Can I keep chickens in Moreno Valley, CA?
Yes, with conditions — Moreno Valley allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 15 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 20 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Moreno Valley Municipal Code § 9.09.090(E) and Table 9.09.090-11 (Animal Keeping Requirements), verified September 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 15 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 20 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 20,000 sq ft |
| Coop rules | Poultry and fowl are allowed only in the RR, HR, R-1, RA-2 and AG districts on lots of at least 20,000 sq ft, at 15 birds per 20,000 sq ft. Housing areas must be at least 20 ft from any habitable dwelling (0 ft side/rear property-line setback; front setback per district). No roosters, guinea fowl or peafowl. |
| Code section | Moreno Valley Municipal Code § 9.09.090(E) and Table 9.09.090-11 (Animal Keeping Requirements) |
Moreno Valley allows poultry only in its large-lot residential and agricultural districts (RR, HR, R-1, RA-2, AG) on lots of at least 20,000 sq ft, at 15 birds per 20,000 sq ft of lot area. Roosters, guinea fowl and peafowl are prohibited citywide, and any area housing animals must be at least 20 ft from a habitable dwelling. Standard suburban lots (R-2, R-3, R-5 and denser) cannot keep chickens.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Moreno Valley?
Yes, with conditions — Moreno Valley allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Moreno Valley Municipal Code § 9.09.090(E) and Table 9.09.090-11 (Animal Keeping Requirements)).
How many chickens can I keep in Moreno Valley?
Up to 15 hens. 15 poultry/fowl per 20,000 sq ft of lot area, only in the RR, HR, R-1, RA-2 and AG districts, minimum lot 20,000 sq ft. No roosters, guinea fowl or peafowl.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Moreno Valley?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Moreno Valley.
Are roosters allowed in Moreno Valley?
No — roosters are prohibited in Moreno Valley.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Moreno Valley?
20 feet minimum. Poultry and fowl are allowed only in the RR, HR, R-1, RA-2 and AG districts on lots of at least 20,000 sq ft, at 15 birds per 20,000 sq ft. Housing areas must be at least 20 ft from any habitable dwelling (0 ft side/rear property-line setback; front setback per district). No roosters, guinea fowl or peafowl.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Moreno Valley?
Yes — 20,000 sq ft.
What law covers backyard chickens in Moreno Valley?
Moreno Valley Municipal Code § 9.09.090(E) and Table 9.09.090-11 (Animal Keeping Requirements). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Moreno Valley Municipal Code § 9.09.090(E) and Table 9.09.090-11 (Animal Keeping Requirements) — read the official code
“Roosters are prohibited in the City. Other livestock, such as chickens, goats, horses and pigs are regulated by zoning and size of property. All residential properties are allowed to have cats and dogs. See the Animal Keeping Requirements Table.” source
“Maximum 5 hens permitted in R-1 residential zones” source
“Table 9.09.090-11 Animal Keeping Requirements: Poultry, fowl (4): Minimum Lot Size 20,000 sq. ft.; Number of Animals 15/20,000 sq. ft.; Permitted Districts RR, HR, R-1, RA-2, AG. ... Notes: 4 No roosters, guinea fowl or peafowl.” source
“E. District Standards. 1. The following standards shall apply to all animal keeping uses, excluding dogs, cats and household pets, where permitted within the residential districts: a. Setback for grazing, arena or area where animal is housed. Front: District requirement; Side and Rear: Minimum 0 feet; Setback from any habitable dwelling: Minimum 20 feet.” source
Last verified September 20, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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