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Butler County, OH Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

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

Key Facts

County ordinance
None
Unincorporated authority
Township zoning (ORC 519)
Over 5 acres
Husbandry cannot be prohibited
In cities
Municipal zoning controls
Health oversight
Butler County Health District

Summary

Butler County has no countywide livestock ordinance. In unincorporated areas, township zoning (ORC Ch. 519) governs, but ORC 519.21 bars townships from prohibiting animal husbandry on parcels over five acres. Cities set their own limits.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Butler County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Such sections confer no power on any township zoning commission, board of township trustees, or board of zoning appeals to prohibit in a district zoned for agricultural, industrial, residential, or commercial uses, the use of any land for agriculture...

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.

Full Breakdown

Ohio does not zone at the county level, so keeping cattle, horses, goats, sheep, or swine in unincorporated Butler County is governed by your township's zoning resolution under ORC Ch. 519. ORC 519.21 protects agriculture, including animal husbandry: townships cannot prohibit it on lots over five acres, and may regulate it on one-to-five-acre lots only within qualifying platted subdivisions. Inside cities such as Hamilton, Middletown, Fairfield, Oxford, and Monroe, the municipal zoning code controls and usually restricts livestock in residential districts. The Butler County General Health District regulates related sanitation such as septic and manure runoff.

Violations & Fines

Handled as a township or city zoning violation with local abatement notices and fines; the county enforces only health-related nuisances (e.g., sewage or water contamination) through the General Health District.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep goats or horses on my Butler County property?
On unincorporated parcels over five acres, township zoning cannot prohibit animal husbandry under ORC 519.21. On smaller lots or inside city limits, local zoning rules apply and may restrict livestock.
Does the county regulate manure or runoff?
The Butler County General Health District addresses sanitation nuisances like sewage and water contamination. Actual livestock zoning is a township or municipal matter, not countywide.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Butler County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsExotic PetsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome Restrictions

All Butler County rules

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

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