Durham restricts livestock in residential zones under the UDO. Only domestic chickens (up to 10 hens) are permitted on single-family lots with a permit. Goats, pigs, and cattle are prohibited.
The Durham Unified Development Ordinance limits agricultural animal keeping in residential areas. UDO Section 5.4.12 specifically authorizes domestic chickens as the sole livestock-type animal permitted on single-family residential lots, and only with a Limited Agriculture Permit. Other livestock including goats, sheep, pigs, cattle, horses, and similar farm animals are not permitted as accessory uses in standard residential zoning districts (RS, RU, RR designations). Livestock may be kept on properties zoned for agricultural use or in areas with rural residential zoning that permit agricultural activities. Properties in unincorporated Durham County outside city limits may have different regulations under the county code. The distinction between city and county jurisdiction is important, as Durham County may allow certain livestock on larger rural parcels. North Carolina does not have statewide preemption on livestock regulation, leaving cities and counties to set their own rules.
Keeping prohibited livestock in residential zones is a zoning violation subject to code enforcement action. Violations may result in orders to remove the animals within a specified timeframe, daily fines for non-compliance, and potential legal action. Repeat violators face escalating penalties through the code enforcement process.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Durham, NC
Durham caps daytime sound at 60 dBA (8 AM to 11 PM) and nighttime sound at 50 dBA (11 PM to 8 AM) under Ch. 26, Sec. 26-23. Measured at property line using A...
Durham, NC
Durham UDO Section 9.9 limits residential fences to 4 feet in front yards and 8 feet in side and rear yards. Corner lots face additional restrictions along s...
Durham, NC
Durham does not require a permit for most residential fences or walls. Permits are required for retaining walls, pool barriers on single-family parcels, prop...
Durham, NC
Durham UDO Section 9.9 sets general fence standards including setbacks, orientation, and vision-clearance rules. Fences between structures and streets within...
Durham, NC
Durham requires a building permit for all retaining walls. Retaining walls over 4 feet at street frontage must be terraced in Design Districts. Walls over 8 ...
Durham, NC
Durham UDO 9.9 prohibits razor wire, concertina wire, and barbed wire in residential districts. Uncoated chain link is banned in CI and Design Districts.
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