San Luis Obispo County, CA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Inland Code Section
- SLO County Code § 22.30.090 (Animal Keeping)
- Coastal Code Section
- SLO County Code § 23.08.046 (Animal Raising and Keeping (S-3))
- Poultry Threshold
- Up to 20 fowl: no minimum parcel; >20: 1-acre minimum
- Enclosure Setback
- 100 ft from any off-site dwelling
- Specialized Facilities
- §§ 22.30.060 / 22.30.100 / 23.08.052
Summary
Keeping chickens, poultry, horses, and other livestock in unincorporated SLO County is regulated by the Land Use Ordinance (Title 22, inland) and Coastal Zone Land Use Ordinance (Title 23, coastal), with density, setback, and minimum-parcel-size rules that vary by zoning category.
The raising or keeping of animals as either an incidental or principal use shall comply with the requirements of the Inland Ordinance [Title 22] or Coastal Zone Land Use Ordinance [Title 23]... Certain specialized structures and facilities for animals (including animal hospitals, kennels, feed lots, fowl, poultry, hog or horse ranches, horse boarding, horseback riding lessons) may be subject to additional requirements.
Full Breakdown
Under SLO County Title 22 (Land Use Ordinance) Chapter 22.30 (Standards for Specific Land Uses), animal raising and keeping is allowed as either an incidental or principal use, subject to minimum site area, setback, and density standards that differ by zoning category. The parallel provision in the Coastal Zone is § 23.08.046 (Animal Raising and Keeping (S-3)). Per the County Planning & Building Department guidance, animal enclosures must generally be located no closer than 100 feet from any dwelling other than those on the site; no minimum site area is required where 20 or fewer fowl or poultry are kept; a minimum parcel of one acre is required for more than 20 fowl/poultry. Specialized facilities (kennels, feedlots, poultry/hog/horse ranches, horse boarding, riding lessons) are subject to additional permit requirements under §§ 22.30.060, 22.30.100 (inland) or §§ 23.08.041, 23.08.052 (coastal).
Violations & Fines
Operating livestock or poultry uses inconsistent with the underlying zone, or violating setback / density standards, can trigger a zoning violation under Title 22 enforcement provisions: notice of violation, abatement orders, daily administrative penalties, and required removal of animals or structures. Continuing nuisances (odor, noise, sanitation) may also be abated under § 9.04.080.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep backyard chickens in unincorporated SLO County?
How close to my neighbor's house can a chicken coop or animal enclosure be?
Where is the rule for horses and larger livestock?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Luis Obispo County
How San Luis Obispo County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·California rules heatmap·Compare San Luis Obispo County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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