Lake County, IN Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Lake County UDO No. 2560, Sec. 154-8-030, restricts keeping horses and farm animals to traditional farms and hobby farms, aside from separately regulated beekeeping and chicken keeping. Traditional farms require at least 20 contiguous acres and have no zoning limit on the number of horses, fowl, bees, or farm animals. Hobby farms require at least 2.5 contiguous acres and are prohibited in subdivisions unless 80% of lots are 4.5+ acres; animals may be kept only for personal enjoyment, not commercial gain. Hobby farms are limited to one animal unit for the first 2.5 acres plus one additional animal unit per each additional two acres (Table 8-1). Commercial stables need a special exception. Incorporated cities have separate rules.