Ohio law shields qualifying agricultural operations from local livestock nuisance suits, but cities retain zoning authority over backyard chickens and small livestock outside agricultural districts.
Ohio Revised Code Chapter 929 establishes Agricultural Districts that protect commercial farming activities, including livestock, from civil nuisance lawsuits when properly registered with the county auditor. ORC 519.21 limits township zoning over agriculture on lots over five acres, but does not restrict municipal corporations. Cities and villages retain broad home rule authority under Article XVIII of the Ohio Constitution to regulate or prohibit chickens, roosters, goats, and other livestock in residential zones. State law uniformly governs livestock disease, identification, and humane handling through ORC Chapter 941 and the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board (ORC 904).
Violating state livestock care standards can result in civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation and possible criminal charges for cruelty under ORC 959.13.
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Lucas County.
See how Sylvania's chickens & livestock rules stack up against other locations.
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