Florence County, SC Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential districts (R-1 to R-5A)
- Livestock/poultry unlisted, therefore not permitted
- Livestock allowed by right
- Only in RU-1, RU-1A, RU-2 (Table II)
- Poultry & eggs allowed by right
- Only in RU-2 rural district
- Large poultry house license
- Required at 1,000+ birds, county Health Dept.
- Unlicensed large poultry house penalty
- $100-$250 fine or up to 60 days jail
Summary
In unincorporated Florence County, keeping livestock or poultry is a zoning matter, not a blanket right. Table I lists no livestock or poultry use for any residential district (R-1 through R-5A), and Table II permits livestock only in the RU-1, RU-1A and RU-2 rural districts, with poultry and eggs allowed only in RU-2. Large-scale poultry houses need a county health department license.
Where the letter "P" is shown, the use to which it refers is permitted as a use by right in the indicated district, provided it complies fully with all applicable development standards of this chapter. ... Where the letter " ... N" is shown, the use to which it refers is not permitted in the indicated district. Where a given use or NAICS reference is not listed by either Table I or II, said use shall not be permitted. ... NAICS B-1 B-2 B-3 B-4 B-5 B-6 RU-1 RU-1A RU-2 Off-Street Parking Requirements ... Livestock, except feedlots 112111 N N N N N N P P P None ... Poultry & eggs 1123 N N N N N N N N P None ... No person, firm, partnership or corporation shall operate a poultry house or houses designed, individually or collectively, for 1,000 or more chicken, turkey, or other fowl without first obtaining an annual license from the Florence County Health Department. ... Any person, firm, partnership or corporation ... violating the provisions of this act shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined not less than $100.00 nor more than $250.00 or imprisoned for not more than 60 days.
Full Breakdown
Florence County's Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 30, sorts land uses through two use tables. Table I (Sec. 30-28) covers the five residential districts, R-1 through R-5A, and lists no entry at all for livestock or poultry. Sec. 30-27 states that where a use or NAICS reference is not listed by either Table I or Table II, that use "shall not be permitted," so raising chickens, cattle, goats or other livestock on a residential-zoned lot in the unincorporated county is prohibited by omission, not by an explicit ban clause.
Table II (Sec. 30-29), covering the six business districts (B-1 through B-6) and the three rural districts (RU-1, RU-1A, RU-2), marks "Livestock, except feedlots" (NAICS 112111) permitted by right ("P") only in RU-1, RU-1A and RU-2, and "N" (not permitted) in every business district. " Feedlots are barred everywhere except RU-2 as well. Under Sec. " Separately, Chapter 14, Article VI regulates commercial-scale poultry operations countywide: Sec. 216 requires anyone operating a poultry house designed, individually or collectively, for 1,000 or more chickens, turkeys or other fowl to hold an annual license from the Florence County Health Department, contingent on annual certification by the Florence County Board of Health under Sec.
215. Sec. 223 makes operating such an unlicensed large poultry house a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of $100 to $250 or up to 60 days in jail, with each day of violation charged as a separate offense.
Violations & Fines
Keeping livestock or poultry on residential or business-zoned land in the unincorporated county violates the Table I/Table II use restrictions tied to Sec. 30-27, enforceable through zoning code enforcement. Operating an unlicensed large poultry house (designed for 1,000 or more birds) is a separate misdemeanor under Sec. 223, carrying a fine of $100 to $250 or up to 60 days imprisonment, with each day of continued violation charged as a distinct offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep chickens in unincorporated Florence County?
Can I raise cattle, goats or other livestock on my property?
Do I need a license to keep a small backyard flock?
What happens if I run a large poultry operation without a license?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Florence County
How Florence County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Florence County to another location·View the South Carolina animal ordinances overview
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