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

Livestock in unincorporated San Benito County is regulated through the County Zoning Code (Title 25), with allowances that scale by zoning district. On single residential (RS) and rural living (RL) parcels, Section 25.08.013 caps 'small farm animals' at 12 total in any combination, including goats, sheep, and other small livestock alongside poultry and rabbits. Larger agricultural and rural districts (Title 25, Chapter 25.03 agricultural and rural districts) permit more extensive livestock operations consistent with the County's ranching economy of cattle, horses, and sheep. In June 2025 the County circulated proposed revisions to its non-commercial rural livestock rules that would, among other things, set density limits (reported as no more than 2 large livestock animals per acre and 25 small livestock per acre, with poultry, rabbits, and household pets exempt) and require a setback - reported at 1,200 feet, reducible toward 400 feet with a permanent barrier - between livestock and commercial agriculture. Those proposals drew community concern and were not adopted as of this writing, so they should be treated as proposed only. Owners should verify current zoning-district allowances and any setback or permit requirements with the County Resource Management Agency.