Desert Hot Springs · Land use · Horses and stables
Where is keeping horses allowed in Desert Hot Springs?
In Desert Hot Springs, keeping horses is allowed in 2 base zones (R-RD and OS-P, 1 with a condition), needs a conditional use permit in 1 (R-L, it with a condition) and not allowed in 4 (Desert Hot Springs use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: R-RD and OS-P
- Needs a permit: R-L
- Not allowed: R-M, R-H, OS-C and OS-R
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Desert Hot Springs 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
Desert Hot Springs's code calls this use “Equestrian Stables, Private”. 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-RD | Allowed — see note Note A: Use is accessory to an established primary use. | § 17.08.030 |
| OS-P | Allowed | § 17.20.020 |
| R-L | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note 1: Minimum 1 acre. | § 17.08.030 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Commercial stables: R-RD CUP, others - (S1); public stables OS-R CUP, OS-P CUP (S6). Private stables are not listed in the commercial, mixed use, industrial or visitor serving tables.
- Not covered here: Specific plan tables (S13-S17: Desert Gateway, Coachillin', Planning areas PA-1/PA-2, Desert Storage, Pierson Commercial) treated as non-base; SPA-1-02 district (S8) and PD district (S9): uses by list or case by case; Public Use Districts: zone code not given in the text; Zone names for all base codes are not stated in the packet. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Desert Hot Springs
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have keeping horses in the R-L zone in Desert Hot Springs?
Only with a conditional use permit. Desert Hot Springs's use table lists it that way in R-L (§ 17.08.030). The code adds a condition: “Minimum 1 acre.”
Can I have keeping horses in the R-M zone in Desert Hot Springs?
No. Desert Hot Springs's use table does not allow it in R-M (§ 17.08.030).
Can I have keeping horses in the R-RD zone in Desert Hot Springs?
Yes, with a condition. Desert Hot Springs's use table lists it as allowed in R-RD (§ 17.08.030). The code adds a condition: “Use is accessory to an established primary use.”
General information, not legal advice.
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