Ventura County, CA Animal Ordinances: Livestock (2026)

Animal husbandry in the unincorporated County is regulated by the County Planning Division under Section 8107-2 of the Non-Coastal Zoning Ordinance (NCZO), with the keeping of farm animals/livestock addressed under the animal-unit standards in roughly Section 8107-2.5. Rather than a flat per-property number, the ordinance assigns animals to unit factors and ties the allowed number to the parcel's zone classification and lot area, so a small residential lot supports far fewer (or no) large animals than an agricultural-zoned parcel. All animals must be contained on the property, and corrals, stables, pens, and similar enclosures must meet setback distances from off-site dwelling units to limit odor and nuisance impacts. Agricultural (AE), Rural (RA), and Open Space (OS) zones generally allow more substantial livestock keeping than standard residential zones. Some specific animals have drawn County attention - for example, a Ventura County case denied a couple's bid to keep five potbellied pigs - illustrating that pigs and other livestock are subject to the zoning limits and are not automatically permitted on every lot. In the coastal zone, the Coastal Zoning Ordinance's Section 8175-5.2.4 (Animals and fowl) applies parallel standards. Because the exact number of horses, cattle, goats, or other livestock allowed depends entirely on your specific zone and acreage, the County advises confirming with the Planning Division before acquiring large animals.