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Planning FAQ
Please find answers to commonly asked questions regarding the Planning Division below.
1.Can I put a second home on my property?
The city has adopted an ordinance with regard to accessory dwelling units. To apply for a permit to build an accessory dwelling on your property, please complete an Application for Accessory Dwelling Unit Permit.
2.Can I put a guest dwelling on my property?
The city has adopted an ordinance with regard to guest dwellings. To apply for a permit to build a guest dwelling on your property, please complete an Application for Minor plot plan.
3.What are the rules for home occupations?
Home occupations are those uses that are customarily conducted in a residence, provided the uses are incidental and secondary to the principal use of the dwelling as a residence.The following criteria apply to any home occupation:
4.What do I need to do to have a temporary outdoor event?
The city has adopted an ordinance with regard to minor and major temporary uses of private property.
There are 2 applications that are required: the minor plot plan permit application (which provides instructions on preparing your site plan) and the temporary outdoor event synopsis.
You are required to prepare a site plan and complete both applications (except for the case number). Submit the applications and exhibits to the Planning Department at City Hall with the initial deposit (please note that there may be additional review fees). The deposit fees are for the review by the Planning and Engineering Department and the preparation of conditions of approval and the approval documents.
Once you submit your application, you will be given a case number. Take your exhibit and the sign off sheets attached to the temporary outdoor event synopsis application to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Riverside County Fire Department (Planning Division), and Riverside County Environmental Health Department to obtain approval.
The ordinance requires a security deposit to cover staff time in the event that there is trash or damage to city property.The security deposit required is typically $1,500 and must be deposited prior to the approval of the project. A full refund of the security deposit will be provided after the event if there was no damage to city property or clean up required.
5.How many horses may I have on my property?
The number of horses allowed on a property is dictated by the properties zoning. Please see the sections below:
R-R, A-1, A-2 & W-1 Zones:
The grazing of horses, not to exceed 5 animals per acre of all the land available; provided however, the systematic rotation of animals with more than 5 animals per acre is permitted so long as the total number of permitted animals is not exceeded. The provisions of this paragraph apply to mature breeding stock, maintenance stock and similar farm stock, and shall not apply to the offspring thereof, if such offspring are being kept, fed or maintained solely for sale, marketing or slaughtering at the earliest practical age of maturity. In all cases the permissible number of animals per acre shall be computed upon the basis of the nearest equivalent ratio.
R-1, R-1A, R-2, R-2A & R-3 Zones:
The noncommercial keeping of horses on lots not less than 20,000 square feet in area and 100 feet in width, provided they are kept not less than 100 feet from any street and 20 feet from any property line. A maximum of 2 horses per 20,000 square feet and, in any event, not more than 4 horses on a lot will be permitted.
R-T-R Zone:
The noncommercial keeping of horses for the use of the occupants of the premises, provided they are kept, fed and maintained not less than 20 feet from any street and 20 feet from any residential use. A total of 4 adult animals, plus the offspring thereof until they reach the age of maturity, may be kept for each 40,000 square feet.
R-A Zone:
The noncommercial keeping of horses on lots or parcels over 20,000 square feet in area and 100 feet in width, provided they are kept, fed and maintained not less than 50 feet from any residence existing at the time such use is established. Two such animals may be kept on each 20,000 square feet up to 1 acre and 2 such animals for each additional acre.
W-2 Zone:
Less than 1 acre:
The noncommercial keeping of horses on lots not less than 20,000 square feet in area and 100 feet in width, provided they are kept not less than 100 feet from any street and 20 feet from any property line. A maximum of 2 horses per 20,000 square feet and, in any event, not more than 4 horses on a lot will be permitted.
Greater than 1 acre:
The grazing of horses, not to exceed 5 animals per acre of all the land available; provided however, the systematic rotation of animals with more than 5 animals per acre is permitted so long as the total number of permitted animals is not exceeded. The provisions of this paragraph apply to mature breeding stock, maintenance stock, and similar farm stock, and shall not apply to the offspring thereof, if such offspring are being kept, fed, or maintained solely for sale, marketing, or slaughtering at the earliest practical age of maturity. In all cases the permissible number of animals per acre shall be computed upon the basis of the nearest equivalent ratio.
R-D Zone:
The noncommercial keeping of horses on lots or parcels over 20,000 square feet in area and 100 feet in width, provided they are kept, fed, and maintained not less than 50 feet from any residence existing at the time such use is established. Two such animals may be kept on each 20,000 square feet up to 1 acre and 2 such animals for each additional acre.
N-A Zone:
The grazing of horses is permitted subject to the following restrictions:
The number of chickens, roosters, and crowing fowl allowed on a property is dictated by the properties zoning. Please see the sections below:
R-R Zone:
The keeping of crowing fowl is allowed pursuant to the following requirements. Number of crowing fowl allowed:
R-1 & R-1A Zones:
If a lot is 1 acre or more in area, poultry and crowing fowl (chickens only) may be kept for the use of the occupants of the premises only. Number of crowing fowl allowed:
R-A Zone:
Poultry and crowing fowl allowed for the use of the occupants of the premises only. All poultry and crowing fowl shall be kept in an enclosed area, located not less than 20 feet from any property line and not less than 50 feet from any residence existing at the time such use is established. Number of crowing fowl allowed:
Subject to the provisions of Section 18.28b, the number of mature crowing fowl may be increased up to 50% over each (male and female) of the permitted numbers.
R-2, R-2A & R-3 Zones:
If a lot is 1 acre or more in area, poultry and crowing fowl (chickens only) may be kept for the use of the occupants of the premises only. Number of crowing fowl allowed:
R-T-R Zone:
The keeping and raising of poultry and crowing fowl for the use of the occupants of the premises is allowed, provided they are kept not less than 20 feet from any street and not less than 50 feet from any residence. Number of crowing fowl allowed:
Subject to the provisions of Section 18.28b, the number of mature crowing fowl may be increased up to 50% over each (male and female) of the permitted numbers.
A-1 Zone:
The keeping and raising of crowing fowl is allowed pursuant to the following requirements. Number of crowing fowl allowed:
Subject to the provisions of Section 18.28b, the number of mature crowing fowl may be increased up to 50% over each (male and female) of the permitted numbers.
A-2 & A-D Zones:
The keeping and raising of crowing fowl is allowed pursuant to the following requirements. Number of crowing fowl allowed:
Subject to the provisions of Section 18.28b, the number of mature crowing fowl may be increased up to 50% over each (male and female) of the permitted numbers.
W-2 Zone:
Less than 1 Acre:
The keeping or raising of not more than 12 mature female crowing fowl on lots or parcels not less than 20,000 square feet for the use of the occupants of the premises. The crowing fowl shall be kept in an enclosed area located not less than 20 feet from any property line and not less than 50 feet from any residence and shall be maintained on the rear portion of the lot in conjunction with a residential use.
1 Acre or greater:
The keeping or raising of not more than 50 mature female crowing fowl and 10 mature male crowing fowl on lots or parcels not less than 1 acre for the use of the occupants of the premises. The crowing fowl shall be kept in an enclosed area located not less than 20 feet from any property line and not less than 50 feet from any residence and shall be maintained on the rear portion of the lot in conjunction with a residential use.
Subject to the provisions of Section 18.28b, the number of mature crowing fowl may be increased up to 50% over each (male and female) of the permitted numbers.
R-D Zone:
The keeping and raising of crowing fowl is allowed for the use of the occupants of the premises only pursuant to the following requirements. Number of crowing fowl allowed:
Subject to the provisions of Section 18.28b, the number of mature crowing fowl may be increased up to 50% over each (male and female) of the permitted numbers.
For more information see also: Section 18.28b. Crowing fowl permit.
7.How may dogs may I have on my property?
One to 4 dogs on a property is allowed without a Kennel permit issued from the Planning Department.
The city defines "any building, structure, enclosure, or premises whereupon, or within which, 5 or more dogs, 4 months of age or older, are kept or maintained" as a kennel. Therefore, to have 5 or more dogs on your property, you will need a Kennel permit. Kennels are allowed in the following zones and pursuant to the following development standards:
Permitted Zoning. Kennels and catteries shall be permitted in the following zones:
County Ordinance No. 630 Section 18.45. Kennels and Catteries
8. Information on Quail Valley Septic
Quail Valley Sewer Project: Sub-Area 9 Phase 1
Quail Valley Sewer Project FAQs
Quail Valley Sewer Improvements Alternative Study
Quail Valley Septic System Prohibition
1.Can I put a second home on my property?
The city has adopted an ordinance with regard to accessory dwelling units. To apply for a permit to build an accessory dwelling on your property, please complete an Application for Accessory Dwelling Unit Permit.
2.Can I put a guest dwelling on my property?
The city has adopted an ordinance with regard to guest dwellings. To apply for a permit to build a guest dwelling on your property, please complete an Application for Minor plot plan.
3.What are the rules for home occupations?
Home occupations are those uses that are customarily conducted in a residence, provided the uses are incidental and secondary to the principal use of the dwelling as a residence.The following criteria apply to any home occupation:
- Except for large family day care homes which may require 1 assistant to be present in addition to the licensee or provider, no person other than a resident of the dwelling shall be employed on the premises in the conduct of the home occupation.
- A home occupation shall be conducted entirely within the dwelling and shall be incidental and secondary to the use of the dwelling as a residence.
- A home occupation shall not be conducted in an accessory structure and there shall be no storage of equipment or supplies in an accessory structure or outside the building.
- The residential character of the exterior and interior of the dwelling shall not be changed.
- No vehicles or trailers except those normally incidental to the residential use shall be kept on the site.
- No signs other than 1 unlighted identification sign, not more than 2 square feet in area shall be erected on the premises.
4.What do I need to do to have a temporary outdoor event?
The city has adopted an ordinance with regard to minor and major temporary uses of private property.
There are 2 applications that are required: the minor plot plan permit application (which provides instructions on preparing your site plan) and the temporary outdoor event synopsis.
You are required to prepare a site plan and complete both applications (except for the case number). Submit the applications and exhibits to the Planning Department at City Hall with the initial deposit (please note that there may be additional review fees). The deposit fees are for the review by the Planning and Engineering Department and the preparation of conditions of approval and the approval documents.
Once you submit your application, you will be given a case number. Take your exhibit and the sign off sheets attached to the temporary outdoor event synopsis application to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Riverside County Fire Department (Planning Division), and Riverside County Environmental Health Department to obtain approval.
The ordinance requires a security deposit to cover staff time in the event that there is trash or damage to city property.The security deposit required is typically $1,500 and must be deposited prior to the approval of the project. A full refund of the security deposit will be provided after the event if there was no damage to city property or clean up required.
5.How many horses may I have on my property?
The number of horses allowed on a property is dictated by the properties zoning. Please see the sections below:
R-R, A-1, A-2 & W-1 Zones:
The grazing of horses, not to exceed 5 animals per acre of all the land available; provided however, the systematic rotation of animals with more than 5 animals per acre is permitted so long as the total number of permitted animals is not exceeded. The provisions of this paragraph apply to mature breeding stock, maintenance stock and similar farm stock, and shall not apply to the offspring thereof, if such offspring are being kept, fed or maintained solely for sale, marketing or slaughtering at the earliest practical age of maturity. In all cases the permissible number of animals per acre shall be computed upon the basis of the nearest equivalent ratio.
R-1, R-1A, R-2, R-2A & R-3 Zones:
The noncommercial keeping of horses on lots not less than 20,000 square feet in area and 100 feet in width, provided they are kept not less than 100 feet from any street and 20 feet from any property line. A maximum of 2 horses per 20,000 square feet and, in any event, not more than 4 horses on a lot will be permitted.
R-T-R Zone:
The noncommercial keeping of horses for the use of the occupants of the premises, provided they are kept, fed and maintained not less than 20 feet from any street and 20 feet from any residential use. A total of 4 adult animals, plus the offspring thereof until they reach the age of maturity, may be kept for each 40,000 square feet.
R-A Zone:
The noncommercial keeping of horses on lots or parcels over 20,000 square feet in area and 100 feet in width, provided they are kept, fed and maintained not less than 50 feet from any residence existing at the time such use is established. Two such animals may be kept on each 20,000 square feet up to 1 acre and 2 such animals for each additional acre.
W-2 Zone:
Less than 1 acre:
The noncommercial keeping of horses on lots not less than 20,000 square feet in area and 100 feet in width, provided they are kept not less than 100 feet from any street and 20 feet from any property line. A maximum of 2 horses per 20,000 square feet and, in any event, not more than 4 horses on a lot will be permitted.
Greater than 1 acre:
The grazing of horses, not to exceed 5 animals per acre of all the land available; provided however, the systematic rotation of animals with more than 5 animals per acre is permitted so long as the total number of permitted animals is not exceeded. The provisions of this paragraph apply to mature breeding stock, maintenance stock, and similar farm stock, and shall not apply to the offspring thereof, if such offspring are being kept, fed, or maintained solely for sale, marketing, or slaughtering at the earliest practical age of maturity. In all cases the permissible number of animals per acre shall be computed upon the basis of the nearest equivalent ratio.
R-D Zone:
The noncommercial keeping of horses on lots or parcels over 20,000 square feet in area and 100 feet in width, provided they are kept, fed, and maintained not less than 50 feet from any residence existing at the time such use is established. Two such animals may be kept on each 20,000 square feet up to 1 acre and 2 such animals for each additional acre.
N-A Zone:
The grazing of horses is permitted subject to the following restrictions:
- Not more than 2 animals for each acre shall be permitted.
- The limitation on the amount of animals shall apply to mature breeding stock and maintenance stock, and shall not apply to the offspring of such stock, if such offspring are being kept, fed, and maintained solely for sale, marketing, or slaughtering at the earliest practical age. The permissible number of animals per parcel of land shall be computed upon the basis of the nearest equivalent ratio.
The number of chickens, roosters, and crowing fowl allowed on a property is dictated by the properties zoning. Please see the sections below:
R-R Zone:
The keeping of crowing fowl is allowed pursuant to the following requirements. Number of crowing fowl allowed:
- Lots between 20,000 square feet and 39,999 square feet In area: Not more than 12 mature female crowing fowl (chickens only) allowed.
- Lots 40,000 square feet or greater: Not more than 50 mature female crowing fowl and 10 mature male crowing fowl allowed for the use of the occupants.
R-1 & R-1A Zones:
If a lot is 1 acre or more in area, poultry and crowing fowl (chickens only) may be kept for the use of the occupants of the premises only. Number of crowing fowl allowed:
- Lots between 7,200 square feet and 39,999 square feet in area: Not more than 4 mature female crowing fowl (chickens only) allowed.
- Lots 40,000 square feet or greater: Not more than 12 mature female crowing fowl (chickens only) allowed.
R-A Zone:
Poultry and crowing fowl allowed for the use of the occupants of the premises only. All poultry and crowing fowl shall be kept in an enclosed area, located not less than 20 feet from any property line and not less than 50 feet from any residence existing at the time such use is established. Number of crowing fowl allowed:
- Lots between 20,000 square feet and 39,999 square feet in area: Not more than 12 mature female crowing fowl (chickens only) allowed.
- Lots 40,000 square feet or greater: Not more than 50 mature female crowing fowl and 10 mature male crowing fowl allowed for the use of the occupants.
Subject to the provisions of Section 18.28b, the number of mature crowing fowl may be increased up to 50% over each (male and female) of the permitted numbers.
R-2, R-2A & R-3 Zones:
If a lot is 1 acre or more in area, poultry and crowing fowl (chickens only) may be kept for the use of the occupants of the premises only. Number of crowing fowl allowed:
- Single family lots or parcels between 7,200 square feet and 39,999 square feet in area: Not more than 4 mature female crowing fowl (chickens only) allowed.
- Single family lots lots 40,000 square feet or greater: Not more than 12 mature female crowing fowl (chickens only) allowed.
R-T-R Zone:
The keeping and raising of poultry and crowing fowl for the use of the occupants of the premises is allowed, provided they are kept not less than 20 feet from any street and not less than 50 feet from any residence. Number of crowing fowl allowed:
- Lots between 20,000 square feet and 39,999 square feet in area: Not more than 12 mature female crowing fowl (chickens only) allowed.
- Lots 40,000 square feet or greater: Not more than 50 mature female crowing fowl and 10 mature male crowing fowl allowed for the use of the occupants of the premises.
Subject to the provisions of Section 18.28b, the number of mature crowing fowl may be increased up to 50% over each (male and female) of the permitted numbers.
A-1 Zone:
The keeping and raising of crowing fowl is allowed pursuant to the following requirements. Number of crowing fowl allowed:
- Lots between 20,000 square feet and 39,999 square feet in area: Not more than 12 mature female crowing fowl (chickens only) allowed.
- Lots 40,000 square feet or greater: Not more than 50 mature female crowing fowl and 10 mature male crowing fowl allowed for the use of the occupants.
Subject to the provisions of Section 18.28b, the number of mature crowing fowl may be increased up to 50% over each (male and female) of the permitted numbers.
A-2 & A-D Zones:
The keeping and raising of crowing fowl is allowed pursuant to the following requirements. Number of crowing fowl allowed:
- Lots between 20,000 square feet and 39,999 square feet in area: Not more than 50 mature female crowing fowl and 10 mature male crowing fowl is allowed for the use of the occupants of the premises.
- Lots 40,000 square feet or greater: Not more than 100 mature female crowing fowl and 20 mature male crowing fowl allowed for the use of the occupants of the premises.
Subject to the provisions of Section 18.28b, the number of mature crowing fowl may be increased up to 50% over each (male and female) of the permitted numbers.
W-2 Zone:
Less than 1 Acre:
The keeping or raising of not more than 12 mature female crowing fowl on lots or parcels not less than 20,000 square feet for the use of the occupants of the premises. The crowing fowl shall be kept in an enclosed area located not less than 20 feet from any property line and not less than 50 feet from any residence and shall be maintained on the rear portion of the lot in conjunction with a residential use.
1 Acre or greater:
The keeping or raising of not more than 50 mature female crowing fowl and 10 mature male crowing fowl on lots or parcels not less than 1 acre for the use of the occupants of the premises. The crowing fowl shall be kept in an enclosed area located not less than 20 feet from any property line and not less than 50 feet from any residence and shall be maintained on the rear portion of the lot in conjunction with a residential use.
Subject to the provisions of Section 18.28b, the number of mature crowing fowl may be increased up to 50% over each (male and female) of the permitted numbers.
R-D Zone:
The keeping and raising of crowing fowl is allowed for the use of the occupants of the premises only pursuant to the following requirements. Number of crowing fowl allowed:
- Lots between 20,000 square feet and 39,999 square feet in area: Not more than 12 mature female crowing fowl (chickens only) allowed.
- Lots 40,000 square feet or greater: Not more than 50 mature female crowing fowl and 10 mature male crowing fowl allowed for the use of the occupants.
Subject to the provisions of Section 18.28b, the number of mature crowing fowl may be increased up to 50% over each (male and female) of the permitted numbers.
For more information see also: Section 18.28b. Crowing fowl permit.
7.How may dogs may I have on my property?
One to 4 dogs on a property is allowed without a Kennel permit issued from the Planning Department.
The city defines "any building, structure, enclosure, or premises whereupon, or within which, 5 or more dogs, 4 months of age or older, are kept or maintained" as a kennel. Therefore, to have 5 or more dogs on your property, you will need a Kennel permit. Kennels are allowed in the following zones and pursuant to the following development standards:
Permitted Zoning. Kennels and catteries shall be permitted in the following zones:
- A Class I Kennel (5 to 10 dogs) is permitted in the following zones provided a plot plan has been approved under the provisions of Section 18.30 of this ordinance: R-1, R-1A, R-2, R-2A, R-3, R-3A, R-R, R-R-O, R-A, R-T-R, A-1, A-P, A-2, A-D, C/V, W-2, R-D, N-A, and W-2-M.
- A Class II Kennel (11 to 25 dogs) or a cattery (10 to 25 cats) is permitted in the following zones provided a plot plan has been approved under the provisions of Section 18.30 of this ordinance: R-R, R-R-O, R-A, R-T-R, A-1, A-P, A-2, A-D, W-2, R-D, N-A, and W-2-M.
- A Class I (5 to 10 dogs) or Class II Kennel (11 to 25 dogs) or a cattery (10 to 25 cats) is permitted in the following zones provided a plot plan has been approved under the provisions of Section 18.30 of this ordinance: M-SC, M-M, and M-H.
- A Class III Kennel (26 to 40 dogs) or a cattery (26 to 40 cats) is permitted in the following zones provided a plot plan has been approved under the provisions of Section 18.30 of this ordinance: R-R, R-R-O, M-SC, M-M, M-H, A-1, and A-2..
- A Class IV Kennel (41 or more dogs) or a sentry dog kennel or a cattery (41 or more cats) is permitted in the following zones provided a conditional use permit has been approved under the provisions of Section 18.28 of this ordinance: R-R, R-R-O, M-SC, M-M, M-H, A-1, and A-2..
- Residency: In those zones permitting Class I Kennels, such kennels may be placed upon parcels containing detached single family dwelling units. All Class II Kennels and all catteries shall include a single family dwelling to be used by a live-in caretaker, as required by the Riverside County standards for kennels and catteries. Notwithstanding any provision within this ordinance to the contrary, no parcel with a kennel or cattery shall contain more than the maximum number of detached single family dwelling units permitted by the existing zoning on the property. Multi-family dwelling units and attached single family dwelling units shall not be permitted in conjunction with kennels or catteries, provided, however, that a guest dwelling or second unit shall be permitted in accordance with current county ordinances.
- Minimum lot Size: The minimum lot size for a kennel or cattery in an agricultural, residential, rural, or open space zone is 1 acre (gross). There is no minimum lot size for a kennel or cattery in an industrial zone other than what is required by the existing zoning on the property.
- License: The applicant shall obtain and continuously maintain all necessary licenses from the Riverside County Health Department.
- County Ordinance No. 630: All kennels and catteries are subject to the provisions of County Ordinance No. 630.
County Ordinance No. 630 Section 18.45. Kennels and Catteries
8. Information on Quail Valley Septic
Quail Valley Sewer Project: Sub-Area 9 Phase 1
Quail Valley Sewer Project FAQs
Quail Valley Sewer Improvements Alternative Study
Quail Valley Septic System Prohibition