Big Bear Lake · Land use · Horses and stables
Where is keeping horses allowed in Big Bear Lake?
In Big Bear Lake, keeping horses is allowed in 2 base zones (R-L and R-1), needs a conditional use permit in 2 (C-3 and C-4) and not allowed in 6 (Big Bear Lake use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: R-L and R-1
- Needs a permit: C-3 and C-4
- Not allowed: R-3, R-4, C-1, C-2, C-5 and P
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Big Bear Lake 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
Big Bear Lake's code calls this use “Horses and ponies on lots of ¾ acre or greater in area; 1 animal per each 10,000 sq. ft. of lot area, not to exceed 6 animals per lot or project”. 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-L | Allowed | § 17.25.040 |
| R-1 | Allowed | § 17.25.040 |
| C-3 | Needs a conditional use permit Code row: “Riding stable, minimum area of 1 acre” | § 17.35.030 |
| C-4 | Needs a conditional use permit Code row: “Riding stable, minimum area of 1 acre” | § 17.35.030 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- C-3 and C-4 cells are the COMMERCIAL row 'Riding stable, minimum area of 1 acre' (S6), not private keeping. Llamas, donkeys, mules, burros on 1 acre or more: R-L P only. Large animal enclosures (barns, corrals, stables) accessory P 1 in R-L, R-1.
- Not covered here: Village specific plan area (Big Bear Lake Village) has its own land-use designations not in the text; Any other base zones (e.g. R-2, industrial) are not in the supplied text. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Big Bear Lake
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have keeping horses in the C-3 zone in Big Bear Lake?
Only with a conditional use permit. Big Bear Lake's use table lists it that way in C-3 (§ 17.35.030).
Can I have keeping horses in the R-3 zone in Big Bear Lake?
No. Big Bear Lake's use table does not allow it in R-3 (§ 17.25.040).
Can I have keeping horses in the R-L zone in Big Bear Lake?
Yes. Big Bear Lake's use table lists it as allowed in R-L (§ 17.25.040).
General information, not legal advice.
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