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El Centro · Building on your lot

Pets, chickens and bees in El Centro

El Centro's own rules on pets, chickens and bees, with the code text for every value.

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Each rule below links to the section of the El Centro Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What El Centro's code says

El Centro code What El Centro's code adds
Chickens
  • Yes, up to 2 poultry; more than 2 need a conditional use permit, which allows no more than 25.
    Applies: Applies as an accessory use to a single-family or two-family home.
    § 29-170 · code text
    Where more than two (2) such animals are kept on any premises, whether for pleasure or profit, a conditional use permit shall be required. In no case shall such conditional use permit allow more than twenty-five (25) such animals.
Large animals
  • Horses, cattle, sheep, goats, swine and mules: allowed in the rural residential zone; elsewhere only as animal raising projects.
    Applies: Applies as an accessory use to a single-family or two-family home.
    § 29-170 · code text
    Horses, bovine animals, sheep, goats, swine, mules, and roosters. Permitted within the rural residential zone and not otherwise permitted except as an animal raising project as specified in sections 5-1 and 29-171.
  • An animal raising project needs a lot of at least 6,000 square feet.
    Applies: Applies to projects under 4-H, FFA or a similar youth organization.
    § 29-171 · code text
    No such animal raising project shall be permitted on a lot less than six thousand (6,000) square feet in net area.
Permit
  • A conditional use permit is required for more than 10 birds.
    Applies: Applies as an accessory use to a single-family or two-family home.
    § 29-170 · code text
    Where more than ten (10) birds are kept on any premises, whether for pleasure of profit, a conditional use permit shall be required.
  • A conditional use permit is needed for over 2 poultry, rabbits or other small animals; 25 maximum.
    Applies: Applies as an accessory use to a single-family or two-family home.
    § 29-170 · code text
    Where more than two (2) such animals are kept on any premises, whether for pleasure or profit, a conditional use permit shall be required. In no case shall such conditional use permit allow more than twenty-five (25) such animals.
  • A temporary use permit is required.
    Applies: Animal raising projects under 4-H, FFA or a similar youth organization; the permit lasts up to 6 months.
    § 29-171 · code text
    A temporary use permit shall be required for such animal raising project for a period not to exceed six (6) months.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep chickens or bees at my home in El Centro?

El Centro's code: Yes, up to 2 poultry; more than 2 need a conditional use permit, which allows no more than 25. (Applies as an accessory use to a single-family or two-family home.) (§ 29-170).

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a specific El Centro property

Ask GoCodebook how El Centro's pets, chickens and bees rules apply to your situation and get an answer that cites the section.

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El Centro Municipal Code — full text