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

Animal keeping in Calaveras County's unincorporated area is governed by Zoning Code Section 17.25.060 plus Title 6 of the County Code. Under Section 17.25.060(B), animal keeping is allowed only as an accessory use to a primary residential use. In the R-1 (single-family) zone, Section 17.25.060(E) permits a combined total of eight hens and rabbits (including chicks) on lots of at least 4,000 square feet; roosters are prohibited; the enclosure must be in the rear yard at least 30 feet from a dwelling on an adjacent property, and the animals may not roam at large. In the RR zone and on RA lots under 10 acres, Section 17.25.060(F) allows livestock (horses, donkeys, mules, burros, cattle, sheep, goats, swine, rabbits, hens, and similar) on a minimum one-acre lot, capped at one 'animal equivalent unit' per acre. Each cow or horse equals one unit; sheep, goats, llamas, large birds, and pigs each equal 0.20 unit (five per unit); rabbits and hens each equal 0.025 unit (40 per unit). Additional animals require a Conditional Use Permit (Section 17.25.060(G)). Larger commercial animal production is addressed separately in Section 17.25.070.