Greenville County, SC Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Horse minimum lot
- 1.5 acres (R-15/R-20/ESD-PM)
- Density
- 1 head per 1/2 acre
- R-20A setback
- 100 ft from property line
- Horse shelter setback
- 50 ft
- Authority
- Zoning Cond. 14 & 25
Summary
Livestock and horses are limited by zoning. In R-15, R-20, and ESD-PM districts, horses need at least 1.5 acres with one head per half-acre; in the R-20A district livestock shelters must sit at least 100 feet from property lines. Most residential districts do not allow larger farm animals.
The minimum lot area upon which horses and ponies may be kept in the R-15, R-20, and ESD-PM districts is 1-1/2 acres. Not more than one head of livestock shall be permitted for each 1/2 acre of lot area except in the R-S district.
Full Breakdown
The County Zoning Ordinance regulates farm animals by district. Use Condition 14 allows ponies and horses in the ESD-PM, R-20, and R-15 districts on "minimum lot area" of 1-1/2 acres, with "not more than one head of livestock ... for each 1/2 acre of lot area," and shelter kept at least 50 feet from property lines. The R-20A district (Cond. 25) is designed for livestock: space or shelter "shall not be permitted within 100 feet of any property line," except where the line abuts a wide street, railroad, or watercourse. "Farm Animals" (cattle, livestock, poultry or fowl) are a permitted or conditional use only in the rural/agricultural and R-20A districts per Table 6.1, not in standard residential lots.
Violations & Fines
Zoning enforcement by the Planning Commission; keeping livestock in a district where the use is not permitted, or violating setback/acreage limits, is a zoning violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much land do I need for a horse?
Can I keep cattle on a typical residential lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Greenville County
How Greenville County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Greenville County to another location·View the South Carolina animal ordinances overview
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