Martinez Animal Ordinances: Livestock Rules (2026)

Livestock keeping in Martinez is tightly regulated by zoning under Municipal Code Title 22. Standard single-family residential lots (typically under 20,000 square feet) do not permit horses, cattle, goats, sheep, or pigs. Livestock is limited to parcels zoned for agricultural or low-density residential use with minimum lot sizes of one acre or more, primarily in the hillside and semi-rural eastern portions of Martinez. For qualifying lots, typical standards include: horses limited to one per 20,000 sq ft; cattle and sheep allowed on agricultural zones with setbacks; goats permitted with 50-foot setback from neighboring dwellings; pigs generally prohibited except for limited miniature/potbellied varieties kept as pets. Miniature goats (Nigerian dwarfs, pygmies) and potbellied pigs may be allowed as domestic pets on larger residential lots with special use permit review. All livestock structures (barns, corrals, loafing sheds) require building permits and must meet setback requirements (typically 50-100 feet from neighboring dwellings, 20+ feet from property lines). Manure management is required to prevent odor and fly nuisances. Unincorporated Contra Costa County parcels near Martinez (Briones, Alhambra Valley, Vine Hill areas) follow county agricultural zoning with fewer restrictions. Right-to-Farm protections (Civil Code §3482.5) apply to pre-existing agricultural operations.