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Palm Desert · Building on your lot

Pets, chickens and bees in Palm Desert

Residential premises: at most 4 animals in any mix; kittens under 3 months and puppies under 4 months do not count.

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Key points

  • Pet limits: Residential premises: at most 4 animals in any mix; kittens under 3 months and puppies under 4 months do not count.

Each rule below links to the section of the Palm Desert Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Palm Desert's code says

Palm Desert code What Palm Desert's code adds
Bees
  • Yes; up to 2 hive colonies.
    Applies: Applies per single-family home on lots of 20,000 square feet or less.
    § 25.34.170 · code text
    The maximum number of permanent beehive colonies that may be kept per single-family dwelling unit shall be limited to 2 colonies on lots that are 20,000 square feet and less in area, and 4 colonies on lots greater than 20,000 square feet.
  • Yes; up to 4 hive colonies.
    Applies: Applies per single-family home on lots over 20,000 square feet.
    § 25.34.170 · code text
    The maximum number of permanent beehive colonies that may be kept per single-family dwelling unit shall be limited to 2 colonies on lots that are 20,000 square feet and less in area, and 4 colonies on lots greater than 20,000 square feet.
  • Yes; extra colonies are allowed temporarily.
    Applies: Applies temporarily to handle swarming or other beekeeping issues.
    § 25.34.170 · code text
    Additional bee hive colonies are allowed on a temporary basis to address swarming or any other issues related to proper beekeeping management.
Coop setback
  • At least 5 feet from all property lines.
    Applies: Applies to beehive colonies.
    § 25.34.170 · code text
    Beehive colony(ies) shall be located at least 5 feet from all property lines.
Pet limit
  • At most 4 animals in any mix.
    Applies: Applies to residential premises; kittens under 3 months and puppies under 4 months do not count.
    § 6.28.070 · code text
    It is unlawful for any person to keep or harbor more than four animals of any combination on residential premises. This does not include kittens under the age of three months or puppies under the age of four months.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep chickens or bees at my home in Palm Desert?

Residential premises: at most 4 animals in any mix; kittens under 3 months and puppies under 4 months do not count.

General information, not legal advice.

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Ask GoCodebook how Palm Desert's pets, chickens and bees rules apply to your situation and get an answer that cites the section.

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Palm Desert Municipal Code — full text