Raising Livestock, Poultry, and Bees in Long Beach Residential Districts
In the City of Long Beach, residents are permitted to keep poultry, bees, and certain livestock under the classification of "Urban Agriculture," though most single-family and two-family residential districts require an Administrative Use Permit. Large livestock, specifically horses and ponies, are strictly limited to properties within the Horse Overlay (H) District and require a minimum lot size of 8,000 square feet. All such uses must adhere to specific setbacks for shelters and corrals to ensure they do not create a nuisance for adjacent properties.
Urban Agriculture: Chickens, Bees, and Small Livestock
The City of Long Beach defines "Urban Agriculture Use" to include the raising of poultry, bees, livestock, fur-bearing animals, and dairy-producing animals [Section 21.15.3155]. While these activities are allowed, the type of permission required depends on the specific residential zoning district.
Permitting Requirements for Urban Agriculture
In lower-density residential areas, an Administrative Use Permit (AP) is required. in higher-density districts, the use is permitted by right (Y).
| Residential Zoning District Type | District Symbols | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|
| Single-Family Residential | R-1-S, R-1-M, R-1-L, R-1-N, R-1-T | Administrative Use Permit (AP) |
| Two-Family Residential | R-2-S, R-2-I, R-2-L, R-2-N, R-2-A | Administrative Use Permit (AP) |
| Multi-Family Residential | R-3-S, R-3-4, R-3-T, R-4-R, R-4-N, R-4-H, R-4-U, R-4-M | Permitted (Y) |
| Other Residential | RM, RP | Permitted (Y) |
[Section 21.31.110, Table 31-1]
Development Standards for Urban Agriculture Structures
Any building or structure used for urban agriculture (such as a chicken coop or beehive) is considered an accessory building and must meet the following standards:
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| Maximum Height | 13 feet |
| Front Setback | Same as the principal structure for the zone |
| Side Setback | 4 feet |
| Rear Setback | 10 feet |
[Section 21.52.260]
Horse Overlay (H) District
The keeping of horses and ponies in Long Beach is governed by the Horse Overlay District regulations. This district acts as a supplemental layer to the underlying residential zone [Section 21.38.010].
Quantity and Lot Requirements
No horse may be kept on any lot in Long Beach that contains less than 8,000 square feet of gross lot area [Section 21.38.201].
| District Type | Maximum Number of Horses Permitted |
|---|---|
| R-1 Districts | 1 horse per 2,500 sq. ft. of lot area (Max 5 per lot) |
| R-2, R-3, R-4 Districts | 1 horse per 2,500 sq. ft. of lot area |
| All Other Districts | 1 horse per 1,000 sq. ft. of lot area |
[Section 21.38.201, Table 38-2]
Horse Facility Standards
- Shelter: Every horse must be provided with a permanent covered stall [Section 21.38.205].
- Location: Stables, stalls, and corrals must be confined to the rear 50 percent of the lot and are prohibited in side yard areas [Section 21.38.210].
- Fencing: Corrals must be entirely enclosed by fences or stables at least 5 feet, 6 inches in height [Section 21.38.235].
Required Separation Distances for Horses
| Measurement From | Minimum Distance Required |
|---|---|
| Stable/Stall Wall to Neighboring Dwelling | 100 feet |
| Corral to Any Residence | 25 feet |
| Stable/Stall/Corral to Any Property Line | 10 feet |
[Sections 21.38.215, 21.38.220]
General Restrictions and Nuisance Prevention
The City of Long Beach maintains strict rules to prevent animals from becoming a public nuisance.
- Household Pets vs. Livestock: Under Long Beach regulations, "livestock" are explicitly excluded from the definition of "Household Pets." Household pets are limited to four weaned animals per site [Sections 21.15.2030, 21.51.210].
- Maintenance: Owners are required to maintain animal facilities in a clean and sanitary condition that does not generate offensive odors, dust, or noise [Section 21.38.230, Section 21.51.210].
- Prohibited Animals: Dangerous or wild animals are prohibited in all residential zones [Section 21.51.210].
Sections Cited
- Section 21.15.2030 - Pet, household
- Section 21.15.3155 - Urban agriculture use
- Section 21.31.110 - Permitted uses (Residential)
- Section 21.38.010 - Horse Overlay District: Purpose
- Section 21.38.201 - Number of horses permitted
- Section 21.38.210 - Permitted location
- Section 21.38.215 - Distance from residential units
- Section 21.38.220 - Distance from property line
- Section 21.38.235 - Construction requirements—Corrals
- Section 21.51.210 - Animals (household pets)
- Section 21.52.260 - Interim Playgrounds, urban agriculture use, community gardens and recreational parks