as 'crowing fowl' and require a permit or an agricultural/rural-residential zoning designation.
How many chickens can I have on a typical Riverside city lot?
Up to five (5) non-crowing poultry plus four (4) rabbits on an R-1 lot under Title 19, provided the coop is at least 50 feet from any neighbor's residence. Larger flocks require an agricultural (R-A) or rural-residential (R-R) zoning designation.
Where do I file a complaint about a neighbor's chickens or rooster?
Animal-keeping complaints in the City of Riverside go to Riverside County Department of Animal Services (RCDAS) at (951) 358-7387, or to City Code Enforcement via 311 (or the 311 app) for zoning-setback issues. The City contracts all field enforcement of Title 8 to RCDAS.
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