Carmichael, CA Animal Ordinances: Livestock (2026)

Sacramento County's Zoning Code, enforced by Code Enforcement and Planning in unincorporated areas, governs livestock as an incidental use of residential property. Horses are allowed on parcels over 20,000 square feet in most zones, and the County allows as many horses as can be maintained in a healthy, sanitary, and nuisance-free condition; stables and corrals must meet the standards in the Zoning Code (the County cites Table 5.10.B in Section 5.4.5.A). Pigs are far more restricted: in the AR2 zone a maximum of three pigs is allowed, and on properties zoned AR1 through RD-7 a maximum of one pig is allowed, in each case requiring a parcel of at least 20,000 square feet. As with poultry, keeping livestock must be incidental to a permitted residential use, and animals must not create odor, drainage, or noise nuisances. Commercial-scale operations or keeping animals beyond what the zoning allows generally require the appropriate agricultural zoning or a use permit. Because allowances depend heavily on the parcel's specific zoning designation, the County directs residents to confirm with the Planning Department at (916) 874-6221 or sacplan@saccounty.gov before bringing livestock onto a property.