Mariposa County, CA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Because the entire county is unincorporated, Mariposa County's zoning ordinance and Animal Control code apply countywide. According to the county Planning Department's published FAQ, outside the Town Planning Areas that have adopted Specific Plans, the zoning ordinance does not establish a specific limit for the number of animals you may keep, including horses and poultry. Instead, agricultural uses such as raising livestock are permitted as long as the use is not conducted in a way that constitutes a nuisance. The county explains that how you maintain the animals and their facilities, and how close your nearest neighbor is, ultimately determine how many animals you can keep before it becomes a nuisance. In the Agricultural Exclusive zone, the county states agricultural uses are permitted outright with no nuisance provision in the code. The four Town Planning Areas with adopted Specific Plans, Mariposa, Coulterville, Wawona and Fish Camp, may apply different standards, so residents in those areas should confirm allowances with a county planner. The county also has an adopted Right to Agricultural Activity (right-to-farm) Ordinance available from the Planning Department. For animal-care standards, the county Animal Control code (Ch. 6.08) defines "livestock" to include domestic fowl and rabbits.