Santa Barbara County, CA Animal Ordinances: Livestock (2026)

Section 35.42.060 (Animal Keeping) of the County Land Use & Development Code sets density and siting standards for livestock in unincorporated areas. In the RR, R-1/E-1, and EX-1 residential zones and in the AG-I agricultural zone, cattle, horses, mules, llamas, alpacas, and ostriches are generally permitted at a density of one animal per 20,000 square feet, with a maximum of five such animals per lot in the R-1/E-1 and EX-1 residential zones (no five-animal cap in agricultural zones on lots under 20 acres). Goats and sheep are likewise limited to one animal per 20,000 square feet (maximum three per lot in R-1/E-1), and hogs and swine to one per 20,000 square feet (maximum three per lot). Under Subsection F, no stable, barn, corral, or other large-animal enclosure may be placed on a lot smaller than 20,000 square feet, and such enclosures must sit at least 40 feet from a dwelling on another lot, 70 feet from a street centerline, 20 feet from a street right-of-way, 15 feet from the rear property line, and 10 feet from side and interior property lines. Keeping a different species or a greater number than the tables allow requires a Minor Conditional Use Permit (or a Conditional Use Permit in EX-1).