Grass Valley · Land use · Horses and stables
Where is keeping horses allowed in Grass Valley?
In Grass Valley, keeping horses is needs a permit in 9 (R-E, R-1, R-2, R-2A, C-1 and 4 more) and not allowed in 3 (Grass Valley use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Needs a permit: R-E, R-1, R-2, R-2A, C-1, C-2, C-3, M-1 and 1 more
- Not allowed: R-3, OP and CBP
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Grass Valley 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
Grass Valley's code calls this use “Animal keeping”. 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.
The code defines “Animal Keeping”: “The keeping of farm animals (cows, horses, goats, sheep, hogs and swine, etc., as determined by the director), fowl or poultry, excluding backyard chickens. Does not include the keeping of common household pets (birds, cats, dogs, fish, etc., as dete” (§ 17.100.020)
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| R-E Residential Estate | Needs an use permit | Article 2 — ZONES, ALLOWABLE USES, AND ZONE STANDARDS |
| R-1 Single Residential | Needs an use permit | Article 2 — ZONES, ALLOWABLE USES, AND ZONE STANDARDS |
| R-2 Two-Family Residential | Needs an use permit | Article 2 — ZONES, ALLOWABLE USES, AND ZONE STANDARDS |
| R-2A Medium Density Residential | Needs an use permit | Article 2 — ZONES, ALLOWABLE USES, AND ZONE STANDARDS |
| C-1 Community Business District | Needs a minor use permit | Article 2 — ZONES, ALLOWABLE USES, AND ZONE STANDARDS |
| C-2 Central Business District | Needs a minor use permit | Article 2 — ZONES, ALLOWABLE USES, AND ZONE STANDARDS |
| C-3 Heavy Commercial | Needs a minor use permit | Article 2 — ZONES, ALLOWABLE USES, AND ZONE STANDARDS |
| M-1 Light Industrial | Needs a minor use permit | Article 2 — ZONES, ALLOWABLE USES, AND ZONE STANDARDS |
| M-2 General Industrial | Needs a minor use permit | Article 2 — ZONES, ALLOWABLE USES, AND ZONE STANDARDS |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- 'Equestrian facility' row: R-E UP, R-1..R-3 -, CBP UP, other C/I -, OS UP, REC UP, P - (commercial/public facility, not used).
- Not covered here: SP (Specific Plan zone: uses are set by each adopted specific plan). Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Grass Valley
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have keeping horses in the R-E zone in Grass Valley?
Only with an use permit. Grass Valley's use table lists it that way in R-E (Residential Estate) (Article 2 — ZONES, ALLOWABLE USES, AND ZONE STANDARDS).
Can I have keeping horses in the R-3 zone in Grass Valley?
No. Grass Valley's use table does not allow it in R-3 (Multiple Dwelling Residential) (Article 2 — ZONES, ALLOWABLE USES, AND ZONE STANDARDS).
General information, not legal advice.
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