Livestock are prohibited in standard Hayward residential zones. Legacy large-lot and Agricultural (A) parcels in the foothills may keep limited livestock with setback and sanitation rules.
Hayward's zoning code restricts livestock to Agricultural (A) zoning and certain large-lot residential parcels in the foothills. Standard single-family residential zones (RS) prohibit hoofed livestock. Where permitted, typical standards require minimum 20,000 to 40,000 square foot lots for horses (1 per 20,000 sq ft), stable setbacks of 40 to 75 feet from dwellings on other parcels, corral and manure management per Alameda County Public Health, and fly and odor control. Pigs (including Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs) are generally prohibited outside agricultural zoning. Legacy horse-keeping along Walpert Ridge and Cherryland/Fairview unincorporated areas continues under pre-existing use rights.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how other cities in Alameda County handle livestock.
See how Hayward's livestock rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.