Jurupa Valley holds workshop on expanding equestrian overlay and loosening animal-keeping rules

Jurupa Valley City Council staff held a public workshop to gather community input on proposed updates to the city's animal-keeping rules and expansion of the Equestrian Lifestyle Protection Overlay, with staff saying they will ask the City Council on Oct. 2 to initiate a general plan amendment and a zoning code amendment.

The planning presentation outlined a range of policy options, from an "open" approach that would allow more animals with best-management practices to a "protective" approach that would limit animals, increase setbacks and require conditional permits. Jim Petches, the city's principal planner, told attendees, "We're here to protect and strengthen Jurupa Valley's equestrian lifestyle."

Councilmembers and staff said the proposals are a multi-step effort that could include: expanding the overlay boundary (staff noted areas such as the Santa Ana River corridor and parts of the foothills), updating animal density and setback rules, adding consolidated development-standard tables for easier public reference, preparing a trail and connectivity improvement program, and identifying funding through the city's capital improvement program and annual budget.

Most important details

- Existing and example standards: staff said the city currently allows two animals per 20,000 square feet in some zones; horses must be…