Southampton Village, NY Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Two parts of the Southampton Village zoning chapter decide the question. Section 116-2 defines LIVESTOCK to include horses, cattle, sheep, goats, hogs, swine, chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, other poultry and similar creatures. Section 116-9A(12)(b) then prohibits the keeping, raising or harboring of all livestock other than horses for personal use, personal consumption or other accessory purpose in all districts, except to the extent § 116-9A(12)(c) permits.

Subsection (c) lets the Board of Trustees issue a temporary permit for one year for small numbers of livestock other than horses on premises used for agricultural or residential use. Before issuing it, the Board has to find that the use is in harmony with the chapter's purposes, the lot area is sufficient, the use is compatible with adjoining and nearby residential use, there is no undesirable change in the character of the neighborhood, no adverse effect on nearby premises, and adequate buffer yards and screening. The burden of proof is on the applicant, and the code says there is no presumption that such use is compatible with neighbors. The lot has to be not less than 60,000 square feet, though the Board can modify and reduce that minimum if it finds the minimum is not requisite for public health, safety and welfare and its other conditions protect nearby premises.

Conditions are mandatory. The Board imposes a limit on the number and type of livestock, and an enclosure sufficient to assure the livestock cannot escape, with setback requirements it sets for the enclosure. A permit renews one year at a time through the Building Inspector, who inspects the premises and reviews complaints. If nearby premises have been adversely affected or a condition violated, the renewal is denied and the applicant can apply to the Board of Trustees for a new one-year permit. Livestock are permitted only while a temporary permit is in full force and effect.

Related rules: § 116-9A(7) bars storing manure or odor- or dust-producing substances as an accessory use within 50 feet of any side or rear lot line or within 100 feet of any front lot line. Horses are handled separately in § 116-9A(8), which allows only riding horses under a temporary permit, on a lot of not less than two acres, one horse per acre, with an overall maximum of five.