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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Small farm animals
12 max, any combination
Small livestock
12 max, any combination
Small livestock density
1 per acre max
Dogs/cats
Governed by hobby-kennel limits

Summary

Unincorporated San Benito County allows up to 12 small farm animals, chickens, ducks, geese, rabbits, goats, sheep and similar, in any combination on a parcel, plus a separate small-livestock cap.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of San Benito County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Limits on animals: small farm animals. The following limits apply to the number of small farm animals. (1) "Keeping of small farm animals" is listed to the keeping of not more than a total of 12 small farm animals in any combination of the following: chicken hens; pigeons or similar fowl; crowing fowl; rabbits or similar animals; ducks; geese; turkeys; goats; sheep or other livestock.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-28: current through Ordinance 1078).

Full Breakdown

San Benito County Code § 25.08.013(B) caps the keeping of small farm animals, chicken hens, pigeons or similar fowl, crowing fowl, rabbits, ducks, geese, turkeys, goats, sheep, or other livestock, at 12 total, in any combination, without triggering additional permitting under this section. Small livestock is capped separately under § 25.08.013(C): no more than 12 total, and no more than one small livestock animal per acre. Dogs and cats fall under the separate hobby-kennel limits instead. These caps apply only in the unincorporated county; Hollister and San Juan Bautista set their own animal-keeping rules.

Violations & Fines

Keeping more than 12 small farm animals, or more than one small livestock animal per acre, exceeds the by-right limit and can draw code enforcement action under Chapter 13's animal-keeping standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many chickens can I keep in unincorporated San Benito County?
Chickens count toward the small-farm-animal cap of 12 total, combined with any pigeons, rabbits, ducks, geese, turkeys, goats, or sheep, under County Code § 25.08.013(B).
Is there a per-acre limit for goats or sheep?
Yes, if classed as small livestock rather than small farm animals: § 25.08.013(C) caps small livestock at 12 total and no more than one per acre.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in San Benito County

Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard FiresSome RestrictionsVeterinary Clinic ZoningFew RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Outdoor BurningSignificant RestrictionsFire Regulations: Wildfire ZonesSome Restrictions

All San Benito County rules

How San Benito County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·California rules heatmap·Compare San Benito County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview

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