Residential Equestrian Standards for Santa Ana Heights

The Santa Ana Heights specific plan (SP-7) permits the keeping of houses and ponies for personal recreational use in the REQ and RSF districts.  However, owners of equestrian properties are required to follow simple best management practices (BMPs) and "good neighbor" guidelines to enhance and preserve compatibility with neighboring properties while ensuring that the horses live in a safe and desirable environment.

DUST CONTROL

• Light watering of arenas and exercise is required. 
• In lieu of watering, chemical control of dust is permitted.

INSECT AND VERMIN CONTROL

• Store dry grains and pellets in rodent-proof container.
• Store hay on raised platforms (minimum 6-inch clearance above surface area).

WASTE COLLECTION AND STORAGE

• Store animal waste and contaminate materials (straw, shavings, etc. in a sturdy water-tight container).
• Provide for the daily collection of manure and in no case should manure be stored for longer than seven days.
  Protect storage facilities from rainfall and surface run-off.

GROOMING AND HOLDING AREA MANAGEMENT

• When washing horses, either allow wash water to seep into the ground or wash in an area that is routed to the sanitary sewer.  Do not let wash water enter the storm drain system.
• Horse holding areas should be swept or shoveled at least once per day.  Never hose down these areas.  The waste could end up in a storm drain.

For questions regarding residential equestrian standards in Santa Ana Heights, please contact the Code Enforcement Division Monday through Friday at (949) 644-3215, or downoad the following education brochures for additional information on equestrian standards and requirements:

-Tips for Horse Care (pdf)
-Good Neighbor Practices (pdf)
-Equestrian Best Management Practices (pdf)
-Residential Equestrian Zone Map (pdf)