Direct AnswerHorse-keeping in the City of Los Angeles is governed by zoning plus a supplemental 'K' Equinekeeping District (LA Municipal Code Sec. 13.05). Base zones that can permit equines include RA (Suburban) and RE (Residential Estate), with lot-size conditions - for RE zones, equine-keeping is allowed only on lots of at least 17,500 sq ft, with no more than one equine per 4,000 sq ft of lot. Tarzana has hillside RA-type pockets historically tied to equestrian use. Whether any specific Tarzana parcel permits horses is determined parcel by parcel - always verify the zoning with LA City Planning (ZIMAS) before buying.

Buying a horse property in Tarzana is a zoning question first and a real-estate question second. Here is the factual framework - and why you must check the specific parcel.

How horse-keeping zoning works in LA

In the City of Los Angeles, keeping horses is governed by the parcel's base zone plus a supplemental "K" Equinekeeping District (LA Municipal Code Sec. 13.05). Key facts:

  • Base zones that can permit equines include RA (Suburban), RE20/RE40 (Residential Estate), and the agricultural A1/A2 zones - each with lot-size conditions.
  • For RE zones, equine-keeping is permitted only on lots of at least 17,500 sq ft, with no more than one equine per 4,000 sq ft of lot area.
  • A "K" Equinekeeping District must be at least 5 acres and contiguous, and LA Building & Safety requires an Equine Keeping Checklist before permitting new habitable space on qualifying lots.
The one rule that matters most: horse zoning is parcel by parcel - it does not follow neat neighborhood lines. Never rely on "this street is horse-zoned." Verify each specific parcel's zoning with LA City Planning (ZIMAS) before you write an offer.

Tarzana's equestrian context

Tarzana has hillside, larger-lot RA-type pockets historically associated with equestrian use. The Walnut Acres area (a 1920s subdivision) was developed with large lots and equestrian zoning, and south-of-Ventura-Boulevard hillside RA pockets carry larger parcels (with their own hillside constraints). These are the areas where horse-keeping is more likely to be permissible by right - but, again, confirm the exact parcel.

How to verify a parcel

  1. Look up the parcel's zoning on LA City Planning ZIMAS (zimas.lacity.org) - check the base zone and any "K" overlay.
  2. Confirm lot size against the zone's minimum (e.g., 17,500 sq ft for RE).
  3. Ask LA Building & Safety about the Equine Keeping Checklist for new structures.

I help buyers run these checks before contingencies are removed. See also: Tarzana real estate · Tarzana 91356 guide.

Primary sources: LAMC Sec. 13.05 - 'K' Equinekeeping District · LA City Planning - ZIMAS zoning lookup · Wikipedia - Tarzana, Los Angeles