Richland County, SC Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Fowl defined
- Chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, emus, poultry (§ 5-1)
- Livestock defined
- Cattle, sheep, horses, goats, swine, mules, asses
- Shelter duty
- Weatherproof protection, shade, and windbreak required
- Small livestock shelter
- Must be a barn or pen, adequate capacity
- Count/zoning limits
- Set separately in the county Land Development Code
Summary
Richland County's animal care ordinance doesn't cap how many chickens or livestock a lot may hold; that sits in the separate Land Development Code. But Chapter 5 does require every owner to give fowl and livestock adequate weatherproof shelter, and Section 5-4(a)(5)b spells out separate standards for livestock shelters versus dog shelters.
It shall be unlawful for an owner or custodian to fail to provide its animals with ... Proper shelter. Proper shelter for an animal primarily kept outdoors and unattended includes, but is not limited to: ... Livestock. 1. The shelter should provide protection from heavy rain, snow, and high wind and provide sufficient shade in the summer. 2. The shelter for large livestock and healthy horses and cattle does not have to be manmade. Natural shelters, such as trees, are acceptable. However, a windbreak must be provided. 3. The shelter for small livestock and unhealthy horses and cattle must be in the form of a barn or pen of sufficient capacity and strength to properly accommodate the number of animals contained therein.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-24: This supplement is current through Ordinance No. 033-25HR).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 5 defines "Fowl" as birds kept for domestic or utility purposes, "including, but not limited to, chickens, hens, roosters, guineas, ducks, geese, turkeys, emus, and poultry," and defines "Livestock" as "cattle, sheep, horses, goats, swine, mules, asses, and other animals ordinarily raised or used on a farm" (Section 5-1). The chapter also folds fowl into its definition of "pet" when kept "lawfully for pleasure rather than utility or commercial purposes," pulling backyard chickens raised as pets into the same care duties as dogs and cats.
" The county's Animal Services Department, not a zoning permit process, enforces these welfare standards; separately, the Land Development Code governs how many animals a residential lot may hold and any required setbacks, and that instrument is not part of this animal chapter.
Violations & Fines
Failing to provide required shelter, food, water, or veterinary care under Section 5-4 is a Chapter 5 violation investigated by an Animal Care Officer, who may seize a livestock animal or cite the owner or custodian. Maintaining animals in a manner that creates offensive odors, unsanitary conditions, or a density nuisance can also trigger a separate nuisance-animal violation under Section 5-6, with impoundment and redemption conditioned on abating the nuisance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep chickens in unincorporated Richland County?
What kind of shelter does Richland County require for backyard livestock?
What happens if my livestock isn't properly sheltered?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Richland County
How Richland County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Richland County to another location·View the South Carolina animal ordinances overview
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