Local code · Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County — Equestrian Districts

Q: What are Equestrian Districts in unincorporated Los Angeles County?

Equestrian Districts, or EQDs , are mapped districts for areas where residents’ personal keeping of horses and other large domestic animals is integral, or intended to become integral, to neighborhood character. They permit that animal keeping as accessory to residential use while retaining the rules of the underlying basic zone. §§ 22.70.010, 22.70.020

Q: Which Los Angeles County equestrian districts are currently established?

The established districts are EQD-1 Rancho Potrero De Felipe Lugo , EQD-2 West Altadena , EQD-3 Pellissier Village , EQD-4 Kinneloa Mesa , EQD-6 Beverly Acres , and EQD-7 Avocado Heights . Each is shown on the Zoning Map and tied to its own adoption ordinance. § 22.70.040

Q: How many horses can I keep in a Los Angeles County Equestrian District?

A single countywide horse-count limit is not found in source materials . The Commission and Board may impose conditions on the number and location of animals, and each established EQD incorporates its own adoption ordinance. Verify with the jurisdiction. §§ 22.70.030.B.4, 22.70.040

Q: How large must a new Equestrian District be in Los Angeles County?

A new EQD must generally contain at least 5 acres . A smaller expansion may be considered if it is an orderly and contiguous extension of an existing EQD. § 22.70.030.B.1

The Los Angeles County Equestrian Districts, explained in plain English with the controlling citations.

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Quick answer

In unincorporated Los Angeles County, an Equestrian District allows accessory residential keeping of horses and other covered large domestic animals while the underlying zone still controls ordinary uses and standards. A new EQD generally needs at least 5 acres and, at qualifying residential edges, a 25-foot animal buffer or equivalent separation; petitions require 75 percent owner signatures. § 22.70.030

Last reviewed: September 20, 2026 · AI-generated analysis · General information, not legal advice · details

Compiled from Los Angeles County's adopted code with AI research tools and grounded in the sources cited below. Verify with Los Angeles County planning staff before relying on it.

Overview

In unincorporated Los Angeles County, Equestrian Districts (EQDs) under Los Angeles County Code Chapter 22.70 recognize neighborhoods where residents’ personal keeping of horses and other large domestic animals is integral, or intended to become integral, to local character. An EQD permits those animals only as an accessory to residential use and adds district-specific controls intended to protect compatibility. § 22.70.010

An EQD does not replace the underlying zone: the property retains every use and development standard of its basic zone, except Chapter 22.70 controls the keeping of horses and other large domestic animals accessory to a residence. § 22.70.020

EQDs are mapped districts, not a blanket entitlement for all rural or horse-oriented property in the county. Confirm both the parcel’s EQD boundary and its underlying designation through Los Angeles County Zoning; incorporated cities within Los Angeles County administer their own zoning codes.

How an EQD Works with the Basic Zone

An EQD property may have any use allowed by its underlying basic zone, under that zone’s normal standards. Chapter 22.70 supersedes otherwise applicable Title 22 rules governing accessory keeping of horses, other equine, cattle, sheep, and goats. § 22.70.020

That means an EQD is not itself a new residential zone with one countywide lot-size, height, or setback schedule. Underlying-zone rules remain the primary source for ordinary residential development, including the development standards that apply to the site; the individual EQD adoption ordinance may add animal-related conditions. §§ 22.70.020, 22.70.040

Decision point	County rule in an EQD	Code Reference
Underlying uses	Any use permitted in the basic zone remains allowed, subject to that zone’s standards.	§ 22.70.020
Accessory animals	EQDs regulate accessory residential keeping of horses, other equine, cattle, sheep, and goats.	§§ 22.70.010, 22.70.020
New EQD petition support	At least 75 percent of owners in the proposed area must sign before the petition is accepted.	§ 22.70.030.A
Minimum new-district area	A proposed EQD must contain at least 5 acres.	§ 22.70.030.B.1
Expansion below 5 acres	Allowed only when it is an orderly, contiguous extension of an existing EQD.	§ 22.70.030.B.1
Residential-edge buffer	Normally at least 25 feet inside the proposed EQD, unless an equivalent physical separation is accepted.	§ 22.70.030.B.2
Potential conditions	Animal numbers and locations, corrals/stables, fencing, setbacks, riding areas, and trails may be conditioned.	§ 22.70.030.B.4

Established Equestrian Districts

The following six EQDs are established in Table 22.70.040-A and shown on the county Zoning Map. Each is also incorporated with the provisions of its own adoption ordinance, so a district name alone does not establish a universal animal count, corral design, fence rule, or lot standard. § 22.70.040

EQD-1 — Rancho Potrero De Felipe Lugo

EQD-1 is the Rancho Potrero De Felipe Lugo Equestrian District, adopted by Ordinance 11297 on January 27, 1976. It applies where shown on the county Zoning Map and carries the Chapter 22.70 purpose of supporting personal accessory keeping of horses and other large domestic animals in a compatible residential setting. §§ 22.70.010, 22.70.040

Typical permitted uses are those of the parcel’s underlying basic zone, plus EQD-regulated accessory animal keeping. Key dimensional standards for the underlying zone and district-specific animal conditions are not found in source materials; verify the mapped parcel and Ordinance 11297 with the jurisdiction. §§ 22.70.020, 22.70.040

EQD-2 — West Altadena

EQD-2 is the West Altadena Equestrian District, adopted by Ordinance 11301 on February 17, 1976. Its mapped territory is an established EQD, not a designation that applies throughout Altadena or all unincorporated Los Angeles County. § 22.70.040

The underlying zone controls ordinary permitted uses and dimensional rules; Chapter 22.70 governs accessory keeping of covered large domestic animals. Specific animal numbers, lot dimensions, building heights, and setbacks for EQD-2 are not found in source materials; verify the jurisdiction’s map and the adoption ordinance. § 22.70.020

EQD-3 — Pellissier Village

EQD-3 is the Pellissier Village Equestrian District, adopted by Ordinance 11384 on July 27, 1976. Its purpose is the same Chapter 22.70 purpose: recognizing an area where personal residential animal keeping is integral or intended to become integral to the area’s character. §§ 22.70.010, 22.70.040

The district allows the uses of the underlying basic zone, subject to that zone’s standards, while modifying the Title 22 treatment of accessory horses and other covered animals. The source materials do not provide EQD-3-specific dimensional standards or permitted-animal counts; verify with the jurisdiction. § 22.70.020

EQD-4 — Kinneloa Mesa

EQD-4 is the Kinneloa Mesa Equestrian District, adopted by Ordinance 11515 on April 26, 1977. Its boundaries are determined by the Zoning Map and the district’s adoption ordinance. § 22.70.040

For a property within EQD-4, residential development remains subject to the basic zone. Accessory keeping of horses, other equine, cattle, sheep, and goats is governed by Chapter 22.70 instead of other Title 22 animal-keeping provisions. § 22.70.020

District-specific corral, stable, fence, trail, animal-number, and dimensional requirements are not found in source materials. A hillside parcel may also require review under Los Angeles County Hillside Management Areas; verify with the jurisdiction.

EQD-6 — Beverly Acres

EQD-6 is the Beverly Acres Equestrian District, adopted by Ordinance 11841 on December 28, 1978. It is an established mapped EQD under Chapter 22.70. § 22.70.040

Its ordinary land-use permissions and dimensional requirements come from the underlying basic zone, while the EQD framework addresses accessory residential large-animal keeping. No EQD-6-specific lot size, setback, stable construction, or animal count is stated in the source materials; verify the adoption ordinance and parcel zoning with the jurisdiction. § 22.70.020

Where a proposal includes new structures or site improvements, parking and design review may be related topics, but their requirements are not established by Chapter 22.70 source materials.

EQD-7 — Avocado Heights

EQD-7 is the Avocado Heights Equestrian District, adopted by Ordinance 91-0054Z on April 9, 1991. Like the other EQDs, it is intended to accommodate personal, accessory residential keeping of horses and other large domestic animals while maintaining compatibility with surrounding areas. §§ 22.70.010, 22.70.040

Allowed base uses and dimensional standards remain those of the parcel’s basic zone. The source materials do not state EQD-7-specific minimum lot areas, animal numbers, building standards, or stable setbacks; verify with the jurisdiction and the adoption ordinance. § 22.70.020

Establishing, Expanding, or Repealing an EQD

A petition to establish, expand, or repeal an EQD will not be accepted unless owners of at least 75 percent of the property in the area under consideration sign it. § 22.70.030.A

A new EQD must cover at least 5 acres. An expansion smaller than 5 acres may be considered only if it is an orderly, contiguous extension of an existing EQD. § 22.70.030.B.1

At an EQD edge adjoining a residentially used lot, a Residential Zone, or A-1 property with residential-development potential outside the EQD, the regulated animals normally need a buffer. The buffer is either a designated 25-foot setback inside the proposed EQD where animals cannot be kept, or an equivalent physical separation such as a street, highway, riding trail, easement, or suitable topography. § 22.70.030.B.2

The Commission may recommend, and the Board may waive, the common-boundary setback when animals are allowed in the same or greater numbers on contiguous property. Approval also requires evidence that the animals will not endanger public health, safety, or welfare and that affected properties are adequate in size and shape to avoid material harm to nearby properties. § 22.70.030.B.2.b, § 22.70.030.B.3

Conditions can be tailored to the proposed district. They may regulate animal number and location, corrals and stables, fencing, setbacks, riding areas, and equestrian trails. § 22.70.030.B.4

Practical Site Review

Start by confirming whether the parcel is actually inside one of the six mapped EQDs and identify its underlying basic zone. The county’s zoning and planning overview and parcel-level verification with the jurisdiction are essential because Chapter 22.70 does not publish a single countywide EQD development schedule. §§ 22.70.020, 22.70.040

Do not assume an EQD authorizes every residential project or animal facility without further review. Chapter 22.110 generally applies development and site regulations to all zones unless Title 22 has more specific rules, and it restricts use of buildings, structures, equipment, and obstructions within yards or highway lines unless specifically permitted. § 22.110.020

New dwelling construction, an ADU, or a stable may implicate requirements outside this chapter, including the California Building Standards Code. Those requirements are not found in source materials for Chapter 22.70; verify with the jurisdiction.

Checklist

Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Los Angeles County, not an incorporated city.
Confirm the parcel is mapped within EQD-1, EQD-2, EQD-3, EQD-4, EQD-6, or EQD-7. § 22.70.040
Identify the parcel’s underlying basic zone and its allowed uses and development standards. § 22.70.020
Obtain and review the applicable EQD adoption ordinance for district-specific conditions. § 22.70.040
For a new or expanded EQD, secure signatures from at least 75 percent of affected owners. § 22.70.030.A
For a new EQD, demonstrate at least 5 acres, or for a smaller expansion, contiguous and orderly extension of an existing EQD. § 22.70.030.B.1
Address the required 25-foot animal buffer or propose an equivalent physical separation at qualifying residential edges. § 22.70.030.B.2
Document how proposed animals and site layout avoid public-health, safety, welfare, and neighboring-property impacts. § 22.70.030.B.3
Identify any proposed conditions involving animal count, corrals, stables, fencing, setbacks, riding areas, or trails. § 22.70.030.B.4

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Parcel is near an EQD boundary	EQDs apply only where mapped; nearby land may not be included.	Current Zoning Map and legal parcel location. § 22.70.040
Underlying zone is unknown	The EQD does not establish the parcel’s base uses or general dimensional standards.	Basic-zone designation and applicable standards. § 22.70.020
District adoption ordinance is not reviewed	Each established EQD incorporates its own adoption ordinance.	The ordinance listed for the applicable EQD. § 22.70.040
Animal number or facility design is assumed	Conditions may regulate numbers, location, corrals, stables, fencing, setbacks, riding areas, and trails.	Conditions in the adoption ordinance or later entitlement. § 22.70.030.B.4
Boundary abuts residential land outside the EQD	A 25-foot buffer or equivalent separation may be necessary for establishment or expansion.	Adjacent zoning, use, animal permissions, and physical separation. § 22.70.030.B.2
Proposal is in an incorporated city	County Chapter 22.70 governs only unincorporated areas.	Jurisdiction before relying on county code.

Plain-English Summary

If your unincorporated Los Angeles County property is inside a mapped EQD, you can use the property as allowed by its normal zone and keep covered large domestic animals as an accessory to a residence under Chapter 22.70. The most important practical question is not simply whether the neighborhood feels equestrian—it is whether the parcel is mapped in a specific EQD and what that district’s adoption ordinance requires. §§ 22.70.020, 22.70.040

Source References

Los Angeles County Code, § 22.70.010 — purpose of Equestrian Districts.
Los Angeles County Code, § 22.70.020 — applicability, basic-zone uses, and covered accessory animals.
Los Angeles County Code, § 22.70.030 — petitions, acreage, buffers, findings, and conditions.
Los Angeles County Code, § 22.70.040 — established EQDs and adoption ordinances.
Los Angeles County Code, § 22.110.020 — general applicability of development and site regulations.
Los Angeles County Overlay Districts

Sources

Source passages

Los Angeles County Zoning Code § 22.70.010 Medium relevance
Los Angeles County Zoning Code § 22.70.040 Medium relevance
Los Angeles County Zoning Code § 22.110.020 Medium relevance
Los Angeles County Zoning Code § 22.70.020 Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Los Angeles County code library

Frequently asked questions

What are Equestrian Districts in unincorporated Los Angeles County?

Equestrian Districts, or EQDs, are mapped districts for areas where residents’ personal keeping of horses and other large domestic animals is integral, or intended to become integral, to neighborhood character. They permit that animal keeping as accessory to residential use while retaining the rules of the underlying basic zone. §§ 22.70.010, 22.70.020

Which Los Angeles County equestrian districts are currently established?

The established districts are EQD-1 Rancho Potrero De Felipe Lugo, EQD-2 West Altadena, EQD-3 Pellissier Village, EQD-4 Kinneloa Mesa, EQD-6 Beverly Acres, and EQD-7 Avocado Heights. Each is shown on the Zoning Map and tied to its own adoption ordinance. § 22.70.040

Can I keep horses on any property in an EQD in Los Angeles County?

Not automatically. The parcel must be within a mapped EQD, and Chapter 22.70 allows covered animal keeping only as an accessory to a residential use; ordinary uses and standards still come from the underlying basic zone. § 22.70.020

How many horses can I keep in a Los Angeles County Equestrian District?

A single countywide horse-count limit is not found in source materials. The Commission and Board may impose conditions on the number and location of animals, and each established EQD incorporates its own adoption ordinance. Verify with the jurisdiction. §§ 22.70.030.B.4, 22.70.040

What are the Los Angeles County EQD setback requirements for horses?

For establishment or expansion of an EQD, animals normally must be separated from qualifying residential land outside the district by a 25-foot designated buffer inside the proposed EQD, or an accepted equivalent physical separation. The required buffer may be waived along a common boundary when contiguous property permits the same or greater animal numbers. § 22.70.030.B.2

How large must a new Equestrian District be in Los Angeles County?

A new EQD must generally contain at least 5 acres. A smaller expansion may be considered if it is an orderly and contiguous extension of an existing EQD. § 22.70.030.B.1

Do I need neighbor support to create or expand an Equestrian District in Los Angeles County?

Yes. A petition to establish, expand, or repeal an EQD cannot be accepted unless it is signed by owners of at least 75 percent of the property in the area under consideration. § 22.70.030.A

Can Los Angeles County require corrals, stable design, fencing, or riding trails in an EQD?

Yes. Conditions of approval may address animal numbers and location, corrals, stables, fencing, setbacks, riding areas, and equestrian trails. The exact conditions depend on the district action and are not supplied as one universal schedule in the source materials. § 22.70.030.B.4

General information, not legal advice.

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