Earlier editions: 2026-09
Hesperia Municipal Code Art. XIII Animal Regulations
Hesperia Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · Hesperia
Cite as: Hesperia Municipal Code Article XIII · Text as of 2026-10-04
16.20.660 - Purpose.¶
These provisions define the type, number, and regulations regarding the keeping of animals in residential and agricultural designations and zones in order to ensure land use compatibility. These provisions balance the desire for animal keeping with the rights of neighboring property owners. This article also includes regulations which provide minimum distances between areas for the keeping of animals and habitable structures in furtherance of maintaining land use compatibility.
(Ord. No. 2011-13, § 3(Exh. A), 9-20-11; Ord. No. 2012-08, § 3(Exh. A), 6-19-12; Ord. No. 2017-18, § 3(Exh. A), 10-17-17)
16.20.670 - Requirements and key.¶
Table 16.20.680 (A) through Table 16.20.680 (F) provide the regulatory requirements to allow private animal keeping in the City. These regulations additionally apply to zones within the Main Street and Freeway Corridor Specific Plan. In interpreting and applying the provisions of this article, such provisions shall be held to the minimum requirements for the promotion of public health, safety, comfort, convenience and general welfare. Whenever there is any question regarding the interpretation of the provisions of this article or their application to any specific case or situation, the development services director or designee shall interpret the intent of this article. The following key legend demonstrates which symbol corresponds with the applicable permit process.
| Permit Symbol | Applicable Process |
|---|---|
| A | Accessory Use |
| P | Permitted Use |
| E | Requires an Exotic Animal Permit |
| NP | Not Permitted |
(Ord. No. 2011-13, § 3(Exh. A), 9-20-11; Ord. No. 2012-08, § 3(Exh. A), 6-19-12; Ord. No. 2017-18, § 3(Exh. A), 10-17-17)
16.20.680 - Animal allowances.¶
The quantity and type of animals shall be regulated as follows:
Table 16.20.680 (A) - Animal allowances in the Limited Agricultural (A1) and General Agricultural (A2) designations
| Type of Animal | Permit Symbol | Lot size criteria | Quantities | Additional Regulations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dogs and Cats | A | Below 1.5 acres | 6 of each | Female or neutered male potbellied pigs may be substituted for allowable quantities of dogs. |
| 1.5 acres or more | 8 of each | |||
| Small Livestock | P | 1 acre or more | 12 per acre | Each lot limited to one buck. Total allowed is combined with cattle, horses and hogs |
| Horses, mules, donkeys, and llamas | P | 4 per acre | Total allowed is combined with livestock, hogs, and cattle | |
| Small animals | P | 150 per acre | ||
| Hogs and large pigs | P | 2 per acre, but not more than 5 | Total allowed is combined with small livestock, cattle, and horses. Cannot be garbage feed | |
| Fowl | P | 150 per acre | ||
| Cattle | P | 4 per acre | Total allowed is combined with small, livestock, hogs, and horses | |
| Columbi, caged | P | 150 maximum |
Table 16.20.680 (B) - Animal allowances in the Rural Residential (RR) designation and the Rural Estate Residential (RER) zone
| Type of Animal | Permit Symbol | Lot size criteria | Quantities | Additional Regulations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dogs and Cats | A | Under 19,500 square feet (sq. ft.) | 4 of each | Female or neutered male potbellied pigs may be substituted for allowable quantities of dogs. |
| Between 19,500 sq. ft. - 1.49 acre | 6 of each | |||
| 1.5 acres or more | 8 of each | |||
| Small Livestock | A | All sizes | 1 per 5,000 | Each lot limited to one buck. Total allowed is combined with cattle and horses |
| Horses, mules, donkeys, and llamas | A | All sizes | 1 per 10,000 sq. ft. | Total allowed is combined with small, livestock, and cattle |
| Small animals | A | All sizes | 15 per 10,000 sq. ft. | Cannot be kept for meat or pelts. Total allowed is combined with fowl. |
| Hogs and large pigs | NP | 0 | ||
| Fowl | A | All sizes | 15 per 10,000 sq. ft. | Total allowed is combined with small animals. |
| Cattle | A | 1 acre or more | 4 per acre | Total allowed is combined with small, livestock, and horses |
| Columbi, caged | A | All sizes | 65 maximum |
Table 16.20.680 (C) - Animal allowances in the Single-Family Residence (R1) designation
| Type of Animal | Permit Symbol | Lot size criteria | Quantities | Additional Regulations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dogs and Cats | A | Under 18,000 sq. ft. | 2 of each | Female or neutered male potbellied pigs may be substituted for allowable quantities of dogs. One acre and up, one additional per ½ acre (maximum 8). |
| Between 18,000 sq. ft. - 19,499 sq. ft. | 4 of each | |||
| Between 19,500 sq. ft. - 1 acre | 6 of each | |||
| Small Livestock | NP | Any size | Educational Animal Permit Only | Not permitted unless authorized by an educational animal project or prior to residential use on five acres or more. |
| Horses, mules, donkeys, and llamas | A | Over 20,000 sq. ft. | 1 per 10,000 sq. ft., not to exceed a total of 6 | Lots 19,000 sq. ft. and larger may be allowed one horse with written approval from all contiguous property owners. Lots with a minimum net lot area of 10,000 sq. ft. previously within the RR designation shall be allowed one horse. |
| Small animals | A | All sizes | 2 for 3,500 sq. ft., not to exceed 25 per acre | Cannot be kept for meat or pelts. Total allowed is combined with fowl. |
| Hogs and large pigs | NP | 0 | ||
| Fowl | A | All sizes | 2 for 3,500 sq. ft., not to exceed 25 per acre. | Any male fowl limited to 1 per 14,000 sq. ft. Lots over 18,000 sq. ft., 10% of allowed may be male. Total allowed is combined with small animals. |
| Cattle | NP | 0 | ||
| Columbi, caged | A | 40 maximum |
Table 16.20.680 (D) - Animal allowances in the Low Density Residential (LDR) zone
| Type of Animal | Permit Symbol | Lot size criteria | Quantities | Additional Regulations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dogs and Cats | A | Under 18,000 sq. ft. | 2 of each | Female or neutered male potbellied pigs may be substituted for allowable quantities of dogs. One acre and up, one additional per ½ acre (maximum 8). |
| Between 18,000 sq. ft. - 19,499 sq. ft. | 4 of each | |||
| Between 19,500 sq. ft.- 1 acre | 6 of each | |||
| Small Livestock | NP | Under 1 acre | Educational Animal Permit Only | Not permitted unless authorized by an educational animal project or prior to residential use on five acres or more. |
| A | 1 acre or more | 1 per 5,000 | Each lot limited to one buck. Total allowed is combined with small animals and fowl | |
| Horses, mules, donkeys, and llamas | A | Over 20,000 sq. ft. | 1 per 10,000 sq. ft., not to exceed a total of 6 | Lots 19,000 sq. ft. and larger may be allowed one horse with written approval from all contiguous property owners. Lots with a minimum net lot area of 10,000 sq. ft. previously within the RR designation shall be allowed one horse. |
| Small animals | A | Under 1 acre | 2 for 3,500 sq. ft., not to exceed 25 per acre | Cannot be kept for meat or pelts. Total allowed is combined with fowl |
| A | 1 acre or more | 15 per 10,000 sq. ft. | Cannot be kept for meat or pelts. Total allowed is combined with fowl and small livestock | |
| Hogs and large pigs | NP | 0 | ||
| Fowl | NP | Under 7,200 sq. ft. | 0 | |
| A | Between 7,200 sq. ft. - 43,559 sq. ft. | 2 for 3,500 sq. ft., not to exceed 25 per acre | Any male fowl limited to 1 per 14,000 sq. ft. Lots over 18,000 sq. ft., 10% of allowed may be male. Total allowed is combined with small animals | |
| A | 1 acre or more | 15 per 10,000 sq. ft. | Any male fowl limited to 1 per 14,000 sq. ft. Lots over 18,000 sq. ft., 10% of allowed may be male. Total allowed is combined with small animals and small livestock. Total allowed is combined with small animals and small livestock | |
| Cattle | NP | 0 | ||
| Columbi, caged | A | Under 1 acre | 40 maximum | |
| 1 acre or more | 65 maximum |
Table 16.20.680 (E) - Animal allowances in the Very Low Density Residential (VLR) zone
| Type of Animal | Permit Symbol | Lot size criteria | Quantities | Additional Regulations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dogs and Cats | A | Under 18,000 sq. ft. | 2 of each | Female or neutered male potbellied pigs may be substituted for allowable quantities of dogs. One acre and up, one additional per ½ acre (maximum 8). |
| Between 18,000 sq. ft. - 19,499 sq. ft. | 4 of each | |||
| Between 19,500 sq. ft.- 1 acre | 6 of each | |||
| Small Livestock | A | Under 1 acre | 1 per 5,000 | Each lot limited to one buck. Total allowed is combined small animals, and fowl |
| P | 1 acre or more | 12 per acre | Total allowed is combined horses, cattle and hogs | |
| Horses, mules, donkeys, and llamas | A | All sizes | 1 per 10,000 sq. ft. | Total allowed is combined with small livestock, cattle and hogs |
| Small animals | A | Under 1 acre | 15 per 10,000 sq. ft. | Cannot be kept for meat or pelts. Total allowed is combined with small livestock and fowl |
| P | 1 acre or more | 150 per acre | ||
| Hogs and large pigs | NP | Under 1 acre | 0 | |
| P | 1 acre or more | 2 per acre, but not more than 5 | Total allowed is combined with horses, cattle and small livestock. Cannot be garbage feed | |
| Fowl | A | Under 1 acre | 15 per 10,000 sq. ft. | Any male fowl limited to 1 per 14,000 sq. ft. Lots over 18,000 sq. ft., 10% of allowed may be male. Total allowed is combined with small animals and small livestock |
| P | 1 acre or more | 150 per acre | ||
| Cattle | NP | Under 1 acre | 0 | Total allowed is combined with horses, hogs and small livestock |
| P | 1 acre or more | 4 per acre | ||
| Columbi, caged | A | Under 1 acre | 65 maximum | |
| P | 1 acre or more | 150 maximum |
Table 16.20.680 (F) - Animal allowances in the Multiple-Family Residence (R3) designation, and the Medium Density Residential (MDR), the High Density Residential (HDR), and the Mixed Use (MU) zones
| Type of Animal | Permit Symbol | Lot size criteria | Quantities | Additional Regulations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dogs and Cats | A | Any size | One dog and one cat, 2 dogs, or 2 cats | Female or neutered male potbellied pigs may be substituted for allowable quantities of dogs. |
| Small animals | A | Any size | 1 per unit | Cannot be kept for meat or pelts. |
| Columbi, caged | A | Any size | 10 per unit | |
| Small Livestock, Hogs, Fowl, and Cattle | NP | Any size | 0 | |
| Horses, mules, and donkeys, | NP | Any size | 0 |
(Ord. No. 2017-18, § 3(Exh. A), 10-17-17; Ord. No. 2021-01, 3(Exh. A), 6-1-21)
Editor's note— Ord. No. 2017-18, § 3(Exh. A), adopted October 17, 2017, amended § 16.20.680 in its entirety to read as herein set out. Former § 16.20.680 pertained to permit requirements for animals by land use designation, and derived from Ord. No. 2011-13, § 3(Exh. A), 9-20-11; Ord. No. 2012-08, § 3(Exh. A), 6-19-12).
16.20.690 - Additional animal regulations applicable to residential or agricultural designations/zones.¶
[A.]
Total allowed is combined with..." means that combinations of specific animal types are allowed, provided the total allotment on any parcel shall not be exceeded. When combining animals, it is not the intent here to allow each animal at its maximum density. Instead these animals shall be allowed as a proportion of the property's allotment. In order to determine if the property's allotment is not exceeded, one must first determine the area of property required by each animal (see Table 1). The area required for each animal on the property is added up to determine if the total amount exceeds the property's lot size. The total amount shall not exceed the property's lot size. On a one acre property, a combination of animals consistent with this provision would be equivalent to fifteen (15) fowl, twenty (20) small animals, and four goats (see Figure 1).
Table 1 - Example of area required for each animal in the RR zone
| Type of Animal | Area required |
|---|---|
| 1 Fowl | 667 sq. ft. |
| 1 Small Animal | 667 sq. ft. |
| 1 Small Livestock | 5,000 sq. ft. |
Figure 1 - Example of Area Required When Combining Animals
[Figure]
B. Exotic animals (not normally domesticated), as defined within Section 16.08.215 and Title 14, Section 671 of the California Fish and Game Only, shall be allowed if approved as part of an exotic animal permit. Foxes and minks are only permitted in the A2 zone with an exotic animal permit.
C. Fishbowls and aquariums are allowed as accessory uses. This is applicable only to small private fish, amphibian, and reptile collections and does not allow large tanks and/or buildings in which fish and other animals are kept and shown to the public.
D. Ostriches and emus are only permitted in the A2 zone.
E. Commercial raising of rabbits or other small animals and cattle is permitted in the A1, RER, and VLR zones on lots at least one gross acre in size and one hundred fifty (150) feet of street frontage.
F. In the A2 zone, noncommercial animal keeping shall not exceed the number allowed in the A1 designation. Large scale animal keeping shall be limited to local and industry standards.
G. Apiaries shall be regulated by Section 6.12.080 of the municipal code.
H. Prior to being weaned, the offspring of an allowed animal type shall be permitted.
I. Lots with a minimum net lot area of ten thousand (10,000) square feet previously within the RR designation shall be allowed one horse. This applies to properties zoned R1, LDR, VLR. This is consistent with the Development Code prior to adoption of Resolution No. 2010-058, which established the general plan update.
(Ord. No. 2017-18, § 3(Exh. A), 10-17-17)
Editor's note— Ord. No. 2017-18, § 3(Exh. A), adopted October 17, 2017, amended § 16.20.690 in its entirety to read as herein set out. Former § 16.20.690 pertained to number of animals allowed by land use designation, and derived from Ord. No. 2011-13, § 3(Exh. A), 9-20-11; Ord. No. 2012-08, § 3(Exh. A), 6-19-12).
16.20.700 - Standards for the keeping of animals.¶
A. General animal use regulations. The keeping of animals shall be in accordance with Article XIII of Chapter 16.20 and Title 6.
All animals shall be allowed as an accessory use to a primary use except on a minimum five gross acre vacant parcel within the R1 designation and as a permitted agricultural use within the RR, RER, A1, and A2 Designations. On a vacant five gross acre property designated R1, one cow or two goats are allowed per acre or four hundred (400) fowl per acre.
All buildings and enclosures for animals, except for cats, dogs, and pot-bellied pigs, shall be in accordance with Section 16.16.105 entitled "Animal buildings and structures."
The location of corrals, fenced enclosures, barns, stables, stalls and similar enclosures used to confine horses shall conform to the clearances as set forth in this section and Chapter 16.20, street setback regulations. Whenever the words "keeping" or "kept" are used in this section, they shall mean and include maintaining, grazing, riding, leading, exercising, tying, hitching, stabling and allowing to run at large. Riding or leading of horses to or from the premises in order to gain access to a bridle path, alley or street is allowed. Fences shall be a minimum height of five feet and capable of securing horses.
B. Standards of care and licensing of animals.
All areas used for the keeping of animals shall be adequately maintained to reduce odors and other negative effects in accordance with Title 6 of the Municipal Code.
All animals shall be licensed as required by Title 6.
Commercial animal facilities shall comply with Title 6.
C. Educational animal project. An educational animal project may be permitted as a temporary accessory use on a lot and shall require approval of an educational animal project application in accordance with this chapter.
The number of animals that may be permitted is shown in Table 16.20.690. Animals born to the project animal pursuant to an approved educational animal project permit under the age of four months may also be kept.
Combinations of the listed animals may be kept, provided the maximum number does not exceed the allowable number within Table 16.20.710.
Table 16.20.710 Allowed Number of Animals For an Educational Animal Project
| The number and type of animals allowed with an approved educational animal project permit as a function of net lot area | Maximum Number |
|---|---|
| One bovine per 20,000 sq. ft. | 3 |
| Two calves per 10,000 sq. ft. (to a maximum age of six (6) months) | 9 |
| Two sheep per 10,000 sq. ft. | 9 |
| Two goats per 10,000 sq. ft. | 9 |
- An educational animal project shall be subject to the following. The educational animal project shall be kept only on an improved and occupied lot or parcel.
a. Such animals shall be kept at least seventy (70) feet from buildings used for human habitation, public park, school, hospital or church buildings on adjoining lots or parcels. Buildings used for human habitation shall not include cabanas, patios, attached or detached private garages or storage buildings.
b. Areas for animal keeping shall be a minimum of five feet from interior side and rear property lines, and fifteen (15) feet from side street rights-of-way, excepting an alley or bridle path. Animals shall not be kept within any front yard.
c. The animals shall be confined by a five-foot high chain link fence or a five foot wood fence with horizontal members no more than six inches apart, in accordance with the fencing limitations within the Development Code.
- An exemption shall be made to allow for the purpose of conducting animal projects by 4-H, FFA or other state accredited program members, specifically and exclusively; provided, the members obtain an educational animal project permit, which shall be subject to the following conditions:
a. Educational animal project permits shall be issued for twenty-four (24) months, during which time unscheduled monthly inspections shall be conducted. Permits may be extended on a twelve (12) month basis. Requests for extensions shall be evaluated based on inspections, any complaints on file, and other applicable information. The permit shall become invalid when the permittee reaches nineteen (19) years of age, or in the event the 4-H or FFA project is discontinued;
b. Property owners contiguous to the permittee shall be notified prior to the issuance of a permit and shall be renotified in the event an extension is requested;
c. In the event of a complaint, or if unsatisfactory conditions are identified through inspection, the 4-H, FFA or other accredited program representative shall cooperate with city staff to enforce the conditions of the educational animal project permit;
d. All operation and maintenance regulations established under an approved educational animal project permit shall be met.
e. Any violation of the permit requirements may result in the revocation of the educational animal project permit. The permittee shall be given written notification prior to consideration for revocation.
(Ord. No. 2011-13, § 3(Exh. A), 9-20-11; Ord. No. 2012-08, § 3(Exh. A), 6-19-12)
16.20.710—16.20.740 - Reserved.¶
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