Darnestown Animal Ordinances: Livestock Rules (2026)

Montgomery County Zoning Ordinance Ch 59 limits livestock keeping to agricultural reserve (AR) zones and certain rural cluster zones. Cattle, horses, goats, pigs, sheep, and other large livestock are prohibited in all residential (R), commercial, and mixed-use zones. In AR zones, a minimum 5-acre lot is required for large livestock (cattle, horses). Smaller livestock (goats, sheep) require a minimum 2-acre lot. Pigs require 5 acres. All livestock must be registered with Montgomery County Animal Services. Manure management plans are required under Maryland Department of Agriculture nutrient management regulations, particularly important in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Fencing must contain livestock and prevent escape onto county roads. The county agricultural preserve program covers approximately 93,000 acres in the northern part of the county. Livestock near waterways must maintain a 100-foot stream buffer to protect water quality. 4-H and FFA educational projects may receive temporary exemptions with prior Animal Services approval. Miniature goats and potbellied pigs are treated as livestock, not pets, and are subject to the same zoning restrictions.