Larger livestock such as goats, sheep, pigs, horses, and cattle are generally prohibited on standard residential lots in Lowell without a Zoning Board special permit.
Lowell is a dense urban city, and its zoning code treats livestock other than chickens as an agricultural use not allowed by right in standard residential districts. Goats, sheep, pigs, horses, and cattle require a special permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals and typically need two or more acres with adequate barn facilities, manure management, and setbacks of 100 feet or more from dwellings. Massachusetts Right-to-Farm law under MGL c.128 s.1A protects existing commercial agricultural operations registered at the state level but does not create a right to start livestock on urban residential lots. The Board of Health regulates sanitation (manure storage, odor, vector control). Miniature potbellied pigs are sometimes classified as companion animals rather than livestock but still require Board of Health review. Unauthorized livestock can be ordered removed with fines up to 300 dollars per day.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how other cities in Middlesex County handle livestock.
See how Lowell's livestock rules stack up against other locations.
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