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Lane County, OR Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Governing rule
Zoning (LC Ch. 16)
Farm/EFU land
Livestock generally by right
Loose livestock
ORS 607.045 (livestock districts)
Right-to-farm
ORS 30.935 protection
"Livestock" defined
Lane Code 7.005.005

Summary

Lane County's Animal Services Code does not set livestock-keeping limits; horses, cattle, sheep, and goats are a zoning question under Lane Code Chapter 16. Loose livestock is governed by Oregon's livestock-district law (ORS Ch. 607), and farm practices are protected by right-to-farm ORS 30.935.

City-specific rules exist: Eugene has its own chickens & livestock rules that differ from Lane County's county-level regulations. If you live in Eugene, check the city-specific page instead.

"Livestock" means including but not limited to cattle, sheep, horses, goats, swine, fowl, poultry or any furbearing animal bred and maintained commercially or otherwise within pens, cages and hutches, or domesticated wild animals.

View official code

Full Breakdown

The Animal Services Code (LC Ch. 7) defines "livestock" broadly - cattle, sheep, horses, goats, swine, fowl, poultry, and furbearing animals - but the code centers on dogs, cats, and exotic/dangerous animals rather than farm-animal husbandry. Whether you may keep livestock is set by your parcel's zoning under Lane Code Chapter 16 (Oregon statewide land-use, ORS Ch. 215); Exclusive Farm Use and rural-residential land generally permits livestock by right. Loose stock is a state matter: ORS 607.045 makes it unlawful to permit livestock to run at large in a designated livestock district, with owner liability. Oregon's right-to-farm law (ORS 30.935) invalidates local ordinances that would treat lawful livestock farming as a nuisance.

Violations & Fines

Zoning violations (unpermitted livestock, setbacks) are enforced by Lane County Land Management under LC Ch. 16. Livestock running at large in a livestock district is unlawful under ORS 607.045, with owner liability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep horses or cattle in unincorporated Lane County?
Usually yes on farm (EFU) or rural-residential zoned land, subject to Lane Code Chapter 16 setbacks. Suburban and city parcels are more restrictive, so confirm your zoning district.
What if my livestock gets loose?
Under Oregon's livestock-district law (ORS 607.045) it is unlawful to permit livestock to run at large in a district where that class of livestock may not, and the owner is liable for resulting trespass or damage.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lane County

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsWildlife FeedingSome RestrictionsPet Store RulesSome RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterSome RestrictionsVeterinary Clinic ZoningSignificant RestrictionsPet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsExotic PetsSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseFew RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome Restrictions

All Lane County rules

How Lane County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Lane County to another location·View the Oregon animal ordinances overview

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