Forsyth County, NC Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Farm protection
- NCGS 106-701 / Ch. 160D
- County livestock cap
- None for bona fide farms
- Nuisance rule
- Sec. 6-9 (public nuisance)
- Shelter standard
- Sec. 6-7 (3 sides, roof, floor)
- City limits
- Town/Winston-Salem zoning applies
Summary
Keeping horses, cattle, goats, sheep, swine, and fowl on qualifying property in unincorporated Forsyth County is protected as a bona fide farm use under NC right-to-farm law (NCGS 106-701) and Ch. 160D, so county zoning cannot bar it. The animal code still bars public-nuisance conditions.
It shall be unlawful for any person to molest, torture, torment, deprive of necessary sustenance... Animal abuse includes, but is not limited to, failing to provide adequate, structurally sound shelter for animals kept outside; with three sides, a roof, and a floor and is water and wind resistant.
Full Breakdown
Forsyth County does not zone out genuine agricultural operations. NC right-to-farm law (NCGS 106-701) protects an established bona fide farm from nuisance suits based on later changed conditions in the locality, and Ch. 160D exempts bona fide farm uses from county zoning. So livestock kept on qualifying unincorporated county land is broadly allowed. The animal code still applies: Sec. 6-9 prohibits keeping animals so as to create a public nuisance (unsanitary or offensive conditions, damaging neighboring property), and Sec. 6-7 (Cruelty) requires adequate, structurally sound shelter with three sides, a roof, and a floor, water and wind resistant. Winston-Salem and the incorporated towns set stricter livestock zoning within their limits.
Violations & Fines
Public-nuisance conditions from livestock (odor, waste runoff, animals at large) are citable under Sec. 6-9 as a Class 3 misdemeanor, fine up to $500 (Sec. 6-55). Right-to-farm protections limit nuisance suits against established bona fide farms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I raise cattle or goats in unincorporated Forsyth County?
Are there shelter rules for livestock?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Forsyth County
How Forsyth County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Forsyth County to another location·View the North Carolina animal ordinances overview
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