Columbus, OH Animal Ordinances: Livestock (2026)

Columbus City Code permits residents to keep a small flock of hens (commonly up to six, varying by lot size) on a single-family residential property with a coop set back from property lines and free of odor or vermin. Roosters are prohibited in residential zones because of noise. Eggs can be kept for household use; on-site retail sale of eggs generally requires a cottage-food type registration.

Goats, pigs (including pot-bellied pigs in most cases), cattle, horses, and sheep are not permitted on standard residential lots. These animals may be kept only on lots in zoning districts that specifically allow agricultural uses, typically requiring minimum lot sizes well above typical residential parcels. Rabbits kept as pets are generally allowed in reasonable numbers.

Beekeeping is allowed under Columbus apiary rules with hive-number limits based on lot size and setback requirements. State-registered apiaries must be listed with the Ohio Department of Agriculture under ORC §909. All livestock-related activities are additionally subject to Ohio Revised Code Chapter 955 for dogs and broader ORC Title IX animal-welfare provisions.