Whittier · Land use · Horses and stables
Where is keeping horses allowed in Whittier?
In Whittier, keeping horses is allowed in 3 base zones (R-E, H-R and R-1, all with a condition) (Whittier use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: R-E, H-R and R-1
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Whittier Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where keeping horses can go
Whittier's code calls this use “Equestrian uses”. Each row links to the use table it comes from. A zone marked “see note” has a condition in the code, for example upper floors only or a larger lot.
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| R-E Single-Family Residential Estate | Allowed — see note Note 18.46.020: In addition to any other use permitted on lots classified in the H-R, R-E or R-1 zones, equestrian uses, subject to the provisions of this chapter, shall be permitted on any such lots, if: 1. Such lot is the residence of the person conducting such equestrian use; and 2. Such lot has not less than twenty thousand square feet of lot area, provided that an H-R, R-E, or R-1-zoned lot having over ten thousand square feet, but less than twenty thousand square feet of lot area, may be utilized for equestrian uses, if the owner or person in possession thereof: a. Has a written lease, for a term of not less than two years, for vacant real property classified in zones H-R, R-E or R-1, which is contiguous to such lot, in that the rear lot line of such lot is a common lot line with the leased property and the area of which, when combined with such lot, exceeds twenty thousand square feet, and b. Has agreed, in writing, on a form approved by the city attorney, to discontinue all horse keeping uses, including removal of all buildings and structures utilized for such use forthwith, upon termination of such lease | § 18.46.020 |
| H-R Hillside Residential | Allowed — see note Note 18.46.020: In addition to any other use permitted on lots classified in the H-R, R-E or R-1 zones, equestrian uses, subject to the provisions of this chapter, shall be permitted on any such lots, if: 1. Such lot is the residence of the person conducting such equestrian use; and 2. Such lot has not less than twenty thousand square feet of lot area, provided that an H-R, R-E, or R-1-zoned lot having over ten thousand square feet, but less than twenty thousand square feet of lot area, may be utilized for equestrian uses, if the owner or person in possession thereof: a. Has a written lease, for a term of not less than two years, for vacant real property classified in zones H-R, R-E or R-1, which is contiguous to such lot, in that the rear lot line of such lot is a common lot line with the leased property and the area of which, when combined with such lot, exceeds twenty thousand square feet, and b. Has agreed, in writing, on a form approved by the city attorney, to discontinue all horse keeping uses, including removal of all buildings and structures utilized for such use forthwith, upon termination of such lease | § 18.46.020 |
| R-1 Single-Family Residential | Allowed — see note Note 18.46.020: In addition to any other use permitted on lots classified in the H-R, R-E or R-1 zones, equestrian uses, subject to the provisions of this chapter, shall be permitted on any such lots, if: 1. Such lot is the residence of the person conducting such equestrian use; and 2. Such lot has not less than twenty thousand square feet of lot area, provided that an H-R, R-E, or R-1-zoned lot having over ten thousand square feet, but less than twenty thousand square feet of lot area, may be utilized for equestrian uses, if the owner or person in possession thereof: a. Has a written lease, for a term of not less than two years, for vacant real property classified in zones H-R, R-E or R-1, which is contiguous to such lot, in that the rear lot line of such lot is a common lot line with the leased property and the area of which, when combined with such lot, exceeds twenty thousand square feet, and b. Has agreed, in writing, on a form approved by the city attorney, to discontinue all horse keeping uses, including removal of all buildings and structures utilized for such use forthwith, upon termination of such lease | § 18.46.020 |
What else applies
- Standards for this use: Chapter 18.46 Equestrian Uses.
- Not covered here: Section 18.52.030 (conditional uses named by R-E, H-R, R-1 to R-5, C-O, C-1, C-2, C-3, M) is not in the packet; Section 18.34.060 (emergency shelter provisions) is not in the packet; Section 18.07 land use definitions are not in the packet. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Whittier
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have keeping horses in the R-E zone in Whittier?
Yes, with a condition. Whittier's use table lists it as allowed in R-E (Single-Family Residential Estate) (§ 18.46.020). The code adds a condition: “In addition to any other use permitted on lots classified in the H-R, R-E or R-1 zones, equestrian uses, subject to the provisions of this chapter, shall be permitted on any such lots, if: 1. Such lot is the…”
General information, not legal advice.
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