El Dorado County, CA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

080 governs the raising and keeping of domestic farm animals on residentially zoned land, separate from household pets covered under Title 6 (Animals). Small animals, defined to include rabbits, ducks, chickens, fowl, bees and worms, are allowed by right on R1, R20K, R1A, R2A, R3A, RE-5 and RE-10 lots as long as poultry, fowl and rabbits stay contained on the lot in a suitable enclosure for nesting, feeding, watering and roosting. Roosters, guinea hens and pea hens (the peacock family) cannot be kept on any lot smaller than three acres, regardless of zone.

Medium animals such as sheep, goats, emus, alpacas, turkeys and donkeys need an Administrative Permit for up to four animals on qualifying R20K lots over a half-acre, and are otherwise allowed by right on larger residential zones. Large animals, including cattle, horses, mules, ostriches, swine and llamas, require at least two acres in most residential zones; an Administrative Permit can approve up to two large animals on R1A lots under two acres, and adjoining under-sized lots under common ownership and management can combine to meet the two-acre minimum.

Commercial apiaries of 50 or more hives are limited to the R2A, R3A, RE-5 and RE-10 zones and must sit at least 100 feet from any other property boundary without the adjacent owner's written consent. Every animal keeper must control odor, vectors, erosion and noise under the Section's operation and maintenance standards, and animal shelters must meet the zone's building setbacks. Private stables cap visits at three patrons at a time and fifteen per day unless a home occupation use permit allows more.