Milpitas, CA Animal Ordinances: Livestock (2026)

Milpitas regulates livestock primarily through its agricultural-zone provisions. Under Zoning Code Section XI-10-40.04(1), any building or enclosure in which animals or fowl, except domestic pets in household numbers, are contained must be distant at least 200 feet from any lot in any Residential, Mixed Use or Commercial District, or from any school or institution for human care. This 200-foot separation effectively limits keeping cattle, horses, goats, sheep, hogs, and similar livestock to agricultural-zoned parcels large enough to meet it. The agricultural zone lists private stables among permitted accessory uses (Section XI-10-40.02), and riding academies and public stables as principal uses subject to permit or conditional approval (Section XI-10-40.02). For horse-related operations, Milpitas Municipal Code Section V-210-2 defines a 'horse establishment' as the keeping of three or more horses, donkeys, mules, jacks, hinnies, jenny burros, or ponies for hire, for giving riding instruction, or for boarding with compensation - a commercial activity distinct from keeping a single family horse. Because residential lots cannot meet the 200-foot rule, livestock keeping is generally not permitted on standard Milpitas residential parcels. Residents should confirm their parcel's zoning and the enclosure-distance requirement with the Milpitas Planning Division before acquiring livestock.