Livestock (cattle, horses, goats, sheep, pigs) is allowed in unincorporated Contra Costa County's agricultural and large-lot residential zones with setbacks and density limits in the county zoning code. Urban and suburban areas generally prohibit livestock.
Contra Costa County's zoning code (Title 8) distinguishes between agricultural (A-2, A-3, A-4, A-20, A-40, A-80) and general-agricultural zones where livestock is permitted by right, and residential zones where livestock is restricted or prohibited. East-county areas such as Byron, Knightsen, Brentwood fringe, and parts of Bethel Island permit horses, cattle, goats, sheep, and swine subject to per-acre limits and setback requirements — typically 50 to 100 feet from neighboring dwellings and property lines. Suburban residential zones (R-6, R-7, R-10, R-12, R-15, R-20, R-40, R-65, R-100) generally prohibit commercial livestock but may permit hobby animals on larger lots. California Civil Code §3482.5 (Right to Farm Act) protects established agricultural operations from later nuisance claims when neighbors move in. Structures for livestock (barns, shelters, manure piles) require building permits and additional setbacks. Slaughter and commercial butchering on residential parcels are not allowed without proper zoning and state permits. The County Agricultural Commissioner also enforces weed-abatement and noxious-weed rules on ag parcels.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how Contra Costa County's livestock rules stack up against other locations.
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