Livestock in unincorporated Contra Costa County is allowed mainly in the A-2 through A-80 agricultural zones, with setbacks from dwellings typically 50–100 feet; most suburban zones don't allow it. Right-to-farm protections apply, and animal structures need building permits.
Whether you can keep livestock in unincorporated Contra Costa County comes down to zoning. The agricultural zones — A-2 through A-80 — are where livestock generally belongs, subject to density rules and setbacks that typically keep animals 50 to 100 feet from dwellings. Most suburban residential zones don't allow livestock at all, though some large-lot zones permit horses on parcels of at least 20,000 square feet. California's right-to-farm law (Civil Code §3482.5) protects established agricultural operations from nuisance complaints, and barns, pens and other animal structures need building permits. Check your parcel's zoning with Conservation and Development before buying animals.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Contra Costa County, CA
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Contra Costa County, CA
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Contra Costa County, CA
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See how Contra Costa County's livestock rules stack up against other locations.
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