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The kind and number of
animals you keep in residential areas depends on how your property is zoned.
The chart below summarizes animal-keeping regulations in Santa Cruz
County.
P: Permitted without special approval
* Farm Animals Other Than Horses In the RA (Residental Agriculture) Zone DistrictOn a parcel containing 1/2 acre or more, 4 sheep or goats, or 100 poultry, rabbits, or other small animals are allowed per acre. On a parcel containing 1 acre or more, 2 horses, cows, pigs or llamas are allowed per acre. On a parcel containing 10 acres or more, the number of animals is not limited except that no more than 6 brood sows may be kept. Animal Keeping RegulationsCertain rules apply when you keep any kind of animal. Sanitation must be maintained. This means that droppings must not be allowed to accumulate, and odor, dust and flies must be controlled. Animals must be securely confined. The County-wide leash law means that any dog found wandering at large can be impounded by the SPCA and the owner cited. Erosion of the soil must be controlled. Erosion of the soil must be controlled. No clearing is allowed in any sensitive habitat or on slopes steeper than 30%. For specific information, consult Environmental Planning staff during walk-in hours, or email the Environmental Planning staff. When is a Building Permit Needed?If you are building a barn or stable with a roof area larger than 120 sq. ft., you must first obtain a building permit. If the structure will be larger than 1000 sq. ft., a Level 5 development permit with a public hearing is also required.(See the brochures How to Get a Residential Building Permit and Zoning Administrator Development Permits, Level 5 Wood fences do not require building permits, but their height is limited to 6 feet if built within the required side or rear setback, and 3 feet in the required front setback.Inquire about permits for exceptions if you need one. Enclosure Rules for Small Animals (Family Animals) In the RA, RR, and R-1 Zone Districts:All animal sheds must be located on the rear 1/3 of the lot unless you obtain a Level 4 development permit. On parcels of 6000 to 15,000 sq. ft: Fences and animals sheds must be set back from all property lines a distance of 10% of the lot width or 5 feet, whichever is larger, and 25 feet from all houses. On parcels larger than 15,000 sq. ft. (1/3 acre): Fences and animal sheds must be set back at least 20 feet from all property lines and 40 feet from all houses. Enclosure Rules for Private Stables in the RR and R-1 DistrictsHorse Barns must be located midway between the sides of the lot, not closer that 20 feet to the side boundaries, and not closer than 50 feet to the front boundary, unless you obtain a Level 5 development permit. Corral and paddock fencing must be located on the rear half of the lot, not closer than 20 feet to any property line, and not closer than 40 feet to any house, unless you obtain a Level 5 development permit. (See the brochure Zoning Administrator Development Permits, Level 5
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