Show All Answers

1. Can I put an Accessory Dwelling Unit (formerly second unit permit) on my property?

In accordance with state law, all residential zones in Menifee allow for an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) to be built. Each parcel is allowed to have one detached or attached ADU if there is currently a main residence built on-site. The ADU's will need to follow state law and the City of Menifee Municipal Code in order to be built. The maximum size of an ADU is 1,200 square feet of living space (does not include attached garage space). Additionally, the City of Menifee has created a "Permit Ready ADU" program which allows for a streamlined permitting process. This program created pre-designed ADU plans (various floor plans and architectural styles) for the general public to use when building an ADU on their property. For additional information please see the following links: 

Permit Ready ADU Plans

ADU Ordinance

ADU Application

If you have any further questions regarding Accessory Dwelling Units, please contact the Planning Division at 951-723-3741 or by email. 

2. Can I run a business from my residence?

There are two types of businesses that can be based out of a residence: home occupations and home based businesses. These uses include a commercial or service activity conducted at a dwelling, incidental and accessory to the residential use of the dwelling which does not change the character of the dwelling or surrounding area by generating more traffic, noise, odor or storage of materials not normally found in a residential zone. 

Home occupations generally include an administrative office within an existing dwelling on the property with minimal storage needs. Home occupations are allowed in all residential zones. Businesses that are an administrative office only and are in compliance with any additional requirements in the ordinance listed below can submit for a home occupation at the following link (fees may apply): Business License Portal

Home Based Businesses can operate within the existing residence, outside or within a partially enclosed structure. Home based businesses are only allowed in Rural Residential zones. Please refer to the home based business ordinance below prior to submitting an application (fees may apply). Applications can be submitted online through the Menifee Permit Portal or by sending the application and any other requested documents to the Planning Division: Email

Additional regulations can be found in the City of Menifee Municipal Code or at the following link:

Home occupations/Home Based Business Ordinance

Home Based Business Application

For additional information, please contact the Planning Division at 951-723-3741 or by email.

3. 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 Temporary Outdoor Event Application and the accompanying Fire Department Special Event Permit (click here for more information).

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 required fees. Please submit your Temporary Outdoor Event Application a minimum of 60 days prior to the start of the event. 

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 Application to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and Riverside County Environmental Health Department to obtain approval. The City of Menifee will automatically forward your application to the Building and Safety Department, the Engineering Department, and the Fire Department.

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.

4. How many chickens and roosters may I have on my property?

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.

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.

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.

In all cases, 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.

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.

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-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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

For more information see also: Section 18.28b. Crowing fowl permit.

5. How may dogs/cats may I have on my property?

Dogs

One to four (1-4) 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/cattery. Therefore, to have 5 or more dogs on your property, you will need a kennel permit. For information on kennel permits, please contact the Community Development Department at 951-723-3741. 

Cats

One to nine (1-9) cats on a property is allowed without a cattery permit issued from the Planning Department. 

The city defines "any building, structure, enclosure, or premises whereupon, or within which, ten or more cats, four months of age or older, are kept or maintained. Therefore, to have 10 or more cats on your property, you will need a cattery permit. For information on cattery permits, please contact the Community Development Department at 951-723-3741.

Please note: The allowance of kennels and catteries vary depending on the zoning classification of the property and the number of dogs/cats being requested. For more information, please refer to the City's Animal Keeping Ordinance.

6. Where can I find more information regarding septic in Quail Valley?

Please refer to the following link regarding the Quail Valley Septic Tank Moratorium. 

Quail Valley Septic Moratorium

Additional links can be found below:

Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Board

Eastern Municipal Water District