Pismo Beach, CA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Section 6.04.060 of the Pismo Beach Municipal Code opens by allowing the raising or keeping of animals without a land use permit, with the exception of goats, subject to the standards of the section. For game fowl, poultry and rabbits, subsection C.3 sets a minimum site area of 2,500 square feet and requires every one of them to be contained in a covered coop or pen and kept from running free of the site. Density is one mature animal per 2,000 square feet of lot area, capped at 25 animals. Enclosures must sit at least 25 feet from any residence on an adjoining lot, and 75 feet away once more than five game fowl or poultry are kept. No male fowl or poultry can be kept or raised in any residential zone unless the parcel is two acres or larger and every adjoining parcel is equivalent in size or larger.

Two limits apply across all animal types. Under subsection A.4, unless development plan approval allows a larger number, the total on a single site is the cumulative total of any two of the animal densities set in subsection C. Subsection A.5 bars keeping any animal that is noisy, dangerous or that prevents neighbors from the full use and enjoyment of their property.

Subsection B prohibits the intentional raising or keeping of bees, hogs, pigs and swine, mustelids such as mink and ferrets, turkeys, and wild animals such as lions, tigers, poisonous snakes and alligators. Cattle and horses need one acre at one animal per acre, with corrals 100 feet from any other residence. Sheep need one acre at four per acre, with enclosures 50 feet from a residence on an adjoining lot.

Goats carry the strictest process. The community development director must approve a permit, the lot must be at least 9,000 square feet, and no lot can hold more than four goats. Approval is granted for a one year trial period, owners within 300 feet get mailed notice at least 10 days before the director considers the request, and an appeal goes to the city council within 10 days. Short-term use of goats for weed abatement needs no permit. Under subsection D, animals kept in numbers or types the section no longer allows can continue if the count in place on April 25, 1984, the effective date of Ordinance O-335, is not increased and deceased animals are not replaced.